Whichever way you refer to dark spots—discoloration, hyperpigmentation, or an uneven skin tone—you know how stubborn they can be when it comes to trying to fade them. That's because discoloration can be caused by so many different things, including genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and acne (so, identifying the culprit can feel nearly impossible). You also have to take into account that the pigment forms deep within the skin, so the correction process is rarely quick or easy. All things considered, it's not surprising that many of us deal with varying degrees of discoloration for years, only to see minimal improvement. That's the bad news.
Despite how I might have just made it sound, the good news is that it is possible to fade dark spots (my now nonexistent post-breakout marks are proof of that). You just have to know which products to use. That's where Versed comes in. The budget-friendly skincare brand just launched a new dark spot-correcting product that promises to make a visible difference in the appearance of discoloration through a combination of several safe-for-skin ingredients. Keep scrolling to learn all about it and read real, first-person reviews.
Here it is—the Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel. This small green tube contains a combination of proven brightening ingredients, including tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root extract. Let's walk through each ingredient, learning more about how they affect the skin.
The Ingredients
First up, there's tranexamic acid. It's an antioxidant, which means it fights damaging free radicals. It's known for its ability to treat discoloration and slow the transfer of pigment, which is why it's commonly used to treat melasma (a specific form of hyperpigmentation). This is an ingredient that's safe for use on all skin tones, fading dark spots without any adverse effects.
Next up, there's kojic acid, which is a dark spot-correcting ingredient that's derived from mushrooms. It offers antioxidant benefits, along with exfoliating benefits. It effectively blocks melanin production and brightens the appearance of the skin.
The third stand-out ingredient is niacinamide, which is also known as vitamin B3. It's a do-it-all skincare ingredient that can address discrepancies in skin tone (aka fade dark spots), soothe and heal by offering anti-inflammatory benefits, and strengthen the skin's barrier by encouraging the production of ceramides. Read more about this popular skincare marvel, here.
Licorice root is the fourth and final of the star ingredients found in this dark spot-fading gel. It's a natural lightening agent that also does its part to defend against environmental aggressors.
How to use it: To harness the benefits of all these ingredients, the brand recommends applying a thin layer of the gel to clean, dry skin both morning and night after cleansing. Let it sit for two to three minutes, and then apply your next skincare product. Just be sure to only use it on dark spots or other areas of discoloration.
The First-Person Reviews
Although I have quite a few freckles/sunspots leftover from my irresponsible adolescent days when I would bask in the summer sun without sunscreen (I still cringe when I think about it), it's my post-breakout marks that bug me. I've had some success fading them through the use of vitamin C serums and routine exfoliation, but they're still there, and they still bother me.
So, that's what I decided to target with this product. I tested it for two weeks. Each night, after cleansing, I applied a small dot of the clear gel to each post-breakout mark on my skin. I would wait for the gel to dry down a bit, and then I would follow up with my serum and moisturizer. Even though it's only been two weeks, I can see an improvement in the appearance of each mark. They're faded to the point where my concealer has to work a little less hard than it usually does to cover them up. I imagine the results will be even better after more time passes, which is why I'm going to keep this handy green tube on my bathroom vanity.
"I've struggled with maskne over the last year and have sadly been left with acne scars. This was a great addition to my morning skincare routine because it helps me continue to get rid of the leftover dark spots. Plus, I love that the product is also easy to travel with."—Kira West, wellness expert and digital creator
"This is probably the most effective spot treatment I’ve ever used! I've had this very stubborn dark spot on my cheek for the longest time and it would just not go away, but when I started treating it with Out of Sight Dark Spot Treatment, it has become significantly lighter! Consistency is key with this product and with only a few nights of using it, I saw great improvement on my trouble area. It’s pretty gentle for how powerful it is against dark spots. I highly recommend it!"—Corinth Suarez, lifestyle blogger and digital creator
"I love finding effective products to help lighten my dark spots, the new Dark Spot treatment gel contains kojic acid and tranexamic acid, ingredients that work together to inhibit tyrosinase synthesis (the melanin-producing process) thereby clearing up my skin, to reveal brighter skin. I started using this product on the dark spots on my chest, and I have seen a huge improvement."—April Basi, skincare chemist
"I have oily skin that is also acne-prone! With my stubborn hormonal breakouts, my skin concerns are dark spots and hyperpigmentation. So when I’m looking for a product to treat my skin the first thing I look for are ingredients that will help aid my dark spots.
"When I first started using the Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel- I was amazed at how much of a difference I was able to see in my dark spots fading. I use the product each night. I never skip a beat! Consistency always wins. The texture feels like a serum and is not sticky at all, and pairs well with my other skincare products.
I love that one of the key ingredients is niacinamide which protects the skin, treats acne, and improves the skin's texture. My skin loves niacinamide! I am so happy I have added this product to my skincare regimen!"—Ivy Brockington, digital creator
"My biggest skin concern right now is definitely dark spots from acne scarring so I was super excited to see that Versed was launching the Out of Sight Dark Spot Treatment! I actually received this right after I got a pimple so I was able to start testing it out right after the pimple went down. It’s been around three weeks of using the treatment every day and the dark spot where the pimple was is pretty much completely gone. It has kojic and tranexamic acid, a gel-like texture, and is gentle on the skin! Definitely a new staple in my skincare routine!"—Taylor Ussher, digital creator
More Brightening Versed Products to Shop
This serum contains a cocktail of pigmentation-fighting ingredients, including vitamin C, licorice root, and niacinamide. Along with brightening benefits, it will also firm, hydrate, and strengthen your skin (and it's budget-friendly, so what's not to love?).
This brightening toner was specifically formulated for people who are looking to address an uneven skin tone (particularly dark spots and post-acne marks). It uses four different acids and bearberry extract to resurface and brighten the skin.
Sunscreen is paramount for protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It's also paramount for preventing new dark spots from forming. I like this one, which boasts a tinted, oil-free formula (so it never leaves an annoying white cast).
You don't have to worry about this vitamin C product turning brown or getting a funky smell. That's because it's highly stable. Mix it into a serum or moisturizer to brighten your skin.
This best-selling dermaplaning tool is my secret for smooth skin. It has a reusable handle and stainless steel blades that remove dead skin and facial hair. Read my full review.
This resurfacing mask contains AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes, all of which work together to boost cell turnover and tackle hyperpigmentation. It's an exfoliation must-have.
Speaking of exfoliation, this physical exfoliating cleanser uses microcrystals to polish away dead skin and encourage a smoother, brighter, more even-toned complexion.
Target dark circles with vitamin C, ginseng root extract, niacinamide, and coffee fruit extract.
After exfoliating, make sure your resurfaced skin is plump and hydrated with moisturizer. This one has a jelly-like texture that absorbs quickly and won't leave the skin feeling greasy.
Next, read up on 10 skincare ingredients that actually treat acne.
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