SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF

Today I have a really exciting product to share with you! First off, I'll describe my skin type: During my teen years I suffered from acne, trying every product to help me out. I used Clinique's Acne Solutions line, Proactiv, Vichy Normaderm, Clean&Clear, Oxy, pretty much any product aimed towards acne prone skin. Unfortunately, nothing worked for me. Finally, my doctor prescribed me a topical gel and an antibiotic treatment, which finally did the job. This was about 4 years ago now, and I no longer use any prescriptions, and my skin is so much better. Now I would describe my skin as normal, I don't really have any dryness or oily areas, but I do get the odd breakout. I also have some acne scarring on my right cheek from my teens. This scarring really affected my self confidence, and I always felt like everyone could notice it, and I always covered it up with concealer and foundation the best I could. I thought that I'd be stuck with this scarring for the rest of my life, since they did stick around for 4-5 years after all. Well, I'm happy to tell you that I've found a product that has literally changed my life!

SkinCeuticals is a brand that is new to me, but I'm so, so glad that I've discovered them! I started using the Phloretin CF at the beginning of May 2012, so about 6 months ago. At first, I didn't really care for this product, but I continued to use it anyways. Here's how SkinCeuticals describes Phloretin CF:

This broad-spectrum treatment provides advanced environmental protection to defend skin against the reactive molecules (including free radicals) that are known to cause cellular damage. In addition to its superior antioxidant capabilities, it has been proven to correct existing damage from the inside out.

• Provides advanced environmental protection against UVA and UVB radiation
• Stimulates collagen synthesis to improve signs of aging
• Diminishes hyperpigmentation and accelerates cellular renewal to retexturize skin

Once absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen.

I would apply this every morning after cleansing and toning my face. This product is housed in a really nice glass bottle. I would take 4-5 drops and apply this to my entire face and neck. I'll be honest, the product has a really strong scent, which at first I couldn't stand. After a while I did start to forget about the scent though. This product is really thin, it absorbs into the skin very quickly. After applying the Phloretin CF, I would apply my moisturizer and eye cream.

It wasn't until a month ago that I really noticed this product working, so please do give it some time. Skin care won't change your skin overnight. I am so happy to be able to tell you that all of my acne scarring has significantly diminished, and it's almost completely disappeared! Anyone who has suffered from acne and acne scarring will know how significant this is. Now I feel confident to go makeup free or just wear a BB Cream or tinted moisturizer without any concealer on that area!

While this product works absolute wonders on acne scarring, I don't notice any effects on active blemishes. This product is supposed to increase cell renewal, so I think that's why it worked so well on my scarring.

I would love to continue using this product forever, but it is really expensive. For 30 ml, a bottle costs $152! I really do think that this investment was worth it for the results that I've seen, but now that my scarring is gone, I don't see a need to continue on with this product. If you are like me, and have tried absolutely everything under the sun without any results, I would highly recommend this product. It is expensive, but it worked wonders for me. And now, I can stop wasting money trying to find a product that works!

SkinCeuticals is kind of a hard brand to find in Canada, but you can order it through your dermatologist,  or order it online in the US. What are your skincare favourites? Have any products changed your life? :)