A few months ago I posted my daily skincare routine and while it’s still pretty much the same, I have switched up a pretty important part since my skin always gets extra dry this time of year. I’ve always been a huge fan of SkinCeuticals and all of their serums, so during the summer I use their Phloretin CF and during the winter I use the CE Ferulic because the vitamin E helps keep my skin hydrated.
Again, I know I’m going to get a million comments about how expensive it is but since I only use 1-2 drops a day, a whole bottle will last me about 6 months. It’s so important to be on some type of vitamin C serum if you want to keep young healthy skin and fight the signs of aging, sun damage, and brighten all at once! I apply it after I wash my face in the morning and let it sink in for a few minutes before I apply my moisturizer.
For a less expensive version, try Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum. I’ve never tried it but since it has vitamin C, it could be a great tester to see if you like it before you buy the more potent SkinCeuticals version.
Have you tried any other vitamin C serums? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
Emily, I use a skin care line called Mario Bedescu. I think it works very well and it is affordable. I just looked into buying the Vitamin C Serum.. Love a serum after sampling them. The effects are amazing. Their Vitamin C Serum is $45. You can buy online, at Ulta in Stonecrest and at Nordstrom’s.
Emily, I want to start following your skin care regimen because I also have used many SkinCeuticals products over the years, and love them! My question is: Did you begin using the Phloretin CF, Hydrating B5 Gel, Blemish+Age serum all at the same time or did you start with one of those then began incorporating the others into your routine? If so, what items did you start with first along with cleansing etc? I am prone to blemishes and use Retin-A which I notice you do as well.. How often do you use Retin-A?
I started using the Phloretin CF and after noticing what a difference it made in my skin I tried other products from their line as well. I use my retin-a pads every night but am thinking I need to start taking a break for a night or so because my skin is so dry. You can always go to a dermatologist that sells SkinCeuticals and ask for a sample so you can see how it works on your skin!
I have the dryest, tightest skin in the winter and I’m willing to try anything that will help it! It’s a little pricey but the reviews are amazing. I’d rather pay more for something that actually works – thanks for the review!
Hey Em!
Quick question? So after you wash your face with your Clarisonic do you then put a few drops on your face while wet or dry? Then rub it in and wait to use your moisturizer. And this all happens once a day in the morning right? And have you noticed a difference in the brightness of your skin? Because I can not find anything that actually works with that. Thank you for your secret tips!
Thank you !! -Emily
I only wash my face with my Clarisonic at night. In the morning I wash my face with Cerave Hyrdating Cleanser (from the grocery store) and dry my face really well before I apply the CE Ferulic. And yes, I only do that in the mornning.. I’ve definitely notice a huge difference in the brightness of my skin since using it! Also try a good retinol product at night!
Mary Kay Replenishing Serum+C only $56!
Vit C is amazing for the skin! It is told to be used in the AM but using it at night since it is an active works better. I am skin obsessed and part derma doc ha! Great serums I rotate are Mario B. Vit C 7%, Mad Hippie (for our vegan clients) and Ole H. Truth C Serum. xx
Image Skincare’s Vital C Serum is amazing! I am also a fan of Skinceuticals.
Hey Emily. I do agree that skin ceuticals serum is a great product but I personally am a huge fan of the skin medica products. I use the tns essential serum twice a day and the ultra sheer moisturizer and the tri-retinol complex a couple times a week. I use to work for a plastic surgeon and this is the line of products we carried and they truly r the very best. I am 37 years old but i am always told that i look like i am in my mid twentys. My husband is even 8 years younger than me so i must b doing something right : ) Yes they r very expensive but if u r like me I don’t put a price on my skin care. I want the very best and to stay looking young as long as I can. I can tell a huge difference in my skin when I miss a day or two. I def recommend u trying it. Skin medica has a great website if u want to research their products. I also read your info on haircare. I also have used extensions and had them damage my hair as well. I use matrix village hydrating shampoo and conditioner and it works awesome for me. I have long thick hair and it is extremely important to me for it to b healthy. I hope you find my info helpful to u. I have always been a big fan of urs on the bachelor and the bachlorette and think u r a beautiful person. I have always felt like we have so much in common and thought I wished we lived closer cause I think we would make really great friends. But I live in PC FL and I have my entire life. I am so happy u met someone and found the happiness u and little Ricki deserve. Hopefully one day we will get to meet someday….who knows. I wish u all the best in or journey ahead.
Thank you so much Emily! I am also a Retin-A user but only about 3 nights a week in the winter :). I have oily, acne-prone skin and I’m a huge fan of the Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum Collagen Booster! My skin is a lot brighter! I use the Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth CC Eye Creme SPF 15 with 5 sources of vitamin c and ferulic acid to help with dark circles. Just a couple of things I was given to help my skin while working at Sephora :). God bless and congrats on your engagement!!!
Hi Emily!
Thanks for the review, I haven’t personally tried this but would love to look into it now. I just starting using Nerium Ad day and night cream and am loving the results! Firms, tightens, moisterises and brightens the skin! My skin feels so frumpy without it now!
http://www.ambera7.nerium.com
Thanks for all the beauty helps and tips too! It’s so nice hearing with works for you!
