Despite having interviewed a lot of dermatologists in my time as a lifestyle editor and being told more times than I can remember that the most important thing you can do for your skin is wear the best SPF every single day, I confess I never really invested much time or money into my skincare. There was always a new pair of shoes or implausible pair of barrel-leg jeans to buy instead.
Until, of course, I could see the impact of sun damage in the fine lines around my eyes and the spots of pigmentation (also known as sun spots) high up on my cheeks. My laissez-faire approach to beauty is now writ large on my face. While the fine lines don’t bother me – I can’t get upset about something that’s the result of years of belly laughs – the pigmentation actually really does.
So suddenly I’m all about the skincare. After a long, fruitless search for a fix, on the recommendation of GHI senior beauty writer, Florence, I invested in a brightening vitamin C serum by a brand I’d only vaguely heard of called Medik8. Florence explained that not only is vitamin C a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by the skin’s rays and other aggressors, but it can also help to fade dark spots and even out discolouration.
As for Medik8 specifically, it turns out, the GH beauty editors already swear by its science-backed formulations, including its C-Tetra Luxe Vitamin C Serum, which is made up of 14% vitamin C and is, according to the brand, clinically proven to reduce signs of pigmentation in just four weeks. Best of all, it's often discounted on Amazon and it's currently 21% off in the Prime Day sale (just sign up for a 30-day free trial and cancel after if you want to access the deals).
I was won over by this serum pretty fast. The consistency is oily, not drippy, but it’s not greasy either. It sinks into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking glossy. The nourishing squalene base helps there. It may just be my imagination, but it also smells a little, well, citrus-y. And the results are instantly glowy, healthier looking, velvety soft skin. As for the pigmentation, it definitely seems less noticeable.
Whether that’s more because I’m distracted by my new glow or because it actually has faded the brown spots, I can’t be sure, but what I do know is I’m now on my third bottle and I’ve had a number of compliments about my clear skin, so something’s working. It also feels like a little luxury every morning when I spread it on, and a little goes a long way – you just need a few drops. I've since recommended it to my mum, who's also a fan.
The only drawback is the price, but the good thing is a little does go a long way and you can always bulk order while it's on sale.
What else have I learnt in the fight against those annoying brown patches? Unless it’s full coverage, which is too heavy for me, foundation won’t cover them. But Dior’s Forever Hydra Nude Foundation will create a hydrated, skin-blurring effect that illuminates the skin and distracts from the discolouration. That was a tip from our beauty editor, Charlie (read her full Dior foundation review). Just paying it forward.
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, can also be used to speed up skin cell renewal and help remove surface level pigmentation. I used and liked Trinny London’s Overnight Sensation Retinal Serum for a while but then I found it quite drying on my skin, so I’m still looking for the right formula. In fact, I’m told Medik8 is the master when it comes to retinoids, so I might snap up its beginner-level Crystal Retinal 3 in the Prime Day sale too and give it a go.
What else? Oh yes, you really should wear SPF every single day.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
