I don't know what the worst part of breaking out [1] is for me — the actual pimple or the mark that's left behind in its place of months after it heals. My skin is especially prone to discoloration and dark, red acne marks [2] — I really don't know why — but it makes manageing my combination skin type [3] even more frustrating.
I get hormonal breakouts on my jawline so I'm constantly on the hunt for products that will fade the acne marks and discoloration in that area especially. I practically bathe in vitamin C every morning and do a brightening peel mask once a week [4] but the stubborn spots still stay put. Trust when I say it's not from a lack of trying that the marks are still visible. If there's one person I trust to know their stuff when it comes to pimples — and healing pimples — it's Dr. Pimple Popper herself, Sandra Lee, MD [5]. And her newest product sounds like it was plucked straight from my dreams.
The SLMD Dark Spot Fix [6] ($50) is a maximum strength hydroquinone spot lightener that works on everything from sun spots to age spots, and acne scars. It contains what they call a triple threat: 2 percent hydroquinone, a potent skin brightener that works on your overall skin tone by limiting production of melanin, kojic acid which addresses acne and hyperpigmentation from sun damage and age spots specifically, and salicylic acid, an exfoliating, acne-fighting agent.
Before and After Using SLMD Dark Spot Fix For Two Days
The bottle has a push-to-dispenser top that not only keeps air out of the container which makes it last longer, but also keeps germs from your hands out, too. One pump gives you the perfect amount to apply a thin layer of the gel to your entire face. However because I only have a few specific areas that I want to lighten, I used the gel as more of a spot treatment. You want to apply it to dry, clean skin morning and night for about 30 to 45 days to see results. Note: the pack says that if you don't see results after using it for three months you should stop use. It's also recommends that you take a one to two month break after using it for three to four months consistently.
I've only used it a few days now and call me crazy, but I already feel like I'm seeing some progress. Check back with me in a month.