Sun Series Part 1: Correction

All About Oils, Serums and Softeners!

As we gear up for summer, it's important to think about three things: correction, prevention and faking it (by that I mean, faking your tan).  Here is Part 1: Correction.

These light liquids - known as oils, serums and softeners- have taken over the market.  They've been some of the most ground-breaking beauty technology advancements in the last year or two.  And yes, they really do work!  I first started looking into them when I wanted something to fade my freckles and reverse sun spots from my years of worshipping the California sun.  (see below and after pics at bottom)  For ideal application, put on first (before any other creams) so that your pores can soak in the serum.  You can use morning and night, but I mostly use just at night.

I first tried Clinique's popular Even Better Clinical Spot Corrector and I didn't notice that much of a difference, to be honest.  I know Marie Claire rated it Top 25, but I wanted something stronger (I do love the advertising campaign for this, however!)  It wasn't until I went to my dermatologist about it that I was turned on to the magic of Vitamin C.

I swear by Ole Henriksen Truth Serum (can be found here at Sephora) for Vitamin C power.  You can see that almost 400 users have rated it Five Stars!  This stuff is great for lightening sun spots.  I also really love Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (the most efficacious of major beauty brands).

For recovery, I love Lancome's new Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector, which is a general corrector that helps rejuvenate skin and can be worn both night and day.  The technology is as innovative and advanced as you can get in the beauty world.

Oils are the new thing in beauty.  I know my first reaction was to balk at putting an oil on my face but don't be scared - Europeans have been using oils forever and it's just now catching on in the states.  Think of how good fish oils and olive oil are for your skin.

If you really want to be aggressive, you can get a prescription of Hydroquinone USP, 4% (skin bleaching cream) but it can only be used one or two times a week otherwise it can make your skin peel (and your skin will burn much easier if you forget to put sunscreen on).

Finally, for general protection against the elements (anti-wrinkle and softening), I love to pat on Shiseido's Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Balancing Softener, which was recommended to me by a Nordstrom makeup artist.  Since I'm now living in the Midwest, I need to fight off the brutal Lake Michigan winds  that make my skin much dryer.

Now for the grand reveal: 

Before was taken around 2008 when I was still worshipping the sun (i.e. no hat and only using SPF 15 on my face).  After is from just a few months ago.  Hopefully you can tell the difference, especially in my forehead!  Click to see enlarged version.