Dark spots, age spots, sun spots, pigmentation: whatever you call them, they have a bad reputation. “Dark spots are notoriously difficult to treat,” says Janet Pardo, senior vice president Clinique global product development. “They’ve been with you a long time. If you laser them, if you get a peel, when you go in the sun, that same spot is going to come straight back.” Part of the problem, explains Pardo, is that not all pigmentation is created equal. “The way a dark spot happens is the same biology, but it doesn’t always happen for the same reason. Women get dark spots for a multitude of reasons: whether it’s hormonal, acne scars, sun damage, age or genetics.” Clinique’s latest innovation, Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer ($176), pushes the science behind the beauty house’s potent pigmentation-fighting CL-302 complex further. “We’ve learnt that inflammation and irritation are a big cause for people with hyperpigmentation. Our research has shown that people who are exposed to more pollution and stress have a higher amount of pigmentation,” says Pardo.
“So I thought let’s partner the formula with another that combats inflammation.” The dual-chamber serum does just that: instead of only focusing on lightening, brightening and minimising the appearance of pigmentation, Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer calms inflammation, too. “It really soothes skin and minimises the inflammation process,” she adds. Pardo says the results are visible in two weeks – skin is luminous, translucent and irritation-free. But that’s only when the serum is used correctly. “People don’t always comply. They covet it and use it sparingly,” Pardo says. If you want notice a difference, take heed: use it twice a day, every day on your entire face and always wear sunscreen. “You have to use it properly if you want to see results.”
