I try very hard to associate primarily with positive people who support me and my dreams.
That said, when the holidays come around, there is a lot of obligatory socializing, and sometimes with distant relatives and acquaintances I would, quite frankly, rather not see.
One thing that makes me feel better — just prettier, more secure — is having amazing skin. I pull out the big guns at this time of year, and I look for stronger ingredients that are going to get the job done.
Enter Apothederm Bright Skin Serum ($67.50, FutureDerm.com/Shop). One of the best products out there with malic and mandelic acids, this product’s ingredients have been shown in independent, peer reviewed studies to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, acne blemishes, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, melasma, ingrown hairs, and rough skin. (Whew!)
Mandelic Acid: An Antioxidant from Almonds that May Take Away Skin Roughness and Fine Lines
One of the main ingredients in Apothederm Bright Skin Serum,  mandelic acid, is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from almonds. When applied to the skin in concentrations as high as in Apothederm Bright Skin Serum, mandelic acid has been shown to be a potent antioxidant in the skin (Tetrahedron).
A review in Clinics in Dermatology further found that mandelic acid takes down skin roughness and fine lines
Malic Acid: An Antioxidant from Apples that May Brighten Skin
Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from apples. (Between this and the mandelic acid from almonds, it kind-of feels like I’m talking about a fall snack!)
At least one study has found that a combination of malic acid and other AHAs increased collagen production over time (Journal of Dermatology).
Like difficult relatives, malic acid is better encountered in the company of others: the International Journal of Skin Science that malic acid is  less effective than other alpha hydroxy acids, but malic acid is quite potent in combination with other AHAs (like the mandelic acid in Apothederm Bright Skin Serum).
When used in conjunction with other AHAs (like mandelic acid), studies show malic acid treats skin roughness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Personal Use and Opinions
Apothederm Bright Skin Serum is a lightweight serum that glides across the skin easily. It leaves a bit of a tacky finish initially, which made me like the product better for nighttime use, though the company recommends it for day and night.
You can certainly tell this is an acidic, powerful product: A bit of burning or stinging may be experienced, but this is normal, owing to the alpha hydroxy acids. Over time, your skin will not burn or tingle from it.
Within 10-15 minutes of using the product, the tackiness is completely gone, and the skin looks smoother. It has a bit of a glow.
A gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen should be used everyday in conjunction with the product. You may want to use products that do not contain retinoids, other alpha hydroxy acids, and exfoliants on the same day as this product.
Bottom Line
Apothederm Bright Skin Serum leaves the skin incredibly smooth after 10-15 minutes. The treatment can also be used on rough areas like the knees, elbows, and feet (with appropriate sun protection on these areas, of course!)
That said, I love Apothederm Bright Skin Serum. It definitely gives skin a brighter, tighter glow! I find it to give me a little confidence boost for the holidays, and who doesn’t want that?!
Product rating: 9.5/10. (High concentration of effective ingredients: 3+/3. New technology or unique formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0.5/1; there is no sunscreen in this product, but it should only be used at night anyway, so it is only a 0.5 deduction).
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Peg-8/SMDI Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldmethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Isohexadecane, Oligopeptide-10, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Ubiquinone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate-60, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.