I Tried the Dark Spot Serum That Promises to Instantly Fade the Appearance of Pigmentation

They say prevention is better than a cure... whoever 'they' were, they were right.

This is true of a lot of things: Drinking water on a night out to prevent a hangover. Studying to prevent failing an exam. Looking up whether a cafe does halloumi as a side to prevent disappointment.

In the skincare world, hyperpigmentation (also known as 'dark spots') is a common skin concern that is tricky to manage once the damage is done. Case in point: A few of my family members are starting to notice the visible effects of years spent thinking they didn't need to protect their brown skin from the sun, like stubborn dark spots and patches of pigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where areas of the skin become darker in colour compared to the skin that surrounds it, making the overall appearance of the skin look uneven and sun damaged. Things like sun exposure, skin injuries, inflammation and your hormones can trigger melanin production resulting in hyperpigmentation.

Aside from wearing sunscreen as a part of a *full sun safety routine, there are some skincare products formulated to help fade the appearance of uneven skin tone. Including one new dark spot serum that delivered a positive change in my skin after only five days of use. Yep.

What Is the Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum?

Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum is a serum that combines the instant effects of light-reflecting technology with skincare ingredients to provide a long-term approach to tackling dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

When my editor first sent me this product to try, I read the claims and wondered if it'd be better suited to someone already experiencing hyperpigmentation. But then I read this next bit:

Improves the look of pigmentation within one day thanks to light-reflecting particles, while skincare ingredients continue to work over time.

The idea of brightening and evening out the appearance of my skin (without altering the actual colour of my skin) sounded very appealing as sometimes my skin can look dull and fatigued.

Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum Ingredients.

OK cool, but what's actually in this pigmentation serum that makes it good for fading hyperpigmentation?

Well, a bunch of different things, but there are two standouts we need to discuss: niacinamide and hexylresorcinol.

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) - Helps to brighten the complexion, improve uneven skin tone, balance oil production, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and supports the skin barrier. It also inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes, a key process in the production of hyperpigmentation.

• Hexylresorcinol - A synthetic ingredient with antioxidant properties that fights free radicals and has been shown to have a skin-brightening ability. It's also a tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it prevents the enzyme tyrosinase from playing its role in the formation of pigmentation.

You can learn more about how to manage hyperpigmentation and signs of sun damage in our YouTube video below!

Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum also contains shitake mushroom (rich in beta glucans to brighten skin), ashwaganda (smooths and delivers antioxidant benefits), black current oil and peony flower (said to boost skin luminosity), orange peel, sunflower seed oil, grapefruit peel oil and jasmine flower seed extract.

Oh, and don't forget about the light-diffusing particles that give the skin an instant glow!

My Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum Review.

I've been trialling this product for two weeks, which means I can't speak to the long term benefits. What I can tell you about is the results I saw from using Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum morning and night after cleansing over the last 12 days.

This serum has a silky cream texture that doesn’t take long to sink into the skin. It also has a lovely earthy scent that's not too overpowering. But the main thing I noticed was the subtle luminosity the serum delivered the moment I put it on my face.

This was thanks to the product's light-diffusing technology that combines titanium dioxide and a film-forming polymer to begin balancing the appearance of uneven pigmentation within days. It also gives you that even skin tone I keep talking about. 

Here is an image I posted on my IG stories the very first time I applied the serum, and one taken six days later with no makeup. I reckon my skin looks much brighter and more even.

The best way I can describe the immediate change this serum gave to my complexion is that I look very well-rested. Even on days I didn’t have much sleep or was stressed, thanks to this serum, you couldn’t really tell. I’ve also noticed an overall softness and dewiness to my skin.

With regards to my dark spots, as the brand clearly states with transparency, you'll see results with consistent use over time. 

Anyone who's experience hyperpigmentation will tell you, patience is key. It can be a slog, which is why the instant glow you get from this light-diffusing product helps keep you motivated.

I have also given some of this product to my mama (who has melasma under her eye) so I am excited to see how her hyperpigmentation will look over time after using this product, stay tuned!

Want more product reviews from Sadaf? Check out her stories below:

• What Happened When I Only Used 'Probiotic Skin Care' for 2 Weeks

• This New Concealer Is Legit an Eraser for Dark Circles Like Mine

• The Only Frizzy Hair Serum That Can Actually Tame My Flyaways

*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.