I have no shame in my age game: I am 43 years old. However, I have to admit that I was pretty lucky in the “boyish looks” department. Everyone in my family looks super young; my parents are in their 70s and don’t look over 50, while I’m often confused when I’m in my 30s. While I’ve avoided Botox until now, I’m constantly on the lookout for serums, masks, and moisturizers to keep my Fountain of Youth genes strong.
The last product that caught my eye is StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum. Combines, you guessed it, retinol and vitamin c in one potent skincare double whammy. Not to mention, it’s normally $72, and now it’s only $43.
The combination of retinol and vitamin C in one product is exciting and intriguing. These two ingredients pack a punch when it comes to reducing dark spots and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) helps renew skin cells, fight free radicals, and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and visible pores. “It can be a game changer for improving signs of aging, such as fine lines and even skin texture,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai College of Medicine.
Meanwhile, vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, improves tone and texture, lightens dark spots, and brightens. (Talk about a reason to drink orange juice.) “Like retinol, it can also help with collagen production,” says Dr. Graf, “making it another anti-aging ingredient.”
Obviously, there is a crossover between these two ingredients when it comes to your skin. Is it possible to use them together? Dr. Graf says yes. If he’s concerned about whether it’s okay to use them not just together, but in one product at the same time, the only thing he needs to keep in mind is that it can cause irritation. If this is a concern, especially if you have sensitive skin, it is possible to avoid irritation by splitting your use of retinol and vitamin C at different times of the day.
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“Vitamin C is best to use in the morning for its antioxidant benefits before sunscreen,” recommends Dr. Graf. “I recommend using retinol at night, as part of your nighttime skincare routine under your moisturizer.” (However, that would mean walking away from this product.)
This StriVectin serum features two forms of stabilized vitamin C and acerola extract to help brighten dull skin and restore clarity, while retinol smoothes roughness and fine lines. Plus, the brand’s patented form of niacin, NIA-114™, helps strengthen the skin’s barrier for increased radiance. In studies conducted by the brand, 97 percent showed an improvement in skin radiance in six weeks, 100 percent showed a measured improvement in skin firmness in six weeks, and 100 percent showed no skin irritation in 12 weeks.
It’s no surprise, then, that it has glowing reviews – over 500 of them on QVC alone, to be exact. One shopper writes that it “really helps brighten my complexion. I feel a slight shiny appearance. Being 65 is a big boost.”
Says another, “I’m 39, with pretty good skin. But since I’ve been using this consistently, I’ve gotten SO MANY compliments! My skin is brighter and younger. I will definitely be ordering more bottles ASAP so I don’t run out of them!”
Even more shoppers rave about it, too, with comments like: “I use it every night and it has evened out my skin and it feels smoother and the little brown spots are diminishing. I have sensitive skin and it doesn’t make my skin red or blemish.” And a customer who simply says, “I’ve never loved a facial product as much as this one.”
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