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When testing this formula, we were most impressed by how gentle it is, especially for everyday use. Despite several potent superstar ingredients, it didn’t cause any irritation and was highly effective at brightening the complexion. After just one month of regular use, we noticed significant changes to our dark spots without it stripping our skin (and, instead, keeping it well-nourished). Keep in mind that this is not a spot treatment; the product should be applied all over the face. Dark spot correctors are one of the best skincare formulas for reducing the appearance of these blemishes at home, as they promote cellular turnover and use ingredients that help fade hyperpigmentation over time. Though, due to their persistent nature, you can’t just use any dark spot corrector to get the results you want. With this in mind, we researched dozens of dark spot correctors before ultimately testing over a dozen formulas to find the best dark spot correctors. After several weeks of trying them out in real life, these 11 are worth the buy. However, evidence of its magic appeared when, almost suddenly, we noticed our skin was clear, our eye bags were practically nonexistent, and the feel of our skin was smoother than glass. And, do we dare say that the kojic acid and niacinamide left our skin with an unmatched luminosity that only the most pigmented highlighters can rival? It also could have been the allantoin, an emollient and chemical compound borrowed from plants, that softened our skin and gave our tired appearance a glow-up.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. The formula achieved this in a couple of different ways. First, it used five percent niacinamide, a percentage studies have shown to be a much more effective amount at treating hyperpigmentation, to lighten the skin. Then, the formula combined Barbados cherry, one of the most abundant sources of ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C), with licorice root extract to vigorously brighten our skin without triggering a hint of irritation. What We Don’t Love: Layering too many heavy foundations and face lotions on top of the serum caused it to pill.
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Yet, what was more surprising was how well the formula cleared up our acne in spite of the fact that we stopped using our prescribed tretinoin. As we braced ourselves for an expected breakout, like around the time of our menstrual cycle, we were overjoyed when our skin remained as clear as ever. The formula is also stuffed with moisture replenishing ingredients, like hydrolyzed rice protein, to prevent dehydration. This little protein has also been shown to reduce tyrosinase activity that leads to melanin production. Panthenol is another skin-softening ingredient that pulls double-duty by nourishing the skin while delivering healing properties that can fade the look of acne scars and other marks.
As with most skincare products, it’s also important to consider your skin type and its compatibility with a formula. “Opt for products formulated to suit your skin, whether it’s oily, dry, or sensitive, to minimize the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Pearl Grimes, the chief dermatologist at Mother Science. Boots UK is a member of Alliance Boots, an international pharmacy-led health and beauty group. Boots UK is the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer. Our purpose is to help our customers look and feel better than they ever thought possible. We have close to 2,500 stores from local community pharmacies to large destination health and beauty stores.Khan BA, Mahmood T, Menaa F, et al. New Perspectives on the Efficacy of Gallic Acid in Cosmetics & Nanocosmeceuticals. Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24(43):5181-5187. doi:10.2174/1381612825666190118150614 What We Love: A host of non-irritating, plant-based anti-bacterials cleansed our skin to curb bacteria growth and oil production that causes breakouts. Excessive sun exposure – this is the main cause of hyperpigmentation, as sunlight triggers the skin to produce melanin.
Fading dark spots, sun spots, age spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation is a common concern, especially among people of color. According to New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, discoloration is often a result of sun damage, hormonal changes, or skin growths, but there are products you can use to reverse the damage. A common skin concern, hyperpigmentation can affect all skin types and is typically caused by environmental stressors and aging. Although it’s usually harmless, face hyperpigmentation can cause skin to look uneven and remain for years if left untreated. After researching the best dark spot correctors available on the market, we narrowed down the list to the 13 most popular products currently available and brought InStyle editors to test the product in our NYC-based Lab. Then, each editor went home with a different dark spot corrector to test as part of our daily skincare routine for the next 12 weeks. We followed the manufacturer’s usage instructions and diligently applied the formula every day, sometimes twice, if the instructions called for it. The best part? It only takes two weeks to see results. We consistently applied the formula morning and night for 14 days and saw an improvement in the look of our dark spots. As the testing period progressed, dark spots and marks faded and eventually disappeared.
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Markiewicz E, Karaman-Jurukovska N, Mammone T, Idowu OC. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin: Molecular Mechanism and Skincare Implications. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:2555-2565. Published 2022 Nov 25. doi:10.2147/CCID.S385162 Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi recommends products with azelaic acid, which is an exfoliant known to banish breakouts, reduce inflammation, and even out the skin tone—all while being less harsh than hydroquinone. “Azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase and prevents pigmentation, but it’s much more gentle,” she explains. If you’re interested in the ingredient, try out the PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum, which contains azelaic acid. Retinol
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