This essay first appeared on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in The Strategist Beauty Brief, a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign up here. The Strategist Beauty Brief is delivered every Wednesday.
We’re huge Dr. Idriss enthusiasts at the Strategist. She’s a board-certified dermatologist and one of our go-to skin experts, and we love her skin-care line. One of her recent launches, Major Fade, is a three-step system that aims to fade dark spots and scars and brighten the general complexion. For me, the timing couldn’t be better. After years of trial and error, I’ve finally managed to get my acne under control. Now, instead of battling breakouts, my attention has turned to brightening the scars left behind by a history of pimple popping (yes: Everybody does it). So I tried Major Fade for six weeks to find out how well it works.
The first step in the system is an exfoliating AHA “flash” mask. You use it two to three times per week, and it contains glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids, as well as glycerin. It sits for ten to 15 minutes following your evening cleanse. This is followed by an “instantly illuminating” serum, which contains antioxidant niacinamide and glycerin for hydration — as well as some specifically brightening ingredients — like alpha arbutin and kojic acid. The final step is a vitamin-C gel moisturizer, which acts like a seal.
Is a three-step skin-care system before bed a faff? I’d argue not. (I just allowed the mask to sit as I brushed my teeth and prepped my overnight curls.) And even if the system is a little more than you’re used to doing before bed, I’d recommend putting in the effort. Because after six weeks, there’s no denying it works.
The process is slow going, though, but that’s to be expected of any system designed to fade marks (as the average skin cycle is around 28 days long). So for the first few weeks, I didn’t focus on results. I focused on how each product made my skin feel.
I can’t pinpoint the exact day that I woke up and noticed a change in my skin, but my monthly check-in photos showed a clear difference. Not only are my acne scars, which were starkly red against my pale skin, much lighter, but my overall complexion is brighter, too. My skin also feels deeply nourished and moisturized — despite the fact that the moisturizing last step is a gel and not my usual cream. And while I found the moisturizer to be a standout, if you’re looking to keep costs down (and you already have a go-to moisturizer), Dr. Idriss sells the other two products in the system individually — saving you around $60.
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