Hi Emily!
You should look into Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster! It is comparable to the SkinCeuticals serum, and MUCH cheaper! She always has a sale going on too 🙂
Thank you for all of your posts!
Here is the link for Paula’s product
http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/best-sellers/_/RESIST-C15-Super-Booster/
Only $45 🙂
Hi Emily!
I love skinceuticals products so much! I also use the Cerave cleanser and it’s so inexpensive. I just ordered my CE Ferulic from skinstore.com and used the 30% off code. Yay!!!
Cosmetic Skin Solutions has an incredible vitamin c serum and it has 20% vitamin c and it’s under $30. You can check it out here:
http://www.cosmeticskinsolutions.com/VITAMIN-C-20-ADVANCED-FORMULA.html
I looked up the review, looks positive:
http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/skinceuticals/_/C-E-Ferulic-Combination-Antioxidant-Treatment
Here’s the PC option though it doesn’t have the Ferulic addition: I love her antioxidant serum and I think I’ll first try adding this Resist C15 first:
http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/RESIST-Anti-Aging/_/RESIST-C15-Super-Booster/
I love PCA products! http://www.pcaskin.com I think they are better than the SkinCeutials . Love the Exlinea Peptide , Total Strenght Serum, their nutrient toner (which smells like pumpkin!!) vitamin c 20% and clearskin, rebalance! Their mask is great too!
Emily! Can you please blog about your experience with eyelash extensions please?
Emily, I LOVE this stuff… I have used the CE & the CF too. I am pretty much obsessed with Skinceuticals and Obagi. I also love the Retexturing Activator by Skinceuticals & this winter have started incorporating the Hydrating b5 Masque… I use this twice a week because my skin has been so dry this winter :/ Another favorite product I have discovered recently is by Obagi… it is the Elastiderm, eye treatment cream. I have tried every eye product it feels like.. and this is my favorite so far. A friend of mine, plastic surgeon’s wife recommended it & she is right… it is amazing! :)))) Have you tried the Retexturing activator or b5 mask?
I recently started using the Laura Mercier multi-vitamin serums and love it!
http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Serums_Multi-Vitamin%20Serum_prod240012
I LOVE skincueticals and I too recently switched from Phloretin CF to CE Ferulic for the winter. I wash and apply a few drops, allow to soak in then add mositerizer. About two times a week, at night I apply retinol instead of the serum. I also love thier pigment correcting lotion. BIG improvement in my skin since I started using last year. Worth every penny! (It really does last!)
Obagi C
Emily, what kind of retinoid pads do you use? Trying to find it online!
We don’t care if it’s expensive if it works. I can’t stand celebs acting like they use Pantene shampoo or the Beyoncé commercial like she uses the boxed Loreal hair color…right! I like your honesty. You invest in your skin and that’s nothing to be ashamed about. I alternate between this serum and the Phloretin CF. It’s a perfect daytime compliment to the Renee Rouleau toners, serums and La Mer eye and face creams I use at night.
Thanks for the info Emily. For those interested in opting for a natural option (at a lower cost) try washing face with organic honey (smooth) and for a serum-like lotion, try all natural aloe gel (right from the leaf). Works wonders!!!
I don’t mind the price so long as a product works! Every high end product I’ve gotten in the past year has been recommended by you, and every one was so worth it! I think most of us feel that way 🙂 Thanks, Emily!
Emily,
Do you not use the Eve Lom cleanser at night anymore?
Emily,
Do you not use the Eve Lom cleanser at night anymore?
I still use it! But only on nights I don’t use my clarisonic
I love how informational your posts are 🙂 I use {and love!!} Arbonnne’s RE9 Intensive Renewal Serum and the whole RE9 anti-aging skincare line. Their products are botanically based and have really helped rehydrate my dry skin!
The SkinCeuticals products are worth every penny. Every. Single. Penny. Love ’em!
theprojectcouple.blogspot.com
Hi Emily,
I am also hooked on my Clarisonic and I also use it only in the morning! I have used Cellex-C high potency serum for several years now (I am in my forties). It has had a dramatic effect on the lines that were forming around my eyes, and I am constantly told I look about ten years younger than my age. Once I stopped using it for about a month, and it was like aging in fast-forward. I believe Cellex-C is the original Vitamin C serum and it is patented. To see a dramatic before/after, google Mr. C Cellex-C. I get a decent price on auto-delivery through our Canadian Shopping Network. There is no point in getting hooked on a product that works if it is unaffordable!
Congratulations on your engagement! Wishing you every happiness…
Epionce Intense Defense Serum is incredible! It is the only product on the market that has vitamins A,B,C,D & E! It is night and light and I have seen amazing results. It has smoothed out my complexion and got rid of my lines between my eyebrows. You should check it out!
I’m currently using Peter Thomas Roth CamuCamu serum power cx30. I noticed a difference right away with skin brightening+tightening. I am 28 years old and working on lightening my acne scars from years past. I’ve used it for 3 weeks now and only hope I keep seeing results!
