I’m pretty picky about my skin care. On most days, I stick to a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF—that’s it. But after months of dealing with dark spots and dull texture (and no improvement), I was ready for a more robust treatment. That said, I decided to call upon the powers of vitamin C. Because if there’s one ingredient that I’ve learned from derms that can make a difference in your skin-care routine when all fails, it’s vitamin C.

Similar to retinol, it’s one of those powerhouse ingredients that’s incredibly versatile and can help take your skin care to the next level. It can help brighten your complexion, stimulate collagen production, and protect your skin from radical damage. And that’s exactly what I experienced when I tried Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum ($78).

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Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen™ Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum — $78.00

At $78 a pop, it’s not an easy sell at first. But after learning about its potent formula, I was willing to bite the financial bullet. And praise be, the risk paid off. Unlike some serums, this one does most of its work at the cellular level of the skin. Its formula includes 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (aka, vitamin C), collagen amino acids, and a unique energy complex that’s packed with antioxidants. Together, these ingredients brighten, smooth, firm, and help boost the skin’s repair functions in the process. 

First Impressions:

I’ve been testing out the serum over the last few weeks to see if it lives up to its promises. And despite my initial doubts (I stick to what I know!), I can honestly say my skin has been very happy. The formula is super lightweight and a has a gel-like consistency that goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin. It also feels hydrating and makes your skin feel supple after you apply it, which is a huge win for dry skin peeps like me.

But what really won me over was its brightening prowess. It didn’t disappoint. With consistent use, both morning and night, I noticed a slight change in color around my cheekbones within about four days. And after two weeks, I could really note a difference in the uniformity of my complexion. My skin was more even in color across my face and the faint hyperpigmentation along my jawline noticeably improved. Not bad for just two weeks.

And that’s not all. The product layers really well with other moisturizers. For example, I was able to apply my favorite hydrating oil on top of the serum without either of them becoming greasy. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, and a little product does goes a long way. Case in point: I was able to cover my entire face with just one pump. So, yes, it’s $78 a pop—but it’ll last you a long, long time.

The Results:

In the month that I’ve used this product, I’m happy to report that it has been effective in improving my skin’s texture and color so far. In just a few weeks, it’s begun to fade my dark spots and made my skin baby soft (something I did not anticipate). All in all, it’s become a staple in beauty cabinet and I’m eager to see what the product will do in the coming months.

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