If it didn’t happen to me, I would have never believed it.
When it comes to skincare brands that claim to change your skin overnight, I’m usually a skeptic, if not a full-blown pessimist. These goos and potions love to offer supposed magical solutions to reduce redness, hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles, but I can’t help but raise an eyebrow in suspicion every time I see an ad like that.
And I’m the target customer because I have a wealth of skin concerns: Not only do I have extremely sensitive and pale skin, but I also struggle with hormonal acne caused by PCOS, which leaves dark spots behind sometimes weeks after a zit disappears. Currently, I’m trying to fade a patch of purple marks on my chin from a particularly intense picking session I had months ago — it’s still there despite constant application of moisturizers and even retinol.
I was running out of options when a coworker gushed about Dermelect. She claimed the brand’s Self-Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum calmed her inflamed skin and reduced the appearance of acne. After months of frustration, I was willing to try anything. And I am so glad I did.
What’s in the Self-Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum?
Dermelect’s bestselling serum is touted as a concentrated trio of amino acids that work in tandem to create “drastically smaller-looking pores, smoother skin, and a brighter, more even complexion” overnight. This sounds too good to be true, but if you look at the ingredient list, you immediately see why the product is so potent.
You’ve probably heard of these superhero ingredients in ads or on social media, but you might not know why they’re so powerful. This serum’s got salicylic acid, a pore-clearing and anti-inflammatory exfoliant; glycolic acid, a variety of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and aids in collagen production; and L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of the antioxidant vitamin C that helps brighten and smooth skin. It pretty much taps all of the trending active ingredients to work together in one convenient step in your skincare routine.
My first impression of the Self-Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum
Immediately upon opening the small red bottle that houses the clear serum, I applied four drops from the included dropper before the rest of my nighttime products. I found the formula lightweight and easy to smooth over my skin, and while it dried slightly tacky, the texture wasn’t an issue because I used it under a moisturizer. I didn’t feel any burning or tingling the first time I used it, however I have noticed it burns slightly if you apply it to any broken skin, like a freshly popped pimple or chapped nose. Of course, the instructions specifically say not to use it on broken skin, so next time, I’ll read more carefully before diving in.
It has a light scent I’d describe as pleasant and slightly citrusy. For those who are sensitive to synthetic fragrances, this serum has none, so all the smell comes from its essential ingredients, like vitamin C and aloe.
After applying my moisturizer, I went to sleep as usual. In the morning, my face didn’t stick to my pillow, my pillowcase wasn’t discolored or stained at all, and my skin felt pretty soft to the touch.
A quick look in the mirror before brushing my teeth confirmed I wasn’t dreaming: My skin was smooth, soft, and somehow a bit plumper than the night before. The redness that’s usually around my nose and cheeks had faded, and a leftover red splotch from a blemish I had picked at was dried up and nearly gone. After one night, I was sold.
My real review, six months later
I’ve been using the serum pretty regularly since January. But on nights I don’t use it, my skin is noticeably drier and more irritated; the pores on my nose and cheeks look larger and more congested and feel textured; and the lines on my forehead from scowling at a screen all day feel and look more pronounced.
As with any skin product, consistency is key. It’s only been six months of spotty use (blame it on travel and my unreliable memory), so I can’t speak to its longer-term results regarding wrinkle reduction or overall skin brightening just yet. But so far, I’m extremely pleased with the instant boost of hydration and color correcting it provides. I’m so happy with the results that I’ve actually started using some of Dermelect’s other products, including a neck and chest cream, which I also love.
If you’re on the hunt for a serum that’s easy to use, provides results quickly, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin, this is the one for you.
Other Dermelect Products Worth Trying
Self-Esteem Professional Neck Firming Lift
Dermelect
As a side sleeper, I’m constantly battling the Y-shaped fine lines that form around and between my boobs after a good night’s sleep. I’ve started using this neck cream from the same line as the Self-Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum to help plump up and smooth those wrinkles, hopefully preventing any further deepening of the lines. I appreciate that it soaks in quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue, as I’m someone who cannot fall asleep if I feel sticky or oily.
Confidence Crease Concentrate
Dermelect
Hyaluronic acid and retinol work together in this silky gel-serum hybrid. Not only does it glide on effortlessly, but it feels like a primer for your skin, glossing over fine lines or texture with ease. That makes this product great for wearing under makeup.
Timeless Anti-Aging Daily Hand Cream
Dermelect
As a redhead, I’m intimately aware of the fact that I’m susceptible to sun damage, especially on the thin skin of my hands. In an effort to prevent any sun spots or crepey skin, I’ve been slathering on this rich hand cream that contains collagen to hydrate and smooth the skin, hyaluronic acid to moisturize, and emblica (a gooseberry extract) to soothe irritation.
