My Sun Damage Is Out of Control—This $62-and-Under Skincare Brand Works Miracles

I love summer, and I love skincare, but sometimes, those two things seem at odds with each other. I want to be in the sun, but too much sun exposure is bad for my skin. I want to be in the water, but it's drying. I want to drink one Aperol Spritz after another, but that's not great for the complexion either. So, what's a girl to do? Well, it all comes down to balance (and sunscreen)—both of which I've focused on heavily for the past few months. 

Still, though, it's nearing the end of summer, and I see so many signs of sun damage in the mirror. I have hyperpigmentation littering my nose and cheeks; I have fine lines deepening around my eyes and forehead; I even have a general dull, lackluster complexion. Gone are the days of bright, even skin, and as a beauty editor, I'm serious about getting it back. 

To do so, I'm relying on OAM Skin—a brand founded by Ciara. Now, I know what you're thinking, and I agree: I have celebrity beauty brand fatigue just like everyone else. But, this brand is different. For one, it was created in collaboration with a team of research scientists, dermatologists, and an MIT engineer. Secondly, they've made a visible improvement in the state of my skin. Ahead, shop the products. Plus, see a pretty epic before-and-after photo. 

The first product in the lineup is this vitamin C-spiked cleanser. I love it because it cleanses my skin thoroughly without stripping it of much-needed moisture. The secret is in the ingredients. First of all, there are three types of vitamin C for a kick of brightening power and antioxidant protection. Second, there is hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom extract, which are both superbly hydrating. 

It has a light, foam texture and it's fragrance-free. While I appreciate the latter due to my sensitive skin, I think it's worth noting that it does have a certain scent to it; it's not super unpleasant, but it's there. I would describe it as a sort of plastic-y scent. I know that sounds terrible, but it's subtle, and it doesn't take away from all the benefits this cleanser offers.

Okay, for me, this product is the most special of all the brand's products. These pads are soaked in a powerful combination of vitamin C (four different types!), peptides, retinol, green tea, and vitamin E. The effect they had on my skin shocked me. After using them for just a week, I noticed my skin was visibly brighter and more even. Don't get me wrong, that was nice, but what really surprised me was that the deep wrinkles in my neck were visibly minimized.

These wrinkles have bothered me for years. They're the result of hours spent looking down at my phone and computer. I've tried so many things to minimize them, including neck creams and at-home micro-needling, but these pads made the difference. 

I don't love that they're single-use, but they're so hydrating, gentle, and effective, that I can't give them up. In fact, I've already convinced two of my friends to buy them. 

This serum is formulated for all skin types. Translation: It's gentle. Yet, somehow, it also contains four different types of vitamin C, including Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate (a super stable form) and L-Ascorbic Acid (a form that's pretty much the gold standard in skincare). There are also peptides and alpha arbutin to firm and further brighten the skin. It's an ingredient list that's impressive, to say the least. 

As for the texture, it feels slightly oily or even silicone-y, almost like a primer. Personally, I like it, because it makes my combination skin feel soft and moisturized and it doesn't break me out. 

This moisturizer contains three types of vitamin C, along with peptides and hyaluronic acid. Just as I expected, the texture is hydrating and lightweight. It's not so lightweight that it's a gel texture, but it's definitely not a rich cream either. To me, it's a good in-between that could work for my combination skin all year round. 

The fifth and final product (so far) is this eye cream. It has all the trappings of the other products, including multiple forms of vitamin C and peptides. There's also hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and CoQ10. The latter is a powerful antioxidant that's found naturally in the skin. 

I like that it absorbs quickly without leaving an overly greasy or sticky residue behind. I also like that it's only $35. With so many active ingredients, I'd expect this to be double the price. 

As you can see in my before picture, my main issue was hyperpigmentation. Honestly, just looking at this picture makes me want to run to the dermatologist's office for a chemical peel or laser treatment. I can't help but fixate on the dark spots littering my skin.  I took the second picture about three weeks after taking the first. My skin is far from perfect, but I can see a visible difference. It's brighter, more even, my dark spots are slightly diminished. I'm extremely happy with the results, and I guess I have Ciara to thank. 

This is one of my all-time favorite skincare products (and that's saying something). It smells like fresh citrus, brightens my skin, and never irritates it. What more could I and my sun-damaged skin ask for? 

This serum was developed by cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson, who's a knowledgeable and experienced formulator. It's packed with good-for-skin ingredients like 20% pure vitamin C, active green tea, tartaric acid, and squalane. It's like a one-two punch for sun damage. 

Sunscreen is our first defense against sun damage, which is why I always have a tube (or two, or three) on hand. This one is a new favorite. The mineral SPF 50 formula blends into my skin like a dream and gives me a little glow too. 

The citrus scent of this body wash is next level; it never fails to wake me up in the morning and put a little pep in my step. I also love knowing my skin is getting a dose of vitamin C and botanical oils. 

This vitamin C serum is formulated with stable L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and a bioactive fruit blend. In other words, it has three forms of vitamin C. 

With vitamin C, cloudberry seed oil, and carrot root extract, this moisturizer brightens, softens, and protects the skin. 

With a whopping 15% vitamin C, this iconic serum from Sunday Riley will surely boost the skin's radiance. 

I'm very much a fan of this moisturizer. It's affordable, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and combines vitamin C and peptides for extra anti-aging power. 

This toner hydrates my skin like a tall glass of water while simultaneously delivering brightening and free radical-fighting antioxidants. 

This SPF 50 is subtly tinted, so it blends into the skin without leaving a white cast. It also dries to a powder matte finish, which makes it a good option for anyone who has oily skin. 

from Who What Wear