In case you didn’t know: I struggle with acne. Hardcore struggle with acne. It started when I went off of birth control around the time my husband and I started trying to get pregnant with our first baby. It is hormonal, painful, and cystic. Now luckily, the scars are flush with my skin and I don’t have a lot of indented scars, just the dark red scars. They look like active acne LONG after they’re gone (I’m talking 6 months to 1 year). It’s so frustrating because I end up battling two ongoing problems: the painful active acne and the scarring that results. I have been on a years long adventure of trying acne product after acne product looking to find something that helps both the active acne and the scarring. TODAY – I am going to be reviewing the Dermalogica Pure Bright collection. I’ve been using this exclusively for 4 weeks. Let’s dive into this.
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Dermalogica Pure Bright Collection Review: Does it really lighten acne scarring / hyperpigmentation?!
So, this post isn’t going to be about treating acne. I’m currently writing a full post of the products that are pregnancy/breastfeeding safe that actually work coming soon – but here’s how you can cover it if you need a quick fix!
*NOTE: this collection is very expensive. It’s not budget-friendly, but I’m a believer in splurging on good skincare if it actually works. I’m putting in the hard work for you so you don’t waste your money and spend $249 on a system that doesn’t work. If you want a less expensive option but still want to try these products out, Dermalogica sells the full set in a travel size kit for $40. That’s a fantastic way to try everything out first to see if it’s the right fit for you!
PURE LIGHT SPF 50 MOISTURIZER – $68
This moisturizer + sunscreen works hard to protect the skin specifically from UV-induced hyperpigmentation – think: sun spots, uneven skin tone, brown spots. It’s a medium-weight daytime moisturizer that uses Oleosome technology. Basically, in layman’s terms, that means natural plant capsules filled with sunscreen boost SPF performance so your skin is protected all day. I was SO intrigued when I read this that I had to dig more into this – I had never heard of it before. Here’s the basic run down:
Oleosomes are these structures in plant cells: they are high in vitamin E and have a protein coat. They are reservoirs for plant oils and serve as an energy source. They are PERFECT to store sunscreen in because they are extremely stable and don’t break down quickly. The sunscreen can be encapsulated for a gradual-release delivery – so your sunscreen is going to work all day for you.
The chemist in me is absolutely fascinated. But the long and the short of it is: it’s a great ingredient makeup and is a fabulous agent for sunscreen. PLUS it’s going amazing moisturizing ingredients that keep your skin hydrated and not oily. It’s meant to be used in combination with the C-12 Pure Bright serum.
PURE NIGHT TREATMENT CREAM – $82
Another super impressive ingredient list – this moisturizer works to reduce the appearance of redness, hyperpigmentation and brown spots while you sleep. The ingredients include vitamin C (a brightening agent), oligopeptide (anti-aging property), Zinc Glycinate (a skin-lightening agent), and Niacinamide (reduces redness + inflammation). All of these work together to control melanin production in your skin to reduce hyperpigmentation.
I like the ingredients in this and it’s a much thicker consistency when compared to its daytime counterpart. It really seals in the moisture in my skin and I can feel my face plump and soften with extended use.
C-12 PURE BRIGHT SERUM – $99
Alright. So. This serum is $99. I SCREAMED. I came at this review extremely skeptical of this particular product. Anything THAT expensive already has me squinting hard at it. That being said – let’s start with the ingredient list and claims.
This serum boasts ingredients like: oligopeptides (anti-aging), Phytic Acid (clears active acne and black heads), Zinc Glycinate (skin-lightening agent) and red & brown algae (pigment regulation). You use this twice daily. I put it directly on my acne spots, let it sink in for a full minute and then top with my moisturizers. The algae really helps to regulate your melanin formation so you are treating the hyperpigmentation right at the source.
MY THOUGHTS:
I am VERY pleasantly surprised with my reaction to this collection. Here is my before & after:
I can see a huge difference in my acne scarring. Now, they’d obviously lighten themselves up over time but I’m talking not for 6+ months. In ONE month, I saw results that equated about 3-4 months of time naturally. I can see myself keeping this in my routine for the foreseeable future. The moisturizers are excellent and the serum is really doing it’s job. I’m very impressed with the results after just a month.
I am excited about this product because it’s one the few things I’ve used that has ACTUALLY made a visible difference in my acne scarring. Have you ever tried these products before?
Let me know in the comments below!
