Rx For Brown Skin – Review of Absolute Radiance, Naturally Flawless, and Age Block UV Shield
Rx For Brown Skin is a skin care product line created by dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, author of one of my beauty bibles, Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor’s Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair, and Nails. The products were reformulated and relaunched with additional items introduced in 2010, and since then more products have been added to address other issues such as acne.
Rx Skin Perfecting Kit is Discontinued, But…
The Rx Skin Perfecting Kit I reviewed was a two-step system designed to reduce dark marks due to hyperpigmentation as well as prevent and minimize pigmentation-related signs of sun damage, such as blotchiness and spots. The Rx Skin Perfecting Kit itself has been discontinued, but the products are still available.
Included in that particular kit was Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum and Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener to help reduce melanin overproduction, decrease visible pigmented spots and promote a balanced and even complexion.
…Try the 4-Piece Radiance Renewal System
The Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum and Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener can now be found in the 4-Piece Radiance Renewal System, available in a 30-day supply set ($79) and 90-day set ($139). The sets also include Gentle Cleanser for Normal Skin and Essential Hydration Moisturizing Cream. (I have not tested the cleanser or moisturizing cream.)
The Age Block UV Shield SPF 15 can be purchased separately for $40.
The Review
Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum
What It Is
An exfoliating serum to lift away dirt and dead skin cells to renew skin for softer, smoother texture and a brighter complexion.
Pros
- Free of parabens, alcohol, dyes, propylene glycol, lanolin, and hydroquinone.
Cons
- Some customers found that if purchased alone, it didn’t seem to work as well and needs to be used in conjunction with Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener for, as the company states “optimum” results. As mentioned above, it is now only available in a kit with the Botanical Brightener.
Description
- Size: 1 fl oz (in the 30-day kit) 2 fl oz (90-day kit)
- Contains: MFA Complex to help boost skin cell renewal for better skin tone, hyaluronic acid to capture and retain moisture within the skin and Bright Skin Complex to deliver soy and pomegranate to help restore a youthful radiance.
- Use 3-4 times a week. For best results, use with Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener.
My Take
I’ve used other exfoliating serums and instantly felt smoother, softer skin. I didn’t like the feel of my skin after using this product, even after applying Naturally Flawless.
One important bit of advice is to not use the serum directly after cleansing the face, even if you use a gentle cleanser. My face was stinging; I felt flushed and had to rinse my face with cold water several times before the discomfort subsided. Dr. Taylor advised me to wait at least 20 minutes after cleansing and apply on dry skin. After following those instructions, I didn’t experience that problem.
Since I don’t have the skin problems this serum is meant to address, I scoured the Internet for customer reviews. The product seems to work better for those who have combination skin. Some customers noticed the fading of dark spots, under-eye circles, melasma and other discolorations, and a brighter, smoother and clearer complexion after two weeks of use.
Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener
Botanical extracts and advanced skin care ingredients reduce dull, ashy and uneven skin tone with a Bright Skin Complex (a combination of soy, pomegranate, and hyaluronic acid) to promote a clear, balanced and glowing complexion.
Pros
- Free of parabens, alcohol, dyes, propylene glycol, lanolin, and hydroquinone.
Cons
- Seems to cause blotchiness in some users.
Description
- Melanostatine 5 to deliver peptides that help reduce melanin production.
- Tyrostat to inhibit the buildup of pigment-causing cells to overcome discoloration.
- Beta-White formula to reduce the appearance of dark spots and brighten and even tone.
- Size: 1 fl oz (30-day kit) 2 fl oz (90-day kit)
My Take
Some customers said that it brightened the complexion, improved skin texture, faded dark spots and acne marks, but others had issues with blotchiness and tightness and drying out of the skin.
Age Block UV Shield SPF 15
Contains sunscreen plus an anti-aging formula that protects against sun-related hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dark spots.
Pros
- Free of parabens, alcohol, dyes, propylene glycol, lanolin, and hydroquinone.
Cons
- Didn’t find any.
Description
- Contains UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Botanicals goji, acai and green tea to help slow signs of skin aging.
- Red seaweed hydrates skin for a firmer, more youthful look.
- Size: 1.8 fl oz
- Suggested retail price: $40
- Use on all areas of uneven skin tone and discoloration.
My Take
Sunscreen is necessary when using skin tone correcting products. This one has a non-oily, non-greasy formula that would be great for those with normal, combination and oily skin. I’m not so sure if this is the best sunscreen to use if you have dry skin.
Final Word
The original Rx For Brown Skin products were sold at Sephora and customers were able to test free samples. Since there have been so many mixed reviews depending on skin type and skin concerns, I think a trial is necessary before actually committing to the full-size versions. Just because a product line is created by a dermatologist doesn’t mean it’s the right line for you and if you have serious skin discolorations, I believe you should consult your dermatologist or doctor about products that are safe for you. The site often has promotional offers. Products can be returned within 30 days for a full refund (less shipping and processing.) Be sure to get further information about the purchasing terms. For more information visit the Rx For Brown Skin website.
Absolute Radiance and Naturally Flawless apparently work better when used together. Overall, it looks like individuals with combination skin have the most positive experience with these products. I found that after using the Serum and Brightener, my skin felt dry. If you have sensitive skin, you should ease into this regimen, and stop using if you experience burning, discomfort or any negative reactions.
Since I am not the targeted customer for these products (no visible facial skin discolorations), I didn’t feel comfortable using a star rating.
