My number one skin-care concern is fading my dark spots, and I’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to diminish my hyperpigmentation. Dark spots are notoriously tough to eliminate, as is maintaining an even skin tone. So I’m on a mission to find treatments that are actually effective. After interviewing board-certified dermatologist Muneeb Shah, MD (better known as @dermdoctor on TikTok) about his skin-care recommendations, I was eager to test his go-to dark spot treatment, Remedy For Dark Spots ($38).
Remedy For Dark Spots is one of the core products that comprises Dr. Shah’s skin-care brand, which focuses on problem solving products at an affordable price point. He previously told PS, “It treats the three causes of dark spots from the beginning to the deposition in the skin.” While developing this product, Dr. Shah noticed a gap in the market for a treatment that could help fade existing discoloration while working preventatively to block the formation, transfer, and deposition of pigment in the skin. “This product contains a myriad of ingredients that not only block this formation of pigment, but it also removes pigment once it’s already formed,” he said.
After hearing all about it, I needed to know if it was worth the hype. Keep reading for my thoughts on the Remedy For Dark Spots, as well as before-and-after pictures of my results.
Experts Featured in This Article
Muneeb Shah, MD is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and laser surgeon practicing at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery.
About the Remedy For Dark Spots Serum
- It’s formulated with ingredients that help prevent new dark spots, like one percent kojic acid, glutathione, licorice root, three percent tranexamic acid, and silymarin. It also contains five percent niacinamide, which helps prevent new discoloration from deposition in the skin, and acetyl glucosamine, which helps amplify the benefits of niacinamide, according to the brand.
- It also contains 0.1 percent encapsulated retinol and mandelic acid to help fade existing dark spots and discoloration, as well as calming ingredients like glycerin, turmeric root extract, and squalane.
- It is vegan, cruelty-free, and contains no fragrance.
What I Like About the Remedy For Dark Spots Serum
I’ve tested plenty of dark spot serums over the years, and I can confidently say that the Remedy For Dark Spots serum is one of the most effective discoloration-fading serums on the market. It delivers noticeable results in just a few weeks without irritating the skin. In my experience, most dark spot treatments either work quickly with potent formulas that risk compromising the skin’s barrier or are too gentle, requiring several bottles plus a powerful active like retinoid to yield visible results. What makes the Remedy For Dark Spots serum different is the correct concentration of powerful, science-backed ingredients that don’t overwhelm the skin.
In just a month, you can see how much my dark spots and discoloration faded and notice an overall improvement in texture and tone. This is truly an all-in-one treatment; not only did it help fade my dark spots and even my skin tone, it reduced the amount of breakouts I was experiencing.
The serum has a lightweight, hydrating gel-cream texture that sinks into the skin as you apply it. I also appreciated the airtight pump packaging that helps keep the formula fresh and stabilized. I can travel with it without worrying about leaks, and the pump helps dole out the appropriate amount of product, so I don’t use too much. Plus, the $38 price point is just unbeatable.
How to Use the Remedy For Dark Spots Serum
The brand notes that it’s best to use this dark spot serum nightly. After using a gentle cleanser to take the day off, I use around two pumps (or a pea-sized amount) of the serum and follow it up with a hydrating moisturizer. Because of this serum’s concentration of exfoliators and active ingredients, it’s best to keep the remainder of your skin-care routine gentle and use sunscreen every morning. If you are new to retinol, the brand recommends using this every other night to get your skin acclimated to the cell turnover.
What to Consider Before Trying the Remedy For Dark Spots Serum
Although this formula is stacked with nine powerful actives, it’s actually pretty gentle and specifically tested for those with sensitive skin. The results aren’t as speedy as more potent or intensive measures, but with patience, you’ll notice a big difference in your skin within a few weeks. Although it is tempting to use other products to help speed up the fading process (trust me, I tried), you may run the risk of irritating your skin and creating more dark spots (which happened to me), so it’s best to keep your skin-care routine simple and let this serum do the work for you.
Where is the Remedy For Dark Spots Serum Available?
The Remedy For Dark Spots Serum is available on the brand’s site.
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Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.