Hi Emily,
I live in Canada and I’ve been trying to find a reliable site to order this from since you posted this. It is available on Amazon (which ships to Canada), but I worry that they may be selling expired product based on the reviews – should this serum be clear when you receive it? Or is it normal for it to be orange? Your help is appreciated!
Deirdra
It’s normal for it to be orange! Don’t worry 🙂 I hope you love it as much as I do!
Thanks for the great posts, I love to see what products other people are using. Skinceutical products are great, love them so much! Except the B5 Gel doesn’t really seem to help me when my skin is dry…not sure why. Can you tell us what brand of retinoid pads you use? You mention getting them from a doctors office…but I’d love to know the brand. I’ve used Skinceutical’s Retinol before, and it was way too harsh for me.
I use retinol pads from my dermatologist office.. They make them there. But I’m trying out Dr. Gross Daily Peel Pads (or whatever they’re called!) so I’ll let you know how I like them!
I have been using the CE Ferulic serum since my MIL got it for me for Christmas, and I like it. Every other night I use Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum (love their whole line) and I LOVE it. My face is noticeably smoother and softer the next morning. I also use a lot of the Mary Kay line including the C+ Serum someone mentioned above and I love the way it feels. There are so many good options out there! Emily, have you used any Mario Badescu or Mary Kay products in the past? Would love to hear what you think vs. the other stuff you use.
Emily, I have a very similar skinceuticals routine! I starting using the gel formulation because it travels easier and lasts sooooo long- I think you end up using less. You have got to start using the skin medica essential serum at night, after the clarisonic…. Keep up the retinal but back of a tad. You will want to bath in this serum….VERY pricey but price shop on Amazon. I researched blogs of dermatologists and their regimens and that’s what persuaded me. It is worth the plunge! Start now as we of into Spring. Thanks for your blog and I hope you aren’t missing Holly too badly
Hi Emily!
I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I have a quick question about your foundation. In a earlier post you did about foundation you have it listed as you using the Giorgio Armani “Lasting Silk,” but in this post you use the GA Luminous Silk. I’m due for a new foundation, and love your recommendations – I just wanted to know which one you prefer?? Thanks!!
I bought the Lasting Silk first and loved it, but in the winter my skin gets dry so I tried the Luminous Silk and that works better for me now! Why is being a girl so confusing? 🙂
Emily,
Thank you so much for posting us and SOZO in regards to carrying the wonderful product SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum. Let me know if you ever need anything.
Best Regards,
Chad Whitney| Owner
I have Sjögren’s syndrome, meaning I don’t produce enough water in my body etc. so my skin is definitely dehydrated, any suggestions? I’ve been using olive oil and that soaks up in a matter of an hour and I’m peeling again! Aging at the speed of light since diagnosed 4 yrs ago.
Try the SkinCeuticals B5 Hydrating Serum.. I love it and it really helps with my dry skin
I received this product from my dermatologist prior to my wedding and could tell within a few days a difference in my skin. It definitely makes your skin look more youthful and bright. I nturally have very oily skin and this product worked well with it too. I did find it to be a little “sticky.” You definitely need to put on a moisturizer after it before you put any makeup on.
Thanks for sharing. If you are interested in another CE Serum at a lower price, try Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C + E Serum. It has the exact same ingredients as Skin Ceuticals – 15% Vitamin C, 1% Vitamin E and .5% Ferulic Acid. The difference is the price. While Skin Ceuticals will cost you $157, while Cosmetic Skin Solutions cost $40. Has anemone tried Cosmetic Skin Solutions. I would love to order this more inexpensive product, but before I do, I wanted to see if anyone else has tried it or done a comparison between these two products to say that the results are similar if not exactly the same. Thanks for your insight!
HI Emily! I just wanted to tell you that another amazing option for dry skin is just buying a bottle of Argan Oil.. I mix that with a drop of Jojoba and it does wonders for my skin. I do that every NIGHT. 🙂
Hey eMily!
I really want to try this as i am peeling badly this winter! HOwever, I do have acne prone skin as weLl. Will this break me out?
Im prone to cystic acne and it never breaks me out. I use the CE Feurlic Gel.
We just released a new alternative to the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum under the QRxLabs brand. Our new Vitamin C+E / Ferulic Acid Serum is very similar to the CE Ferulic product, but it comes in a new innovative packaging featuring a squeezable bottle with a sealed controlled dropper that minimizes air circulation and therefore oxidation. This results in extended life for the product with maximum effectiveness. Check out our website for more details.
I have been using Cf ferulic serum and hydrating B5 sun defense sp20 for over 7 years.I Loved the products very much and bought over 15o0.00 .recently ,my dr. Retired.I purchased 5 bottles each to last me for awhile.4 of the cf ferulic rubber tops started to dry .even though the bottles had never been opened and still havent,I called customer service .I was told there was nothing they would do.and nothing I could do .I am stuck with half a bottle in each one from evaporation. I will never never purchase your products every again and I hope other customers do the same…..bad customer service. Too bad you don’t stand behind your expensive products…..
My ce ferulic is leaving my face sticky any suggestions? And any suggestions on why my foundation is cracking away from my wrinkles I use Estee lauder foundation. I’m thinking of trying the b5 gel from skin ceuticals I’m always really dry