As a beauty editor with combination skin who tests just about everything in the skin-brightening and texture-diminishing category, it takes more than just an average product to get me writing. So, when I tried PCA Skin’s Resurfacing Serum, I felt all the feelings I’ve been waiting for on my journey to fresh, clear skin.
Infused with power-packed exfoliants to slough off the dull outer layer of skin and rich botanicals to add moisture back, I noticed the effects of this serum the second it touched my face. To learn more about how this product (and other must-haves from the brand) transformed my complexion from lusterless and patchy to bright and glowy, continue reading below.
Background on My Skin
Long story short, my skin is moody. One day it’ll be soft, smooth and plump and the next it’s rough and bumpy. It errs on the combination side, but in the winter months it can get extremely dry. I was desperate for a product that addressed my skin’s dullness and texture simultaneously without adding to the flakiness I already stress about during the colder months. While I was hesitant to use a serum whose claim to fame is deep exfoliation, I stockpiled my favorite thick moisturizer (see below for the exact formula) and started my new routine. Just a few weeks later, I can confidently say I’ve found the secret to a consistently bright complexion.
The Science Behind the Serum
PCA Skin Resurfacing Serum is formulated with a patented glycolic arginine complex and hydrolyzed prickly pear flower extract that work together to provide gentle exfoliation while deeply hydrating and calming the dermis. The arginine in the complex assists in wound and tissue healing and pumps the skin with antioxidants while heavy lifters like lactic acid and glycolic acid dive deep into the layers to gently remove all the junk that hides beneath the dermis, leaving skin with a glass-like finish. Also included in the bottle is licorice root extract, which comes from the licorice plant and unleashes antioxidant properties the second it hits the skin.
How I used PCA Skin’s Resurfacing Serum
After cleansing and toning at night, I applied a thin layer of the serum before my moisturizer. While you can use it both morning and night if you have less reactive skin, I was keeping my dryness into account. The application pace of once per day everyday never once caused a flare up or flakes.
I continued this schedule for a few short weeks, but it did not take that long to notice the results. Even after the first use, my skin looked healthy, dewy and glowy.
My skin now, after using PCA Skin’s Resurfacing Serum for two weeks once daily.
My Results
I still use PCA Skin’s powerful serum nightly to keep my results consistent, and the way my skin looks comes morning surprises me every time I look in the mirror. It’s even, soft and totally blemish-free—it looks like I just left a facial every time I glance in the mirror. I’ve also noticed a major difference in my pores: they’re much smaller and less noticeable, and they don’t show through my makeup for the first time in my life (yes, this is without primer, too!).
