111Skin’s Glow-Giving Dark Spot Serum Saved My Skin
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It’s a running joke in the beauty world that brands always reformulate or discontinue the most beloved products. And even if the formula is technically upgraded, the new version never works or feels the same. Sometimes, however—as in the case of 111Skin and its Repair Serum NAC Y²—a reformulation is even better than the original.
Helmed by London-based plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides, the brand has made waves for its extensive (and Instagram-worthy) face and eye mask selection, worn by the likes of Olivia Wilde and Victoria Beckham. Its NAC Y² formulation is the crown jewel of 111Skin and has been at the core of its hero products since they were first formulated over a decade ago.
Repair Serum NAC Y²™
$350.00
111skin.com
The improved product is designed to hit pause on the aging of skin cells, to stave off lines and wrinkles. NAC (N-acetylcysteine) plays a major part in replenishing the body’s glutathione, an antioxidant found in the skin that is integral to healthy cell renewal and protecting against free-radical damage. The new serum features an updated encapsulated form of NAC, which allows the ingredient to penetrate deeper into the skin and reach the area where new cells are formed. In turn, this slows down the aging process and proactively prevents damage to cells. Not only does the new serum contain the NAC ingredient, it’s also coupled with vitamin C and escin, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that oxygenates cells.
This powerful cocktail makes the new formula four times as powerful as its predecessor. Plus, it helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation. I tested it over the course of a month (in the height of summer and at peak sun exposure, no less), and here are my thoughts.
How I Tested
I first used this serum on a trip to the Four Seasons Anguilla, where I spent a lot of time in the sun (slathered in SPF, of course), so I really gave the product a run for its money to protect my skin from photoaging. The other 111Skin products I’ve used have been super rich in texture, but to my surprise, the NAC Y² serum boasted a lightweight, bouncy texture. Since the serum is already dosed with vitamin C, I used it in place of my regular vitamin C serum. While I am not opposed to doubling up on brightening agents, I wanted to see how the NAC Y² treated my moderate melasma on its own.
Ease of Use
The fear any time I try a new product on my face is how my skin will react. Will it get irritated, inflamed, look red for days? It’s always a risk. But the NAC Y² didn’t cause any adverse responses–despite the powerful ingredients. In fact, I noticed an immediate glow and brightening effect on my skin. Over time, my skin looked plumper and some of my dark spots diminished. I don’t have extreme fine lines or wrinkles (yet), but I found comfort in knowing the serum had ingredients that worked to prevent signs of aging. With some serums, I find myself using two—even three—pumps of product to cover my entire face, neck, and chest. With the NAC Y² bottle, I only needed about a pump and a half to cover my décolletage and up.
The Verdict
Let’s be candid: This serum isn’t inexpensive. For a steep $350, you want to have no doubts about whether it’s putting in the work, which is why I love that the brand reformulated it to be four times more powerful than the original. The serum is also proven to boost the skin barrier’s moisture for up to 48 hours and boost hydration by 165 percent, so you could swap out your hyaluronic acid with the NAC Y² as use it as your one-and-done serum.
Final rating: 4.0/5
If you’re looking for an all-in-one serum that will target aging, as well as texture and tone, 111Skin's Repair Serum NAC Y² is a great investment. Plus, once you add up everything you spend on various types of serums, like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, the price tag starts to look less intimidating.
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