I was about 11 years old when I was first introduced to the world of dark spot correctors. My mother's baby sister and I share chocolate complexions, and her secret to achieving flawless skin was a slender tan tube labeled "Fade Cream."
As I grew older and puberty left behind unsightly facial blemishes, I too would reach for similar products only to discover that they were often doing more harm than good. (My skin would burn and turn white from the hazardous chemicals in these bleaching creams.)
Since then, I've tried less abrasive solutions, like homemade remedies, and made sure to never leave home without applying sunscreen to get rid of the dark spots on my forehead and cheeks. However, I'm still plagued with hyperpigmentation. So when a new skin tone correcting serum from Lancôme landed on my desk, I decided to give it a try.
Lancôme DreamTone Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector boasts a tinted formula (much like a BB cream) that targets the specific skin concerns for fair, medium and dark complexions. Initially, I was a bit skeptical about this grouping approach, but all of my major woes (dark spots, uneven skin tone and acne and blemish marks) were prioritized, as opposed to the redness or sallowness someone with a lighter complexion may encounter.
Lancôme DreamTone Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector, $98, bloomingdales.com
For the past two months, I've applied a dime-size amount of the Lancôme dark spot corrector after cleansing my face each morning. Its pop-up dispenser makes it easy not to go overboard or waste product. The pinkish-brown formula blended into my skin seamlessly and made it feel super smooth and silky. Plus, there was no burning sensation or skin irritation. (I was nearly tempted to skip my daily moisturizer, but I couldn't go without sunscreen.) This product does contain a powdery floral scent, but I didn't mind as I used very little.
It wasn't until the third week that I started to notice that my dark spots were fading away. And I felt more confident about not being a daily foundation wearer. I thought my mind or mirror was playing tricks on me, until I got compliments from my co-workers that my "skin was glowing." However, I'd attribute the luminosity to a rosewater face spray, as the Lancôme dark spot corrector didn't give me much of a glow on its own.
Rating: 4 out of 5. This serum could use a shine boost.
It's never too late to get on the track to healthier skin:
Daily Skin Habits To Start Now
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