Just because you’re called The Sunscreen Company, it doesn’t mean that you only have to stick to making sunscreen. You can also make products that fight all the nasty side effects of sun exposure, like dark spots, for example.
Case in point: Cyberderm Exfoliant Reveal (by The Sunscreen Company) does just that. It’s loaded with glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliant that can fade away dark spots and fine lines. Here’s how it fares:
What’s In Cyberderm Exfoliant Reveal?
GLYCOLIC ACID TO EXFOLIATE SKIN
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know I’m having a fling with glycolic acid at the moment. It wooed me because:
- It brightens and smoothens skin: It dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together, so they can slough off.
- It hydrates skin: Like a magnet, it attracts moisture from the environment into the skin.
- It boost collagen production: It keeps skin firm, preventing premature sagging and wrinkling (but only in high concentrations).
All exfoliating acids can get rid of dead cells like that, but GA is one of the very few that go the extra mile. Its moisture-magnet and collagen-boosting properties make it a must for dry or sun-damaged skin.
The catch? Too much exfoliation irritates skin and GA isn’t the gentle acid out there, anyway. Moderation is the key word here. Once your skin has gotten used to its new friend, you can try using it daily.
Until then, meet up only a couple of times a week. At night. This stuff makes skin more susceptible to UV rays and the damage they cause.
Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
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Texture
Very lightweight. Sinks in instantly.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Two or three nights a week, after cleansing.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Cyberderm Exfoliant Reveal 8% Glycolic Acid Treatment has a super lightweight, clear consistency that dries quickly onto your skin. I apply it before going to bed and, when I wake up in the morning, my skin is all smoothed out.
My fine lines look smaller. My skin feels softer all over. My complexion has taken on a radiant glow. In other words, it does everything a glycolic acid exfoliant is supposed to do.
I don’t have any pesky dark spots at the moment, but if you do, this’ll help fade them faster, too. Needless to say, the more you use it, the better the results. But, don’t overdo it. That’ll just turn you into an irritated lobster!
Related: How Often Can You Exfoliate With Glycolic Acid?
Who Is This For?
- Dry skin
- Sun-damaged skin
Who Is This NOT For?
- Oily and/or acne-prone skin (you need salicylic acid)
- Sensitive skin (glycolic acid is irritating for you)
Related: The Best Salicylic Acid Exfoliants For Oily Skin
Packaging
A white tube with a pump applicator. It’s practical and pretty.
Does Cyberderm Exfoliant Reveal Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Our Exfoliant Reveal is made of 8% glycolic acid that is effective at helping to unglue these cells and expose the new living ones below. | True. |
| It can be used as weekly treatment or if used alone—daily. | I don’t recommend you exfoliate daily. It can be irritating and dry out skin. |
| Dull, rough or dry skin becomes smoother, softer and begins to glow. | True. |
| When used in combination with other targeted treatment products, it can enhance the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin. | True, but any exfoliant does this. |
| It is also beneficial for those suffering from mild acne. | True, but it’s not as effective as salicylic acid for acne. |
Price & Availability
$38.00 CAD at The Sunscreen Company
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a glycolic acid exfoliant, this is a good option to consider.
Dupes & Alternatives
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant ($29.50)
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£6.80)
Ingredients
Aqua, Glycolic Acid, PVP, Arginine, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin.
I, like a lot of my friends, grew up when just about the only sunscreen was a T-shirt. now my face has the dark spots to prove it.
Could you please tell me the best produts, AM and PM to get my dry skin “healthy”.
I have spent hours reading your pages. Thanks for all the wonderful info.
Jennifer, I’d start with a vitamin C serum that also has vitamin E and ferulic acid in the morning. This combo can boost collagen production and the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Skinceuticals CE ferulic is the original product with CEF, but you can also go with Timeless vitamin C serum, Paula’s Choice C15 Booster, Drunk Elephant C serum… There are many dupes around.
A couple of nights a week, use a retinol serum. Start with a small concentration and work your way up, both in terms of concentration and frequency.
After a month or so, introduce glycolic acid. Alternate it at night with retinol (for example, one night retinol, next night glycolic, next night give your skin a break). Again, start with a small dose a couple of nights a week and work your way up slowly.
Like all powerful weapons, glycolic acid and retinol are double-edged: they do wonders for your skin but they can also irritate it. That’s why you have to start small and increase gradually.
If this doesn’t fade dark spots fast enough, it’s time to look for more powerful skin-lighteners, like hydroquinone or kojic acid.
Hope this helps.
Hi Gio,
Can you please write a post comparing the most commonly used ingredients, e.g. kojic acid, HQ, niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, VC, etc. in skincare product for treatment of hyperpigmentation? I’m suffering from dark spots, acne scarring, freckle, and rosacea, and my skincare line consist of VC, niacinamide, retinol, and some other prescribed ointment for rosacea. But I always seek for more powerful ingredients to treat my face. I would love to learn more, and since you are the expert. Please feed me more. Thank you!! 🙂
Selena, hi! Sure thing, I will but it may take a while cos there is so much to cover. I like your skincare routine. How are these products helping you so far? If you aren’t happy and want to switch to something more powerful, I recommend either azelaic acid or hydroquinone used in 4 months cycles (HQ for 4 months, kojic acid or something else for 4 months, back to HQ for 4 months etc). Hope this helps. 🙂