NEW Australian Skincare: Efani Co. Vitamin C & E Serum

The topic of vitamin C has been hot in the radar in the recent years. As humans we do not synthesise ascorbic acid (vitamin C) naturally in the body, hence we need to obtain it from food. This is so that we do not get vitamin C deficiency, such as Scurvy, for instance. Did you know that the word “Ascorbus” means no Scurvy? [2]. Not only does vitamin C help with bleeding gums, it is a potent antioxidant that can be used in skin treatment. Hence in Japan, vitamin C is classified as quasi-drug, because of its pigment-fading quality [1].

More about vitamin C:

●     Anti-inflammatory - promote wound healing [2, 3]

●     Collagen synthesis [2, 3]

●     Pigment-fading quality - it interrupts the production of melanin, which then decreases the formation of the pigment melanin [1, 2]

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, and the body needs this in order to keep the immune system going strong. A lot of food that we eat contains vitamin E, including sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, vegetable oils, and nuts (almonds, hazelnuts and so on).

What if then you combine the two?

A new Australian skincare brand has just launched this Spring here in Australia and I have been trialling their new innovation, the Speisialtóir Vitamin C and E Serum. This is potent. Let me reiterate that, potent. 20% of pure vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) and vitamin E in a bottle. Wow, what!

What does the founder, Carmen Le, says about this:

“... the US breakthrough technology, the Amphiphilic Trans-Epidermal Delivery System, used in our Speisialtóir Vitamin C and E Serum, this technology helps overcome the instability issue of pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) in cosmetic formulations. This exclusive patented system allows the active ingredients to turn into micro-molecules, increasing their penetration through the skin barrier, which means the vitamin C potency is intact without the use of preservatives. It is a registered trademark (registration number 5,349,988).” - you can read more about it in their website HERE

How long can this be kept? 36 months

Does it contain any water? No. So you MUST moisturise after!

Is it cruelty free? Yes.

It is also free from preservatives, colours and fragrances.

For all skin types? Yes.

And, it is an Australian brand :) and I do love the laboratory-esque dropper glass bottle packaging.

Ingredients list: Methoxymethylbutanol, Ascorbic acid, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Dimethyl isosorbide, Tocopherol

(As seen in their website https://efani.com.au/products/speicialtoir-vitamin-c-e-serum-10ml)

How have I been using it?

1-2 drops, in the morning, after my toning lotion and before my moisturiser and sunscreen. You must, must, must, wear sunscreen every day, and even more so if you want to start incorporating vitamin C serum into your skincare routine.

I know my skin, so I did not use this every day right away. I had to introduce it slowly. That means, every few days or even a break in between, because the last thing I need is any inflammation or adverse reaction. As I am addressing a few minor pigmentation at random places on my face and an overall improvement to my skin tone, the result will be subtle.

On a side note, I have been using other skincare that have been assisting this for a long time. So, I think it is fair to say that it will show different effects on everyone depending on the current status of your skin, at varying times. A product like this will produce results if you are using it consistently over a period of time, such as 3-4 months. I have products that I use diligently for years and my skin is the result of that.

Is it a nice product to incorporate into the skincare routine? Yes. If you are interested in reducing pigmentation, improving your overall skin tone, brightening and anti-aging, then this is for you. 

I love anything that can contribute to achieving a radiant, brightened, healthy glowing skin. Anti-aging is also something that is always at the back of my mind nowadays since I am in my thirties.

References

[1] Ando, H., Matsui M. S., & Ichihashi, M. (2010). Quasi-drugs developed in Japan for the prevention or treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 11(6): 2566-2575. Doi:10.3390/ijms11062566

[2] Telang, P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol. Online J. 4(2): 143-146.

[3] Traber, M. G., & Stevens, J. F. (2011). Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective. Free radical biology & medicine, 51(5), 1000–1013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.05.017

 

Disclaimer: product has been provided for review consideration.