Melasma Treatment | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Apr 7, 2010

Vichy Aqualia Antiox Vitamin C Concentrate 10%

April 7, 2010 By Carleenp 3 Comments

Vichy has a great, and rather unique, Vitamin C Serum: Vichy Aqualia antiox Vitamin C Fresh Serum 10%. This serum contains Pure Citrus Polyphenol™ in the serum and Pure Vitamin C at 10% in a powder sachet that is mixed with the serum before the first use. Vitamin C breaks down easily, so by packaging the powder separately, the product is assured to be fresh and at full potency. The product also contains no parabens. Because of that, it must be refrigerated after mixing.

I am a long time fan of Vitamin C serums, but I often wondered if they were already low on potency by the time that I got them and I would often seek out powder forms that I could mix before use (e.g. Philosophy has a powder form and I have also bought Vitamin C powder from Skin Actives). As a result, I was quite pleased to see that Vichy packaged the vitamin C powder separately. 10% is a decent enough dose as well.

Because I agreed to review the product rather quickly after receiving it, I did not get a chance to try it for a full month as I normally would do before writing a review. However, within a few uses, I could tell I was happy with it. The serum absorbs very quickly and feels quite light. Mostly I love knowing that it really is fresh! I’ll try to report back with more after a month of use. At $45, the price isn’t bad either, considering that a number of brands charge quite a bit more for a good concentration Vitamin C serum.

Note: This review was based on a product given to me by a representative of the company. For more, please see my disclosure page.

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Disclosures: Beauty and Fashion Tech at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

Filed Under: Melasma Treatment, Skin Care Tagged With: Anti-Aging, Melasma Treatment, Skin Care, Vichy, Vitamin C

Jul 28, 2009

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment

July 28, 2009 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Boy do I love this exfoliator! This one will definitely make my best of the year list, and I have use very little else since I bought it.

Update: This product now comes in a tube instead of a tub, which is a huge improvement in my opinion because my tub was having some issues pumping the product after it started getting past half used.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate is a combination of a light scrub and an enzyme exfoliator that gives a rather powerful, but still fairly gentle feeling exfoliation. The scrub is packaged in a tub with a push top that puts out just the right amount for a light application. It is applied to damp skin and during application feels like a light scrub. Once on, it is left on the skin for at least 20- 30 seconds (although I usually go longer), during which its enzymes go to work. You can feel the tingle of it working, but it isn’t anything too heavy. Then the product is washed off.

I love the results that I get from ExfoliKate. It works like a good scrub, but does not feel irritating and my skin always looks fresh after using it. Anyone who likes a light scrub and also like enzyme masks would probably be a fan of this one. I use ExfoliKate about three times per week to help with skin turnover as part of my acne and melasma treatment.

Because there is some tingling and such connected with ExfoliKate, those with sensitive skin might want to be cautious. Kate Summerville does make a sensitive skin version: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Gentle Exfoliating Treatment.

I have read good things about the entire Kate Somerville line. It is a bit expensive, but based on my good experiences with ExfoliKate, I will likely try a few more items. One option for trying a number of items is through one of the kits the brand also offers (see the link above with will also show more products from the line).

ExfoliKate tends to sell at around $85 for the standard ExfoliKate, and $65 for ExfoliKate Gentle. That is pricey, but the tub is decent sized and not much needs to be used for each application. This is a product that I will repurchase when my current tub is gone, and I am a bit of a cheapskate!

Filed Under: Skin Care Tagged With: Acne Treatment, Exfoliators, Kate Somerville, Melasma Treatment, Skin Care

Jul 23, 2009

Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid, SPF 15.

July 23, 2009 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

I tend to like Exuviance products, and I certainly like the latest item that they sent to me. Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid SPF 15. Sheer Refining Fluid is a light daily moisturizer that is perfect for people with oily skin and hyperpigmentation. That would be me!

The lotion is thin and absorbs quickly , making it perfect for a bit of moisture without feeling oily. It also contains oil reducing agents. Then, for those with pigment issues or melasma, it contains NeoGlucosamine. Glucosamine has been one of the popular ingredients of late for treating pigmentation, so I am happy to see it included. Finally, it includes SPF 15 from a variety of chemical sunscreens.

The fluid can be worn under Exuviance Matte Perfection, which is a nice oil control primer that I have been using quite regularly (read previous review)

Exuviance is sold at various online sources and beauty specialty stores. The Sheer Refining Fluid runs around $32.

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