I have no shame in my age game—I’m 43 years old. I will admit, though, that I lucked out fairly considerably in the “youthful looks” department. Everyone in my family looks super young; my parents are both in their 70s and don’t look a day over 50, while I am frequently confused for around 30. While I’ve shied away from getting Botox until now, I am constantly on the hunt for serums, masks, and moisturizers to keep the Fountain of Youth genes going strong.
The latest product to command my attention is StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum. It combines—you guessed it—retinol and vitamin C in one powerhouse, skin-care double whammy. Not to mention it’s normally $72, and is now only $43.
The combination of retinol and vitamin C in one product is exciting and intriguing. These two ingredients pack a serious 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 like fine lines and evening out skin texture,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai School 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 ingredient for anti-aging.”
Obviously, there’s some crossover between these two ingredients when it comes to your skin. Is it possible to use them together? Dr. Graf says yes. If you’re concerned about whether it’s okay to use them not only in tandem, but in one product at the same time, the one thing to note is that irritation may occur. If you’re worried about this, especially if you have sensitive skin, it’s possible to avoid irritation by breaking up your use of retinol and vitamin C into different times of 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 evening skincare routine underneath your moisturizer.” (However, that would mean shying away from this product.)
This StriVectin serum features two forms of stabilized vitamin C and Acerola cherry extract to help brighten dull skin and restore clarity, while retinol smooths roughness and fine lines. Additionally, the brand’s proprietary form of niacin, NIA-114™, helps strengthen the skin barrier for added luminosity. In studies done by the brand, 97 percent showed improvement in skin brightness in six weeks, 100 percent showed measured improvement in skin firmness in six weeks, and 100 percent showed no irritation to skin in 12 weeks.
It’s no wonder, then, that it has glowing reviews—over 500 of them on QVC alone, to be exact. One shopper writes that it “actually helps brighten my complexion. I feel a slight glowing appearance. Being 65, this is a big boost.”
Another says, “I’m 39, with pretty good skin. But since I’ve been using this, consistently, I’ve had SO many compliments! My skin is brighter and more youthful. I’m definitely ordering more bottles ASAP so I don’t run out!”
Still more shoppers rave about it, too, with comments like, “I use it nightly and it has evened my skin out and it feels softer and the little brown spots are diminishing. I have sensitive skin and it doesn’t make my skin red and blotchy.” And one customer who simply says, “I have never loved a face product as much as this.”
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