Kiehls clearly corrective cream review

can cluster on the face and make skin appear dull and uneven. So when Kiehl’s sent over a complimentary sample of its Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, I couldn't wait to see if it would reduce the appearance of the brown marks on my cheeks. Below, I’m sharing why dark spots appear and my thoughts on the brightening serum.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Age

Age spots, also called liver spots and solar lentigines, are flat tan, brown or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on areas of skin most exposed to the sun like the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Because of how they’re formed, age spots are very common in adults over 50.

Sun Exposure

I feel confident with a tan, but exposure to the sun can result in sun spots. That’s why I make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day (and when I want to look more bronzed, I use a self-tanner, such as the L'Oréal Paris Skincare Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Water Mousse).

Pollution

According to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution can also be a culprit of dark spots. The findings of this study showed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide was significantly associated with dark spots on the cheeks.

Genetics

Pigmentation on the skin is also influenced by genetics, skin tone and skin type. Those with acne-prone skin may experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne marks and those with sensitive skin can experience irritation from hair-removal practices, including shaving, waxing, tweezing and laser hair removal.

The Benefits of Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrector

Dark spots won’t improve on their own, so it’s important to incorporate a brightening serum in order to reduce their appearance. The Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is formulated with activated vitamin C, white birch and peony extracts, which work together to correct the appearance of dark spots and even the appearance of the skin’s tone. With continued daily use, skin can appear visibly brighter.

How to Use Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector in Your Routine

Start with clean, dry skin and apply the dark spot serum in the morning and night before moisturizer. It can be used as a spot treatment or as a thin layer over the entire face. For best results, Kiehl’s recommends pairing the serum with a daily SPF, like the . Combining a powerful broad-spectrum sunscreen with a brightening serum can not only help correct visible signs of skin discoloration but also protect against further damage from UV rays.

My Review of Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

I wasn’t great about applying sunscreen when I was younger, so now I have a few sun spots on my cheeks. I hadn’t tried to brighten their appearance until now, so I couldn’t wait to sample this Kiehl’s serum. The consistency felt a bit slimy at first, but it quickly absorbed into my skin. The clear liquid has a cooling, refreshing feel that glided onto my face. Plus, it didn’t leave behind a sticky or tacky residue. I made sure to layer sunscreen on top of the serum during the day to protect my skin, too.

After a few weeks, I noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of the dark spots on my face and in the look of hyperpigmentation leftover from a breakout. My overall complexion looked brighter and more radiant as well. While my dark spots are still there, I can’t wait to continue using this product to reduce their appearance.

I know that some brands use the term 'brightening' as a newer, less imposing replacement for 'whitening', but as someone who's used both kinds of products, I'd like to believe that there is really a difference between the two.

Whitening is oftentimes associated with bleaching wherein the skin will turn a shade lighter by thinning of the epidermal layer to give it a whiter look whereas brightening is more of evening of the skin tone by clearing up spots that are visible and invisible to the naked eye, resulting to clearer skin that gives off a "lightened" effect, which for me is really one's true skin tone without all the spots.

When it comes to dealing with post- acne marks, I go for brightening products; whitening may give me faster results, but I like the slow, steady effect of brightening products plus the fact that I want to maintain my tan.

One of my favorite brightening skin care lines is Kiehl's Clearly Corrective, a brightening system formulated with dermatologists that help combat almost all sorts of spots to reveal clearer, more even skin tone.

KIEHL'S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE BRIGHTENING EXFOLIATING DAILY CLEANSER (P1,575) is a face polish/cleanser that helps remove dirt effectively and exfoliate skin to help reveal a more even skin tone. Aside from exfoliation, formula also helps boost moisture level and is Paraben- free, colorant- free, fragrance- free, and dermatologist- tested.

The wash contains micro bits of Pearlstone, which is a natural exfoliant. This is one of the reasons why I would highly recommend this product- it only uses natural exfoliators and helps reduce the amount of microplastics that go into the ocean.

Consistency is a gritty, goopy gel; it has a lavender scent that is naturally- occurring and produces moderate foam. It rinses off quite easily and leaves my skin feeling nice and soft, but I'd have to moisturize right away since it always exfoliates and exfoliation may leave skin dry after rinsing.

Kiehl's said that this product is ideal for daily usage, but I think this depends on the skin type of the user; the Pearlstone exfoliators that it has are very fine and can cause irritation if used aggressively or more than twice a day. If you have oily skin, you may use it once everyday (like me); if you have dry or sensitive skin, stick to twice or three times a week.

KIEHL'S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE BRIGHTENING AND SOOTHING TREATMENT TONER (P2,400.00) is a toner/essence in one. It has Salicylic Acid that gives it toning properties and the hydrating feel and serum- like ingredients makes it an essence, albeit a light one. It contains illuminating minerals that give skin a subtle glow.

Surprisingly, for a toner with alcohol, it doesn't sting nor feel dry on the skin AT ALL. The toner is clear with a lavender- scent and glowing bluish pigments at the bottom; these are the illuminating minerals; you have to shake the bottle before use to infuse the formula with the pigments and don't you worry, you won't look blue after using the product; what I got from it was my skin looked immediately more awake and brighter.

KIEHL'S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SOLUTION (P3,200 for 30ml) is a high performance serum that combats hyper pigmentation and promises to do so in 28 days.

This is one of my most favorite, go- to post- acne mark brightening serums because it works, although it takes longer than the brand's promise; what matters is it works!

Click HERE for the review.

I started my Clearly Corrective regimen about 2 months ago because my acne has subsided significantly by then so I began with the phase of lightening post- acne marks. Here are my results:

Here's my skin around late July. Post- acne marks galore and some pesky zits that remained.

My skin 2 months after. I think another month of usage will finally clear these pesky marks for good! Whew! It has been a journey!

If you are looking for an effective way to clear up your skin without necessarily turning your skin tone a shade lighter, I highly recommend Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective skin care line!

Does Kiehl's clearly corrective work?

Kiehl's brightening serum and dark spot corrector is incredibly effective, with results showing a brighter, more even skin tone. Consistent application of our serum for dark spots showed improvements in everything from hyperpigmentation to sun spots.

How do you use Kiehl's clearly corrective moisture treatment?

How to Use.

After cleansing and toning, gently massage a small amount onto skin as needed, avoiding the eye area..

Can be used morning and night..

Can also be used three times per week, or as desired, as an intensive overnight mask by applying a second, thicker layer to skin before you sleep..

How do you use Kiehl's clearly corrective dark spots?

Apply Clearly Corrective Dark Spot CorrectorDispense a few drops of the lightweight formula into your clean palms and pat the serum over your face. If you have any discoloration on your hands, neck, or chest, you can apply your dark spot corrector to those areas, too.

What is Kiehl's clearly corrective brightening and smoothing moisture treatment?

A gel-cream clinically demonstrated to restore skin's natural clarity, leaving your complexion bright, smooth and glowing with radiance. It disappears into your skin at the touch, infusing its powerful actives for an immediate glow.