Hyperpigmentation has been the bane of my existence since I was a teenager. My super-sensitive, acne-prone skin can flare up easily if I'm not careful, which leads to post-acne marks that linger for weeks. Sigh. While there are plenty of skincare options out there that can help—from retinoids to exfoliants and vitamin C—not all of these options are suitable for super-sensitive skin. Busting out the strong stuff never ends well for me unfortunately. In fact, it makes my inflammation worse, resulting in more dark spots.
As frustrating as it is to deal with, I was recently intrigued by sensitive-skin champion The Outset and its newest formula, Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum. I'd heard amazing things about the brand from my fellow beauty editors and thought I would give Total Clarity a spin due to its unique makeup. While vitamin C is great for antioxidant protection and healing hyperpigmentation, it can also be too much for some skin types. Total Clarity offers an alternative to this powerhouse ingredient that offers similar results without irritation.
In a video for Credo Beauty recently, founder Scarlett Johansson shared that she dealt with post-acne marks and melasma after her pregnancy but traditional vitamin C was always too harsh for her super-sensitive skin. She wanted to create an alternative that still delivered radiance and hyperpigmentation support without causing irritation. Obviously, I relate to Johansson's story, so I was excited to give this new launch a go. To top things off, this serum doesn't only help with hyperpigmentation—it also helps with sun damage.
The star ingredients in this include what the brand calls Photosomes V, which can help reverse signs of sun damage. Additionally, wild butterfly ginger provides protection against blue light, heat, and air pollution, so it's perfect for anyone who lives in a major city. Lastly, a blend of gentle exfoliants including pumpkin enzymes and fruit AHAs resurface the skin, enhancing radiance while decreasing hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The below photo is what some of my dark spots looked like before I started using this. Since then, I had some under-the-surface congestion flare up that resulted in some other dark spots, but using Total Clarity has faded them significantly.
I was initially a little concerned about using an AHA serum in the morning because I have to be super careful about how much I'm exfoliating—otherwise, my skin freaks out. ScarJo didn't do me dirty here, though. The exfoliation is so gentle with this serum that it truly does not cause any irritation or redness for me. I've stopped using any sort of retinoid as well and instead opt for a bakuchiol serum (more on that below). The combination of these two has worked wonders for my dark spots. After getting some particularly crazy extractions a few weeks ago, I thought those dark spots would linger for months, but since incorporating Total Clarity into my routine, that's not the case.
I started to notice a difference in my skin after using this for a week—not bad! While it does help gradually fade those dark spots, it also provides gentle, controlled exfoliation—perfect for sensitive skin types that need help in that department but can't tolerate BHAs like salicylic acid.
This serum also provides you with the radiance associated with using a vitamin C serum. So you're getting a glow, a bit of exfoliation, and a more even skin tone? Say less. I now use this serum every morning in my routine, and my skin just looks so healthy. While yes, I do still have some dark spots, they're fading more and more every day, and I'm looking forward to seeing the results after I've used this for a few months. As of today, I've only been using it for a couple of weeks and have noticed a big improvement in hyperpigmentation. If you're like me and struggle with reactive skin but need a little help in the dark-spot department, give this a try. ScarJo knew what she was doing with this formula.
The below photo is what my skin looks like now. While a few new dark spots popped up due to some breakouts, I've already seen a huge improvement in them now that this is part of my routine.
You can also check out the rest of my sensitive skin–friendly routine below.
My Sensitive Skin–Friendly Routine
I've dealt with acne and barrier damage for a while. When you deal with these kinds of issues, it can be a journey finding the right cleanser for your skin. I recently picked up this gentle, cooling cleanser from Éminence, and it was like a soothing hug for my inflamed skin. It's so light and refreshing on the skin with ingredients like cucumber juice and tea tree oil. I'm obsessed with it honestly and love that it never leaves my skin feeling dry after—just calm and refreshed.
Éminence's international educator, Brian Goodwin, recently recommended this serum to me, and I became obsessed quickly. It instantly firms and hydrates the skin while also acting as a gentle stimulator of cellular turnover. It's perfect for me because I've dealt with congestion and dark spots but can't use harsher vitamin A derivatives and exfoliants.
I have a lot of texture (tiny bumps on the skin) in addition to hyperpigmentation, and this gentle Avène serum has worked wonders for it. It contains bakuchiol, a gentle retinol alternative that provides all the same benefits without the irritation. It's so hydrating and calming for inflamed, acne-prone skin and really works to help get rid of small breakouts and dark spots.
This cream was another recommendation from Goodwin because it's perfect for irritated, barrier-damaged skin. It contains rich, biodynamically farmed organic ingredients like echinacea that protects against environmental stress, yarrow herb, aloe vera, and evening primrose oil, which calm and restore the skin.
If I'm struggling with any redness or irritation, this cream with a lotion-like consistency calms my skin down instantly. It also provides deep hydration that lasts for hours, which is super key when you're struggling with dehydration. It's now a "can't live without" type of product for me.
Like I said, exfoliants can be extra tricky when you deal with reactive, barrier-damaged skin. Somehow, though, this peel from Renée Rouleau, while containing some heavy hitters in the exfoliation department, still manages to clear my skin without causing even a hint of irritation. For that reason, it's a peel I reach for over and over again. I use it once or twice a week at night and wake up to incredible results.
This bacillus spore–containing serum adapts to your skin's specific microbiome, helping you to maintain calm, clear skin while promoting barrier repair. It has been crucial in calming and clearing my skin over the past few months.