I’m not gonna lie, this post has been quite complicated (and long) to write… An anti-dark spots treatment is not the easiest product to put to the test.
With products like the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum it takes time and the results are not always guaranteed (sorry to be such a killjoy). Ahem. OK.
So, the expectations with this kind of product can be quite different:
- – First scenario: you want a product which reduces and/or prevents dark spots.
- – Second scenario: you want some radiance. Your want your complexion to be brightened.
- – Third scenario: you want a regenerating product. It will help the skin to heal, reduce acne scars…
Side note: I have a confession to make, even though I was aware of the harmful effects of sun exposure (and any UV exposure in general), each summer now for quite a long time, I’ve been going to the tanning salon. I didn’t go crazy, only 10 sessions every year. That was my only UV exposure. I was not doing any sun bathing on top of that. Yes, I know, it’s very bad and it’s over now. (Well, since last year) (I know, please don’t judge me)
I decided to stop because I started getting some ugly dark spots appearing on my face. (yes, I agree, side effects can be much worse)
At the moment, these dark spots appear only if I expose myself to the sun. (but it can change)(and I currently live in the middle of the desert, with bright sun all year round)
Here is a video on this topic that I find very pretty, and which shows the effects of UV rays on the skin (but I love the freckles!):
So, I don’t forget to protect my skin every day, but I also need a little help if I want a more even (looking) skin.
So what are my expectations regarding an anti-dark spots treatment? For me it’s about preventing more hyper-pigmentation appearing on my face. And if I can also bring some radiance to my complexion, I’m all in, of course!
But first, what’s a dark spot exactly?
A dark spot is a melanin accumulation at the surface of the skin. The melanin is a pigment responsible for the skin coloration. It’s also known as hyper-pigmentation. These dark spots are caused by several factors, but it’s mainly because of too much sun exposure. Of course, the older you get, higher is the probability of these ‘undesirables’ showing up on your face…
They tend to appear on the most exposed areas of your face or body, but also on the hands.
To prevent them, nothing beats daily UV protection, obviously! wink
To treat them, several solutions: specific cosmetic treatments but also dermatological treatments like cryotherapy or more radical, the laser (which I personally haven’t ever tried).
As you can see, I chose the soft option, the good old specific cosmetic treatment.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum:
I had wanted to try the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum for several years. I regularly worked in pharmacies when I was in France and this product was selling like hot cakes. Really. So, of course, I was intrigued…
And then last spring, I was invited to Caudalie’s launching in the Middle East, and the brand kindly offered me a Vinoperfect Serum to try.
I purchased a second bottle myself, because, in my opinion, it’s unlikely / difficult to actually see results before at least 3 months of treatment. Yes, I know, it’s a long time. But we’re talking about pigmentation in the dermis. It’s not on the surface of the skin, it’s much deeper, so it takes longer to really see any results.
Here is the official line from the brand:
“This lightweight milky serum corrects and prevents dark spots, to even skin tone and increase radiance. Highly concentrated with patented Viniferine to counter sunspots, acne marks, scars, and damage, for a brighter, beautiful complexion.
Oil-free formula. Non-photo sensitizing, Non-comedogenic. All skin types.“
Regarding the formula, Caudalie highlights one of its “star” ingredients, the Viniferine. It’s extracted from grapevine sap and it’s supposed to be 62 times more efficient than Vitamine C (often used in the dark spots treatments). It’s also efficient in boosting the skin’s micro-circulation, so it’s perfect to brighten the complexion.
My review:
I tried this serum for about 3-4 months. The timing was perfect because it’s a particularly suitable product for summer and the brighter sun, which is a trigger for my dark spots…
During the first 6 weeks, I applied it day and night under my creams. Then, I used it only during the night before applying night cream for 2 months.
Regarding the amount of product used, it was about the equivalent of half a pipette I used each time.
The results I was expecting:
- a preventing effect on the dark spots I may get with any sun exposure (the sun is quite difficult to avoid here in Dubai)
- a radiance effect on the complexion
- a regenerating effect on my skin
Here are the results of my test:
Packaging:
It’s a glass vial with a pipette inside.
I really like the packaging. It’s pretty of course, but that’s not the only reason:
I can see through the glass so it’s possible to see how much product is left.The pipette is very practical, it’s not just there for some psychological-marketing reasons (the pipette= scientific/serious/efficiency).
The vial could have been more hygienic, especially regarding oxygen contamination, but I didn’t notice any change in my product before finishing the treatment, so it’s OK, I guess.
Texture:
It’s a lightweight texture, like a milky liquidy gel. It’s completely oil-free (perfect for my very greasy skin).
Scent:
The scent is very nice, very fresh, kind of fruity. It’s a nice product to use, really.
Absorption/Feeling on the skin:
It’s really quickly absorbed into the skin. It can be a little bit sticky when first applied, but this feeling doesn’t last. However it didn’t have any hydrating effect, I don’t think it’s a great moisturizer (but it’s not really suppose to be, so…).
Ingredients/ Formula:
The ingredient list (on Caudalie’s website) shows a rather “clean” and well balanced formula. No silicone or any drying alcohol, a lot of natural ingredients … Very interesting!
The brand highlights two key assets: the Viniferine, the anti-dark spots ingredient and the olive squalane, an emollient (=anti-dehydration).
Efficiency:
– about the regenerating effect on the skin: to be sincere, I didn’t see anything. It did nothing for my acne scars, nada.
– about the radiance effect: here, however, the product is really efficient. I didn’t have any dull skin to talk about during the treatment! wink
– about the dark-spots preventing effect: it’s a success! No sign from my dear friends the dark spots this summer! Yay! :)
– about the dark-spots removing effect: my hyper-pigmentation is thankfully only temporary at the moment. I only have dark spots if I go sun bathing without any protection. So I was more interested in the preventing effect of the Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Serum.
Value for money:
I’m not gonna lie, it’s not cheap. Especially if you compare with the French price, it’s ridiculously expensive.
The price for the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is 79$. It’s a good product though. (but if you can, get some in France!)
Availability:
In France, it’s very easy to find. Every French pharmacy sells it. Here in Dubai, it’s available in Bin Sina pharmacies.
But you can also find it online.
In summary:
[wprs-pros][wprs-cons]
The only thing that bothers me is that I can not really judge the efficiency on permanent dark-spots, because mine are rather temporary. They only appear with high sun exposure.
But I guess that Vinoperfect will become my perfect “summer serum”. If it allows me to avoid the appearance of those pesky dark-spots for a few more years, that’s fine with me!
And you, did you try the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum? What are your thoughts? If you know other good alternative, please feel free to share in the comments! wink
Disclaimer: two products were used for this test, one offered by the brand and another I purchased myself.
Photos credits: bonnie-garner.com
Cet article est aussi disponible en français: Vinoperfect Sérum Eclat Anti-Taches de Caudalie, mon avis
