One of the unfortunate side-effects of having acne for 24 years is hyperpigmentation.  But how do you treat those terrible dark spots?

On the recommendation of a friend, I started using Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution ($55).  After two weeks, I started noticing results.  But the price, oh the price.  A solution isn’t a solution if keeping it up costs an arm and a leg.

So when I spotted Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA from The Ordinary, at $9 a bottle, I had to try it.

First off, this stuff works.  I saw results on the second day.  Scars were lighter.  Redness was lessened.  And with the reductions in darkness, uneven texture and raised scars appeared less noticeable.

I was impressed.  But things at Deciem, The Ordinary’s parent company look a bit shaky.  Let’s just say their CEO seems less than stable.  So I bought three more bottles on Amazon.  You know, in case.

Second, while this product is effective, you need to be wary of how serious it is.  This formulation is stronger than the 1% solutions usually offered for sale.  It also contains hyaluronic acid.  This means that you must wear sunscreen every day.

If you’re in the market for a good sunscreen, I like this Suntegrity moisturizing sunscreen with primer.  It doesn’t bleach your skin out in photos or cause your makeup to go on chalky.

When I found the Alpha Arbutin serum, I wasn’t looking to add anything to my skincare regimen.  But when a product this affordable delivers these kind of results, you find room.

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