If I’m honest, summertime is my skin’s season to shine. My complexion is glowier, bronzier, and just all-around more radiant. And for those glorious few months, I feel good about my face. I’m aware the sun and the steamy temps have something to do with that, but I’d willingly be a sweaty mess any day if it meant having dewy skin. Once the fall chill hits, however, my complexion does an about face. All that sun-kissed splendor fades to a pasty state, and a dull dryness settles in like a dark cloud that casts a shadow over my face for the next three seasons. In an effort to brighten up, I’ve tried everything from chemical exfoliants and masks to acid-rich serums. But they’ve all left me red and blotchy. What can I say, my skin has feelings.
I’ve long known about the prowess of topical vitamin C, which has been shown to help fight photoaging and even out skin tone. But the products I’ve tried have either had an unpleasant odor or were so liquid-y that I ended up staining my shirt. So, I’ve shied away from vitamin C for years. But when I was asked to test the new Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer, I knew it was time to revisit this oft-hailed ingredient. After all, I owed it to my lackluster complexion. And now, after consistent, twice-daily usage for two weeks straight, here’s why I’ve decided to ditch my regular regimen in favor of this wunderkind cream.
The swap was simple.
My current lineup consists of a toner, serum and moisturizer — and that’s about as complicated as I’m capable of getting with my routine. It’s not for lack of wanting that coveted glow. To be honest, it’s all I have patience for (my laziness has a tendency to get the best of me). Which is why I was very happy to simplify it all down to just one moisturizer.
I’ll admit, I was a little nervous right out of the gate, since my skin is sensitive and, as I mentioned, has been known to react in angry red fashion. After cleansing, I dipped my fingers in the jar to find a lightweight formula that was anything but greasy in my hands. But how would it feel on my skin? I smoothed the cream evenly over my face and neck and was surprised by what felt like an instant, refreshing wakeup. And though the consistency was incredibly silky, it completely melted into my skin without leaving the surface greasy with product residue. Scent is a biggie for me; I’ll discard anything that’s cloying or lingers too long. However, the cream has a very subtle citrus scent that’s more energizing than perfume-y. And most importantly, my skin did not protest on contact — or even hours later. It was a promising start.
It’s an ideal way to give my skin its vitamins and nutrients.
The cream contains a powerhouse infusion for the face complete with vitamin C, vitamin B3, amino peptides and lactic acid. Here’s a little rundown on the benefits of these ingredients. Research shows that vitamin C, a naturally-occurring antioxidant, helps fight free radicals on the skin’s surface and protect skin from saboteurs like fine lines and uneven skin tone. It also helps brighten skin and bolster its moisture barrier. Then there’s vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, which has been shown to improve skin tone and texture, and also boost skin barrier function. Amino peptides are chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of skin, helping it look smoother and firmer. And finally, lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin, which helps smooth fine lines and keeps pores clear. So, while my actual diet may be lacking, at least my skin will be well fed.
The results were visible.
As a former beauty editor, I’m always leery of claims touting instantaneous benefits. However, I immediately noticed my skin seemed to have a subtle gleam (like actual light reflection) that lasted all day. And the fine lines on my forehead, which always look more pronounced when my skin is dry, were a bit less noticeable. Another plus: There was no redness upon application, which for me is a huge plus. As I continued to use the cream twice daily over the course of two weeks, I started to see my tone become more uniform, and my skin felt more hydrated and brighter overall. I was shocked that such an affordable product worked so well, and as I continue to use it I'm eagerly anticipating an even dewier glow that goes the distance.
