As we get older, our skincare needs change. After primarily focusing on eradicating hormonal blemishes in my teens, tackling dehydration and dark circles from too many late nights in my early 20s and targeting the first signs of aging in my early 30s, I'm now on a mission to keep my skin firm and bright. Until recently, I overlooked products that promised to lift and tone the skin, thinking I had plenty of time before my face would start to sag. I'd always sought to protect my skin from sun damage and didn't have obvious patches of melasma, so I hadn't invested in specific products aimed at treating hyperpigmentation. The thing is prevention is always better than cure, and it's best to treat age-related skin concerns before they become apparent, so I thought it was about time to incorporate MiamiMD's Dark Spot Corrector* and Age Defying Lift & Firm Cream* into my daily routines.

MiamiMD is a skincare brand devised by renowned dermatologist and Associated Professor of Dermatology at the University of Miami, Dr Jegasothy. The ethos behind her comprehensive but condensed skincare line is to boost women's skin confidence by formulating effective products that promote younger-looking skin without the need for invasive procedures. As I plan to hold off on any age-related nips and tucks for as long as possible, I was really intrigued by the results that MiamiMD could give me after just one month of use. Scroll down for a sneak peek of my before and after results!

Improving the clarity of your complexion is one of the best ways to turn back the clock as an even skin tone really gives a fresher, more youthful look. Despite religiously slathering my face in SPF every morning and avoiding the sun where possible, I do have some subtle areas of hyperpigmentation that I'd like to lighten. Although I'm yet to develop age spots and don't have any patches of melasma to deal with, the PIE (post-inflammatory erythema) left behind after blemishes heal bothers me. The skin may be flat and smooth, but the pink and red marks that remain can take months to fully disappear.

In the hopes of fading these stubborn spots more quickly, I decided to try the MiamiMD Dark Spot Corrector. This product is packed with antioxidants and ingredients that work hard to brighten, including resveratrol (a polyphenol-rich antioxidant which rebuffs negative environmental influences and inhibits skin discolouration), vitamin C (another powerful antioxidant which neutralises free radicals to brighten existing dark spots and effectively protect the skin from further sun damage) and kojic acid (an acid similar to glycolic which inhibits the formation of an enzyme essential for melanin production).

The Dark Spot Corrector has a surprisingly thick and creamy consistency for a product that I'd consider to be a serum. It's quite rich and hydrating, which is perfect if your skin is on the drier side, yet it sinks in effortlessly and pairs well with moisturiser and SPF. The only products that I apply before the corrector are hyaluronic acid and a simple hydrating toner to prevent other serums from interfering with the corrector's efficacy. Despite this product being fragrance free, it does have a faint, natural citrus scent to it, but this soon dissipates after application. Although you can use the Dark Spot Corrector twice a day, I found once a day to suit my skin best. Due to the serum containing such a powerful blend of active ingredients, I noticed that my skin was beginning to feel slightly sensitised with such regular application, so I scaled back my use to mornings only to avoid irritating my skin barrier. As expected, my skin settled in no time, and the results only got better.

Wow, what a glow this product gives. It's not an oily glow that looks overly shiny but a natural, lit-from-within radiance. I've only been using this serum for a month so far, but my skin is generally much more even toned and areas of hyperpigmentation have lightened to some degree, as you can see in my before/after photo below. They haven't disappeared completely, and some larger freckles remain visible, but there's definite improvement. What I'm most impressed by is the fact that some lingering PIE marks from a few recently healed forehead and cheek blemishes completely vanished in just one week. Normally, I'd be stuck with them for a few months at least, so I'm over the moon that I've finally found a product that I can rely on to get rid of PIE quickly. I can only imagine how life-changing this Dark Spot Corrector could be for those wanting to treat melasma and/or age spots.

Don't be fooled, despite this moisturiser having a lightweight gel-creme texture, the fragrance-free formula intensely hydrates. No matter how much you apply, your skin will soak it up in seconds. There's no thick, greasy residue left behind whatsoever, but skin is left so plump, firm and bouncy. Although it doesn't provide a dewy finish, my skin has smoothed out so much from using this cream that the high points of my face always catch the light to give a natural-looking sheen that lasts. I've been using it twice a day with no problems. In the AM, the moisturiser feels cooling and refreshing to apply. As it absorbs, you can literally feel it sucking you in and tightening the skin, like a great pair of Spanx. In the PM, I usually opt for something richer to quench my thirsty skin, but this cream offers enough nourishment that I don't need to. It hasn't clogged my pores or caused irritation, either, which is reassuring for those with sensitive skin who struggle to use harsher anti-aging products, such as retinols.