Facial brightening and lightening of dark spots have been a trending hot topic that produces billions in consumer sales. While this phenomenon isn’t particularly new, science and technology have effectively caught up to this age-old dilemma. Masks and “maskne” (acne caused by masks) have made “un-spotting” a year-round necessity, and the problem is serious enough that it has left many not leaving the house for days — me very much included.
This quest for clear, unmarked skin has also been wrongfully confused with skin “bleaching,” which generally brings thoughts of an all-over, head-to-toe skin pigment lightening. Rock on if this is you. Today we’re focusing on hyperpigmentation, or dark spots often caused from erupted pimples or shaving over them, ingrown hairs, razor nicks, and menstrual cycles, coupled with blue light (devices’ radiation) and/or sunlight exposure — or all of the above, simultaneously. It’s a lot, I know. In this digital reality we all live in, camouflaging unsightly facial spots is a traumatizing time suck of spot treating multiple times a day. And for men who don’t wear makeup, even more exposing. Wanting clear skin is only human. Sunscreen is vital for everyone in this pursuit, and the market has thankfully diversified in recent years. Because people of color or those who have olive complexions can be more susceptible to visible spots, when coupled with the aforementioned traumas, the cosmetic skin care industry has finally acknowledged the need for products that directly and safely provide solutions for multiracial skin. Better put, the BIPOC community now has enormous consumer brand representation. At last.
Remember this: Brighteners and skin calming agents (niacinamides, topical vitamin C, turmeric, kojic acids) are meant to not only suppress redness but also keep melanin and pigmentation from surfacing to the top layers of broken or treated skin, reactive tones that are darker than our actual skin color. Hence, the ubiquitous “evens out skin tone” on so many product labels. The following brands and indie game changers have answered that call.
ROSEN Skincare focuses on acne breakout solutions that also arm customers with rapid brightening and clearing solutions for the aftermath of scarring, texture, or inflamed bumps. The brand’s four-step “cleanical” routine is: Super Smoothie Cleanser, Tropics Toner, Bright Citrus Serum, and Tropics Moisturizer (set $60). Breakout, a paste wand, is an absolute must ($12). RosenSkincare.com
Visha is serious about men’s skin. Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex ($65) is a five-in-one powerhouse product and superior brightener under RejuVenating Moisturizer ($55). The nine-ounce Fitness Scrub tops my list as the head-to-toe exfoliator as a melting pumice of peppermint, charcoal, and sea salt that limits razor-bumps ($30). VishaSkincare.com
Hyper Skin is simple, targeted and super potent. Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum delivers luxe texture ($36), while Hyper Even Fade and Glow AHA Mask adds sea buckthorn to heal and brighten skin rapidly ($48). GetHyperSkin.com
Finally available in the U.S., SLURP takes our skin corrective details to new heights. Decalt is a gentle skin re-texturizer (smoother) and blemish/pore shrinker that also decongests stagnant skin ($60). Hyaluid works on oxidation and muscular activity management (great Botox alternative) via mega-hydration and firming using lipolysis — a process that metabolizes excess fat deposits and more ($65). Niacid employs “concentrated molecules [to] help raise indentations and clearing of persistent inflammatory skin-surface traumas” and more ($45). Hydromer protects healing skin, provides urban detox, and blurs to a fine finish ($40). SlurpLaboratories.com
The coveted J-Beauty brand Ishi Clinic Beauty Labo is medically guided skincare via Dr. Ishi. Rare, Full APP Serum is one of the most powerfully gentle revelations on the market, using fullerene with more than 250 times antioxidative power than vitamin C ($137). Layer on their Pre Essence C ($48), Ferment Gel ($105) or All Day Gel Mask ($126) to provide super hydration, natural antibodies and urban detox. Exceptional. ShikoBeauty.com
Versed Skincare produces value-conscious results. Dr. Tomassian’s Must-Haves Tone + Texture Repair Kit is spot-on at spots off. Full-size kit ($53) includes: Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel (love!), Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask, Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream, and Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, which doubles as a sheer perfector. VersedSkin.com
27 Rosiers is on point and vegan with Fight Grime gel cleanser ($39), a rich clay detox of Ready, Selfie, Go spirulina mask ($48), Here We Glow Again protect and revive serum with Kakadu plum ($65), and Ma Crème intense youth balm in a hyaluronic-bakuchiol mix ($59). 27Rosiers.com
The upscale brand Herbivore has near cult status among its customers due to its recently launched Nova, a 15 percent vitamin C and turmeric brightening serum to give you the absolute best glow that heals marked skin ($64). HerbivoreBotanicals.com
Lumene provides top-shelf effectiveness and affordability: Glow Renew Night Serum ($29), Artic Berry Oil-Cocktail ($29), Glow Lumenessence Brightening Beauty Lotion ($18), and Overnight Bright Sleeping Cream ($23). Target.com
When you reach a moment of clear, it's time to rebuild. Serucell is deep-rooted rejuvenation called “underskincare” using KFS Cellular Protein Complex Serum ($225), Recovery Serum ($125), and Eye Serum ($145). Serucell.com
UNDEFINED comes in hot as clean and bunny-safe. R&R Exfoliator is an advanced spray toner pre-treatment. Powerful and antioxidant-packed is R&R Day Serum and Night Serum topped with R&R Gel-Crème ($28 each). Lift, sculpt, repair with CBD-infused Glow Gelée ($36). Also, their “Plant Magic” ingredient list is stellar. Undefinedco.com
DOMINIQUE is wearing SAVAGE X FENTY Monogram Voile Sleep Top in Surf Blue. SAVAGE X FENTY Savage X Boxer Briefs in Warm Me Up Orange
Beauty & Grooming Editor MARCO MEDRANO is a multi-state licensed cosmetologist and beauty/grooming expert. @mrmarcomedrano Talent DOMINIQUE KELLEY @domkelley for @cleartalentgroup domkelley.com Creative Director BEN WARD @_benjaminward_ Photographer ANGELA KOHLER @angelakohler angelaandithyle.com for @agencyarts Grooming GIA HARRIS @missgiamakeup
This article is part of Out's July/August 2022 issue, now on newsstands. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue through Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News.
Related | Dominique Kelley on Choreographing for Mariah and the Power of Dance