Product Review - Skinceuticals Phyto +

For the longest time, Skinceuticals Phyto + was my go-to skin lightener. I still have some product left in the bottle, and use it from time to time, and still love it. This product is pretty amazing, in that it not only acts as an excellent (and I mean excellent) skin lightener, but it has anti-inflammatory and anti-septic qualities which can treat a host of skin conditions (i.e. atopic dermatitis, erythema). I've mentioned before in previous posts that anti-inflammatory agents can go above and beyond just soothing and calming red, stressed skin, but can also help in the skin lightening process by guaranteeing a reduction in irritation (less irritation = less of a chance for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Read about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in my article here: http://allaboutskinlightening.blogspot.com/2009/06/irritation-post-inflammatory.html

Skinceuticals Phyto+ is first and foremost designed as a botanical lightener with concentrated amounts of arbutin and kojic acid as well as uva ursi extract (bearberry). It also contains cucumber and thyme extract which work synergistically with the botanical lighteners to break up melanin in the skin, unify discolored, uneven tone and overall lighten the skin. It also contains other great ingrdients like hyaluronic acid which has significant hydrating, soothing and anti-aging benefits.

It comes in a dropper bottle (similar to many other Skinceutical products) and is green in color. The texture is a very fine, fast absorbing liquid that feels lightweight and absorbs rapidly (blends very well) in the skin. You only need about 2 to 4 drops to cover your whole face. It has a mild, herbal scent that isn't over powering at all.

Results are typically seen after about 6 weeks of daily usage. Full results in 8-12 weeks, depending on your skin regimen (daily use of sunscreen, some sort of exfoliant to hasten cell turnover rate etc.). I use Retin-A, so my skin is well-exfoliated nightly and I began to see results by the end of the second week. By the 5th week, the acne marks I had on the side of my face vanished and my overall skintone was just luminous. I also found that my cheeks weren't as flushed out looking as they would be otherwise by mid-day.

It can be used underneath your sunscreen in the morning (I used it this way), and you don't have to worry about waiting too long for the product to absorb since it does very quickly. It can also be used at night, or even twice a day.

I wish I could continually purchase this wonderful lightener, but the price is what forced me to look elsewhere. It runs for a steep $80, and comes in 1 oz (30 mL) bottle. Now, including shipping and handling the product just became way out of my budget. I needed something that was relatively more reasonable in price, and I could get in a local drugstore. I found it in Vichy Bi White Double Reveal Whitening Essence.

Still there is no denying what a great product this is. The little product I have left in my vial, I literally only use when I feel my skin is irritated from the cold or whatnot. It definitley awakens the radiance of my skin up. If you have the money to purchase the Skinceuticals Phyto +, I really recommend this one. Very good product.

Rating: 8.5/10

Ingredients:
Water, Thyme Extract, Arbutin Glycoside, Glycerin, Uva Ursi Extract, Kojic Acid, Sodium Hyalurnate, Cumcumber Extract, Citrus Bioflavonoid Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Herbal Fragrance.