Blotchy skin has met its match, and its name is Dermalogica

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Dermalogica Powerbright TRx Review

Has your skin ever freaked out? And I’m not talking about the random pimple or a little patch of dryness, I’m talking, freaks out. My skin was on the rebound from such a freak out when the Dermalogica PowerBright TRx Trio showed up for review.

Sure I was stressed. Maybe I wasn’t eating so well. Ok, I did go to sleep a few nights without washing my face. But it’s not like I hadn’t done those things before. Maybe it had finally had enough. “Woman, you’re in your early 40s!” said my skin. “If you’re not going to take care of me I will show you my wrath!”

And this wrath equaled acne; in places I’ve never had it before, in amounts that I had never seen. When it eventually cleared, I was left with blotchiness, redness and skin that looked like it was under a dull veil. Oh vengeful skin, why have you forsaken me?

Dermalogica’s PowerBright TRx line promised brighter skin and to “Get uneven skin tone under control.” It sounded like exactly what I needed.

I did have concerns though; the trio included a night cream (something I never use) a moisturizer (which I use sparingly) and an SPF 50 (another thing I never use; I’m a notorious SPF-phobe). But, seeing as my skin didn’t think I was doing a very good job lately anyway, what did I have to lose? I dove in, blotchy skin first.

Ok, I’m immediately impressed with the airtight pumps that keep the product fresh and shield it from sunlight, and the see-through sides that show you how much product remains. Two BIG bonus points, Dermalogica!

But the biggest bonus point of all? They know what my skin needs much better than I do! Turns out, it LOVES night cream and moisturizer. And SPF? It had just never met the right one before.

The blotchiness the acne left me with has a name; hyperpigmentation. And the lack of using a sunscreen was probably adding to it as well. The PowerBright TRx utilizes “skin-brightening agents to control hyperpigmentation and eliminate dark spots (and) UV-boosting technology helps protect against future hyperpigmentation.” The difference it has made in just over a month is amazing.

Let’s look at the individual products…

Seeing as serums are my favorite step in skincare, I knew I would like the C-12 pure bright serum ($90). But I like it even more than I predicted! The unscented, gel formula absorbs instantly, leaving skin soothed and luminous.

It’s highly active list of ingredients includes a blend of Oligopeptides (amino acids; proteins that make up collagen and elastin), Rice-derived Phytic Acid and antioxidant Zinc Glycinate (both lightening agents), and Red and Brown Algae to help regulate melanin formation. Hyperpigmentation doesn’t stand a chance!

C-12 pure bright serum

The moisturizer of the trio, pure light spf50 ($60), shields skin from the sun with something called Oleosome technology (natural plant spheres filled with sunscreens to increase SPF performance.) It also contains a peptide to help regulate melanin production, and Red and Brown Algae appears again to help balance uneven skin tone. Finally, Hyaluronic Acid strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which helps to hydrate it. And hydrated skin is happy skin!

All my fears of heavy moisturizer and SPF were crushed with this. The formula absorbs quickly, leaving behind no shine or tell-tale SPF white haze. All that is left is a light lavender scent that I find very soothing, and visibly softer and less parched looking skin.

pure light spf50

And lo and behold, My skin is loving the pure night($75) nourishing overnight treatment cream too. It’s something I previously thought my oily skin just couldn’t tolerate. Shows how much I know.

Many of the same ingredients as in the other two of the trio can be found in pure night, there to target your skin while it’s at rest. It also has Pumpkin enzyme to smooth, and Cranberry and Raspberry Seed oils to hydrate. Plus, some rather exotic ingredients, White Bird of Paradise Seed Extract to increase luminosity and Moth Bean Seed Extract to fight signs of aging.

Not only did this rich night cream not break me out, but I swear my skin looked healthier the next day. I think my skin was crying out for moisture. And this delivers. Oddly, the scent reminds me of a swimming pool, which I can’t explain, but it’s entirely pleasant.

pure night nourishing overnight treatment cream

What I can explain is that my skin adores this trio. In just over a month my skin looks brighter and more evenly toned, and most of the ugly spots that the acne left behind are either totally gone or on the way. It just looks healthier; more moisturized and less stressed.

And that’s having me freak out in a whole new way!

Want to freak out too? You can get a trial size of the skin brightening trio for just $38. If you have problems with hyperpigmentation, I highly recommend it.

we heartsters, Have you tried Dermalogica? What’s your favorite product from the line?

Stef is many things. Amongst them: co-editor of we heart this, photographer, condiment connoisseur, Philly girl in the California desert, borderline hoarder and a hardcore beauty junkie.
skin tone: NC 25/30
skin type: oily with a fear of rosacea
favorite beauty product: high end skincare and lip products