PRODUCT REVIEW: Valentia Even Glow Serum

I recently received a free full sized Even Glow Serum – 20% Vitamin C Antioxidant Treatment from  Valentia Skin Care @http://www.valentiaskincare.com, sponsored by Brandbacker.  The following information is from their press release about their serum

From Valentia's Site:

 Our skin is damaged each day due to environmental pollutants, oxidative stress, and chemical laden cosmetic products. The amount of free radicals waging war on the skin quickly depletes our natural protective resources.
    Our premier formulation is backed by scientific research into the efficacy of each of the natural ingredients we have carefully selected.
    Our proprietary blend of skin super oils compliment our 20% Vitamin C base, leading to a powerful antioxidant treatment. Each natural ingredient was chosen to support and enhance Vitamin C’s efficacy on the skin, leading to more well-rounded serum to add to your daily skin care ritual.
    Our Even Glow Serum will repair, refresh, and renew your skin; restoring evenness to your complexion, giving you an extra boost of confidence each time you look in the mirror. 

I mean, they really make this stuff sound like the King of Vitamin C serums! I was absolutely down for this, even if it meant I'd have to suffer through a zit here and there!

 Vitamin C: With a 20% concentration does more than boost the body’s immune system; it also provides many benefits to keep the skin tight, smooth and looking ageless. Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, including sunburn, sun spots, redness and wrinkles. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, Vitamin C is essential for everyday maintenance to strengthen and smooth out the skin, as well as neutralizing free radicals before they can damage the skin.

Superior Ingredients:

Vitamin C: With a 20% concentration does more than boost the body’s immune system; it also provides many benefits to keep the skin tight, smooth and looking ageless. Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, including sunburn, sun spots, redness and wrinkles. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, Vitamin C is essential for everyday maintenance to strengthen and smooth out the skin, as well as neutralizing free radicals before they can damage the skin.

***Our additional Key Ingredients below were all selected for their ability to enhance and support Vitamin C’s effect on the skin.

ORGANIC ROSEHIP SEED OIL & ORGANIC SEA BUCKTHORN OIL - These oils promote skin hydration and lock in moisture to protect your skin from signs of aging and improve its beauty and youthfulness. Rosehip Oil specifically has been used in medical communities around the world for those with serious skin ailments and only recently has North America learned to embrace natural solutions from our ancestors. These two organic oils are full of antioxidants and therefore act as the perfect supporting cast for our best friend – Vitamin C

RESISTEM (Plant Stem Cells) – This provides the perfect mix of protection from stress-related aging and promotes skin detoxification. Resistem will help your skin regenerate faster while protecting it from environmental stressors.

HYALURONIC ACID(Botanical) – Holding up to 1000 times its weight in water and drawing moisture out of the environment and onto the surface of your skin ,there is not a more effective moisturizing agent on the market today. Penetrates deeply, and actives collagen production for a fresher, younger, firmer, and brighter complexion

GREEN TEA EXTRACT- The catechins in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant benefits of this ancient health and beauty secret.

What It Does:

98% Natural Ingredients (see below for a description of our Key Ingredients chosen specifically to enhance Vitamin C efficacy on the skin)

EVENS SKIN TONE: Vanquish dark spots and skin discoloration with this new generation Vitamin C Serum. Quickly refresh uneven and ill-textured skin with smooth, wrinkle-free skin that leaves you looking flawless and ageless.

INCREASES GLOW & RADIANCE: Revitalize your skin with essential fatty acids that leave skin smooth and visibly brighter. Smooth skin capable of reflecting light will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well-rested and refreshed look.

ABSORBS RAPIDLY: Moisturizes skin due to the capacity of the hyaluronic acid to absorb water, thereby increasing fluid between cells, giving your skin a smoother and younger appearance. This intense water absorption means no more dry, peeling or cracked skin, even in extreme weather.

BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: The presence of Organic Rosehip Seed oil to support Vitamin C increases collagen production so your skin retains the elasticity responsible for a youthful appearance and prevents skin sagging associated with aging. Enjoy smooth and supple skin that takes years off your appearance.

REDUCES WRINKLES & FINE LINES: Reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of our foundation 20 % Vitamin C. Special ingredients such us Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Sea Buckthorn oil work to plump up the skin, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles in the skin so it is smoother, clearer and younger.

I have been looking for a product that is natural, alcohol free, paraben free, so I am eager to try this out.

The ingredients for this product are clearly marked on the box as well: Proprietary Organic Skin Tea, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Methlsulfonylmethane (MSM), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Globularia Cordifolia Callus Culture Extract (plant stem cells), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed Oil), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Algae Extract, Camelia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

You just need a few drops of this serum, which is a thicker serum in the color of an orange creamsicle, which is due to the Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil,  and it smells like freshly squeezed orange juice – already I am  loving the scent!  The scent is natural from the ingredients as there is no added perfume to this product.   

 So as Natural hair/beauty/fashion blogger who will do anything to get the scoop on a product, of course I continued to use it and suffer through the short term breakouts right?

Nope.

Sorry guys...I just couldn't do it! It's taken me literally my entire 26 years on Earth (I'm sure I was probably fighting acne as an infant) to finally get rid of the huge amount of acne . While I'm always down to try and review a product to the best of my ability, I really don't want to go back down a road of constant breakouts just to see if this particular product does what it says.

What I will say, is in the 4 days of using this product before the breakouts, I genuinely saw a positive difference in my skin. It looked visibly brighter and more even-toned, similar to what my "brightening" serums from Korea will do. I think that if your skin really loves Vitamin C, or even if you've never tried a Vit. C serum, this is the one to try. The scent, the quick results I received and the decent price (only $30!) make this one a winner in my book. I just wish my skin would stop hating on Vitamin C so I could really see how well this stuff worked out long term!

Its available at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJD8NLY and is currently on sale for $35.00, which is over 1/2 off the normal price.  If you purchase this product, Valentia Skin Care will send you an Age Defying Facial Treatment e-book, which has 20 beauty recipes,

Have anyone Else tried it Let me know