Sparkled Beauty

A major skin care post for you today - one of the most expensive product lines I have tried, one of the longest testing periods I invested in, and one of the most visible effects I have seen on my skin.

It is all about Obagi Medical products - ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex serum and Eye treatment cream, and Professional-C serum 15%, sent to me for review over 2 months ago. The press release suggested a 9-week testing time frame, and I have gone slightly over that. Time for a review :)

Obagi ELASTIderm eye Complete Complex serum, with caffeine, is to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles dramatically, improve elasticity and firmness and achieve more resilient looking skin.

Now caffeine in skin care, an antioxidant to help decongest and reduce under-eye puffiness, is not new by any means - as seen on the blog with 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye cream, Garnier Miracle sleeping cream, Vichy LiftActiv Supreme or H2O Instant hydrating stick, so I assume you all know about its effects by now.

On top of that, the eye serum also has a bi-mineral complex that helps replenish elasticity and support collagen for tighter, smoother-looking skin and Malonic Acid to help stimulate the production of healthy skin cells for overall skin improvement.

I love the rollerball format, very easy to apply the serum - simply roll on the outside and underneath the eye area gently and smooth it in until fully absorbed.

The opaque tube, however, means I cannot tell how much product is left inside after 2 months of constant use (once a day in the morning) to gauge the value of the product.

I tested this serum together with the eye cream below, so let me introduce them both before reviewing them.

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Caffeine, Malonic Acid, Zinc Carbonate, Arginine, Laureth-9, Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

The tube has 0.47oz/ 14ml of product, retails $110.

The ELASTIderm eye treatment cream uses a Restorative Elasticity complex to help improve elasticity and collagen synthesis to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Almost the same size as the serum above, but the eye cream comes in a jar. And let me tell you, I barely made a dent to the surface after 2 months, as all it took was a light dab of a finger to pick up enough product for both eyes.

I apply the eye cream on the exact same eye areas as the serum, after giving the serum a bit of time to absorb.

Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, C13-15 Alkane, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, PEG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, etc.

The jar is 0.5oz/ 15g, $116. Could have been a tube for better sanitary option, but not a deal breaker.

Now together, the duo works well on my over-40's eye area, with fine wrinkles and light puffiness.They are quick to apply and absorb, make concealer go on easily and keep the area hydrated through the day. The effect is visible about the 4th week in and continue on consistently.

I do realize they are already a big investment individually but would still suggest them if you have the issues that they tackle and have the budget for them, or at least the serum.

And lastly, the product I fall in love the most is the Professional-C serum 15%, meant to neutralize free radicals at all layers of the skin and prevent them from damaging skin cells and accelerating aging.

Again, vitamin C for the skin is not new. The closest product to this serum I have tried in the past, in format, was Palmer's Skin Therapy oil., but there was no indication of the amount of vitamin C in the ingredients.

According to Obagi:
- 10% Vitamin C is effective for dry, irritated or sensitive skin
- 15% offers high performance for most skin types and
- 20% is best for normal to oily skin.
I am definitely in the 20% category, but 15% is a safe start.

The packaging is great - dark bottle to protect the antioxidants, the dropper is easy and mess free for an oil product. The oil is lightly orange tinted but does not leave any discoloring on the skin.

I use about 5 drops for the face and neck in the morning before sunscreen and makeup, as suggested. There was a warning of slight tingling that might occur, which will diminish with continued use, but I did not experience that. The scent is so light, I hardly notice it. By week 4, I saw the best version of my skin in a long time.

Now the serum did not cure acne nor create a once-in-a-lifetime miracle, but it took years of my skin. I feel 30 in this skin - plump, smooth and other products go on my face like a dream. If you have not experience high-potency Vitamin C, try it!

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Water, L-Ascorbic Acid, Alcohol, Ascorbyl Glycoside, Fragrance.

The bottle is 1oz/ 30ml, $102. I am about half way through it after 2 months. This would be something I am willing to repurchase. The brand suggests to call 1-855-904-4884 for an Obagi skin care physician in your area.