I Tried Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution - Here's How It Helped My Skin

dark spots caused by a number of factors including age, genetics or, in my case, excessive sun exposure, permanent discoloration can accumulate on the face and make the skin dull and uneven. So when Kiehl's sent a free sample of their A clearly corrective solution for dark spotsI couldn't wait to see if this would reduce the appearance of brown spots on my cheeks. Below I share why dark spots appear and my thoughts on brightening serum. 

What Causes Dark Spots? 

Age

Pigmented spots, also called liver spots and solar lentigo, are flat, yellowish-brown, brown, or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on areas of the skin most exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, shoulders, and forearms. Because of the way they form, age spots are very common in adults over the age of 50.

sun exposure

I feel confident with a tan, but sun exposure can lead to sunspots. That's why I wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day (and when I want to look more tanned, I use a self tanner like L'Oreal Paris Skincare Sublime Bronze Hydrating Auto Tanning Water Mousse). 

Pollution

According to a study in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution can also be the cause of dark spots. The results of this study showed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide was significantly associated with the appearance of dark patches on the cheeks. 

Genetics

Skin pigmentation also depends on genetics, skin tone, and skin type. People with acne-prone skin may experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to acne marks, and people with sensitive skin may experience irritation from hair removal methods, including shaving, waxing, tweezing, and laser hair removal. 

Benefits of Kiehl's Dark Spot Corrector

Dark spots won't go away on their own, so it's important to use a brightening serum to reduce their appearance. Kiehl's Definitive Dark Spot Corrector contains activated vitamin C, white birch and peony extracts that work together to correct the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone. With consistent daily use, skin can appear visibly brighter. 

How to use Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector in your daily life

Start with clean, dry skin and apply the Dark Spot Serum in the morning and evening before moisturizing. It can be applied topically or in a thin layer all over the face. For best results, Kiehl's recommends pairing the serum with a daily SPF, such as Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense. Combining a powerful broad-spectrum sunscreen with a brightening serum can not only help correct visible signs of skin discoloration, but also protect your skin from further UV damage. 

My Review of Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector 

When I was younger, I didn't like wearing sunscreen, so now I have a few sun spots on my cheeks. So far, I haven't tried to brighten up their look, so I was itching to try this Kiehl's serum. The consistency felt a little slimy at first, but quickly absorbed into the skin. The clear liquid has a cooling, refreshing feel that glides across my face. In addition, it does not leave any sticky or sticky residue. I made sure to wear sunscreen over the serum throughout the day to protect my skin. 

After a few weeks, I noticed a noticeable reduction in the appearance of dark spots on the face and the appearance of hyperpigmentation left after acne. My overall complexion is brighter and more radiant. Although my dark spots are still there, I can't wait to continue using this product to reduce their appearance.