Hyperpigmentation has haunted me since my teenage years. With my highly sensitive, acne-prone skin, flare-ups are a common occurrence if I’m not vigilant, leading to post-acne marks that linger unwanted for weeks. Ugh. While various skincare treatments exist—from retinoids to exfoliants and vitamin C—not every solution is ideal for my sensitive skin. Using stronger products often backfires, exacerbating my condition with additional dark spots.
Despite the persistent challenge of managing my skin, I was curious about The Outset’s latest offering, Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum. Reputable beauty editors had shared glowing reviews of the brand, prompting me to explore Total Clarity for its unique formulation. While vitamin C is renowned for its antioxidant benefits and its role in addressing hyperpigmentation, it can be overly harsh for some skin types. Total Clarity presents a gentler alternative that promises similar benefits without causing irritation.
The Outset
Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum
In a recent video for Credo Beauty founder Scarlett Johansson revealed her battle with post-acne marks and melasma after her pregnancy, noting that traditional vitamin C products were often too abrasive for her sensitive skin. She aimed to develop an alternative that would deliver radiance and tackle hyperpigmentation without causing irritation. Relating to Johansson’s experience, I was eager to try this new product. Additionally, this serum not only addresses hyperpigmentation but also aids in repairing sun damage.
This serum’s standout ingredients include Photosomes V, designed to help reverse sun damage. Furthermore, wild butterfly ginger protects against blue light, heat, and air pollution, making it ideal for city dwellers. The formula also features a blend of mild exfoliants, such as pumpkin enzymes and fruit AHAs, to resurface the skin, boost radiance, and minimize dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The below photo captures some of my dark spots before I began using the serum. Since then, I’ve dealt with some under-the-surface congestion, leading to additional dark spots, but Total Clarity has significantly faded them.
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
Initially, I was hesitant about using an AHA serum during the morning because I’m cautious about over-exfoliating; any misstep results in a skin crisis. However, the gentle exfoliation of this serum surprised me—it didn’t cause any irritation or redness. I’ve also eliminated retinoids from my routine, opting instead for a bakuchiol serum (more on that later). Combining these products has significantly improved my dark spots. Following a series of intense extractions, I expected lingering dark spots; however, incorporating Total Clarity changed that narrative.
Within a week of using this serum, I noticed visible changes in my skin—not bad at all! While it gradually lightens dark spots, it delivers controlled exfoliation, a perfect blend for sensitive skin requiring assistance in that area without the harshness of BHAs like salicylic acid.
This serum also imparts the radiant glow typically associated with vitamin C products. So I receive a luminous effect, gentle exfoliation, and a more uniform complexion? Count me in. I have integrated this serum into my morning routine, and my skin appears so vibrant. Although some dark spots persist, they are fading more each day, and I eagerly await the results after a few months of use. Having only been on this journey for a couple of weeks, I’ve already noticed remarkable improvements in my hyperpigmentation. If you share my struggles with reactive skin and need help with dark spots, consider trying this. Clearly, ScarJo excelled with this formulation.
The subsequent photo showcases my skin’s transformation. Despite a few new spots due to breakouts, I’ve seen substantial improvement since incorporating this serum into my routine.
You can also explore the rest of my skin-friendly regimen outlined below.
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
My Sensitive Skin–Friendly Routine
Éminence Organic Skin Care
Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser
Dealing with acne and a compromised skin barrier has been a long-term struggle for me. Finding the right cleanser for such issues is a journey . Recently, I discovered this gentle, cooling cleanser by Éminence, which feels like a soothing hug for irritated skin. Its lightweight and refreshing formula, enriched with cucumber juice and tea tree oil, has made a significant difference. It never leaves my skin feeling dry; instead, it offers calming and refreshing hydration.
Éminence Organic Skin Care
Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate
Recommended to me by Éminence’s international educator, Brian Goodwin, I quickly became fond of this serum. It firms and hydrates my skin while gently stimulating cellular turnover. This product is particularly beneficial for my congestion and dark spots, all while avoiding harsher vitamin A derivatives and exfoliants.
Avène
Retrinal Advanced Correcting Serum
With a specific focus on texture (tiny bumps on my skin) and hyperpigmentation, this gentle Avène serum has been a game-changer. It incorporates bakuchiol, a milder alternative to retinol, offering identical benefits without irritation. Its hydrating properties soothe my inflamed, acne-prone skin and effectively target small breakouts alongside dark spots.
Éminence Organic Skin Care
Echinacea Recovery Cream
This cream, another recommendation from Goodwin, is ideal for irritated and compromised skin barriers. It features rich, organically farmed ingredients like echinacea, which shields against environmental stress, as well as yarrow herb, aloe vera, and evening primrose oil, which soothe and restore the skin.
If I’m experiencing redness or irritation, this lotion-like cream provides instant relief. Moreover, it offers lasting hydration, crucial when grappling with dryness. It has become an essential product in my routine.
Renée Rouleau
Triple Berry Smoothing Peel
Exfoliants can be especially challenging when dealing with reactive, barrier-damaged skin. However, this peel from Renée Rouleau manages to clear my skin without even a hint of irritation, despite its powerful formulation. I reach for it frequently, using it once or twice a week at night and seeing amazing results.
SIV
Biome Balancing Serum
This serum, rich in bacillus spores, adapts to your skin’s unique microbiome, promoting calm and clear skin while aiding in barrier repair. It has been instrumental in soothing and clearing my skin in recent months.
In conclusion, managing hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin can be a complex journey. However, the right products like Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum and a well-curated routine can yield significant improvements in skin health. Explore various options and consult with skincare professionals to find what works best for you, and remember that patience is key to achieving your skincare goals.
