Several months ago, Heather sent me samples of several Cellex-C products to use and review. Since I'd heard so many good things about Cellex-C, I was excited to try them. Cellex-C is ascorbic acid-based (vitamin C) and claims that after 8-12 weeks the skin's surface has a more youthful appearance -- smoother and firmer, with lines appearing much less pronounced. Sounded great to me! The only problem was the lack of clear instructions provided with the products. I couldn't figure out which product to use when or in what order and I spent a lot of time on line researching. My best information came from one of our Cosmetic Connection readers (thanks, CJ!), who probably saved me from dissolving my skin!

My samples included Advanced C-Serum, High Potency Serum, Skin Firming Cream Plus, and Hydra 5 B-Complex. I subsequently purchased Advanced-C Eye Toning Gel. Instructions included with the products made me think that each of the first five products were supposed to be used together. So I did that. Fortunately, my skin isn't sensitive because that is NOT the case. The resulting feeling was much more than just the tingling Cellex-C warns you about - we're talking real stinging!! Depending on skin type and sensitivity, just one of the first three products is supposed to be used with the Hydra 5 B-Complex.

Cellex-C products contain differing concentrations of their vitamin C formula, so be sure to read, read, read, and ask a lot of questions before purchasing. I definitely recommend buying a sample kit first before investing in the regular size products - Cellex-C is not for everyone's skin and it's not inexpensive! I tried all the above-mentioned products and decided on the stronger formulas since my skin had no adverse reactions to them.

Advanced C-Serum ($115 30ml)
Advanced C-Serum contains 17.5% vitamin C (the High Potency Serum contains 10%). It's slightly thicker than water and comes with a pipette (eye dropper). That's a good idea because it only takes 2 or 3 drops for your whole face and neck, and at this price I sure wouldn't want to waste any! The instructions say to put the fluid in your palm, dip your fingers in it and then wipe it over your face and neck. That didn't work out for me because most of the fluid absorbed into my palm before I could get it on my face! I find dropping the fluid on the tips of the index and middle fingers on one hand and quickly rubbing them on the corresponding finger tips on the other hand and then wiping on my face and neck works fine. Advanced C-Serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly into my skin. It's fragrance-free and makes my skin feel smooth. Although the delivery system is a little unhandy, I like the way my skin is looking - lines seem fainter, skin seems smoother and more firm after only two months. My sample is nearly gone and I'll definitely buy the full size.

Hydra 5 B-Complex ($46 15ml)
Cellex-C calls Hydra 5 B-Complex an "enhancer" product that is supposed to facilitate the absorption of the vitamin C when used after the serums. Hydra 5 B-Complex comes in a bottle with dropper like the serums and, like them, you just need to use 2 or 3 drops for your entire face and neck. Hydra 5 feels really nice going on; it's a little "slicker" than the serums and leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. Since I was trying out both serums, I ran out of Hydra 5 before using them up and have already purchased the full size of this one.

Advanced-C Eye Toning Gel ($70 15ml)
I really like this stuff! It contains the highest level of vitamin C of all the Cellex-C eye products, but I've experienced no problems in the month I've used it. Even though I'm still in the early days, those awful crow's feet seem fainter! Just one drop is enough for both eyes; it goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly. Since it is oil-free, Cellex recommends using an eye cream (anything you like) over it and I do that. Other Cellex eye products with less vitamin C do contain a moisturizer. I wish this one did since it is quite expensive on its own without having to purchase a separate product.

Cellex-C is certainly expensive, but since you need to use so little and the products are meant to be used only once a day (preferably in the morning), the value is better than it first appears. Products should last 8 or 9 months according to a spa I talked to. My only real complaint is that I wish separate moisturizers weren't necessary for the higher concentration products - yes, the serums, like the eye toning gel, need separate moisturizers if your skin feels too dry after using the serum/hydra 5 combination. And my combination skin definitely feels better with a moisturizer.

The bottom line is that my 52-year-old skin seems much improved - smoother, firmer with the lines less noticeable. You can purchase Cellex-C at many spas and dermatologists and online at CosmeticMall.com, SkinCareRx.com, The Skin Center, INatural Cosmetics, and Essential Day Spa among others.