How to Banish Dark Spots and Dullness, Once and for All

What’s the common denominator in acne scars, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin? We know, they might sound like different concerns, but these boil down to an exasperating issue exacerbated by the sun: uneven skin tone.

Enter brightening skincare, the key to getting that perfectly toned, even complexion you’ve longed for. These key products often contain potent antioxidants, like vitamin C, to help diminish dark spots, refine skin texture, and create an overall luminous glow. Go on and prep your skin for the hotter months ahead by adding our recommendations to your regime – they’ll help bust all the excess melanin and dullness from the skin, starting it on a clean slate, ready to take on the the rest of the year.


avene bright intense
(L-R): Avène Bright Intense Brightening Emulsion, $89.90; Avène Bright Intense Brightening Essence, $99.90;
Avène Bright Intense Cream Foaming Cleanser, $49.90

A perennial favourite at every drugstore, French brand Avène pleasantly surprised us with their new Bright Intense series, a skincare trio formulated for and tested on Asian sensitive skin. The range features C-Pearl complex, made with Akoya Pearl, vitamin C, and Wakamine, all targeting an essential aspect for healthier skin. Together, these ingredients reduce melanin production, hydrate, and smooth out skin tone and texture. Of course, they’re also infused with Avène’s signature Thermal Spring Water, which helps soften sensitive skin while these actives are hard at work.
Available at Watsons, Guardian, Unity and National Skin Center.


caolion black powder
Clockwise (L-R): Caolion Magic Black Powder Massage Peeling Gel, $45; Caolion Magic Black Powder Eye & Cheek Patch, $9;
Caolion Magic Black Powder Facial Lifting Mask, $65

The brand that brought you its Bubble Pore Pack is back with new innovations. For their new Magic Black Powder line, Caolion is zooming in on its star ingredient: graphene powder, a unique composition that purifies pores and tones the skin. As always, the brand uses only pure, natural ingredients in its products, sans colouring, fragrances, and alcohol. These Magic Black treats are ready to pamper, brighten, and feed your skin with vital antioxidants.
Available from 26 April 2018 at all Sephora outlets and Sephora.sg.


(ASEAN exclusive)whitening pore tone up moisturizer
innisfree Whitening Pore Tone Up Moisturizer, $38

Here’s another brightening product developed specially for us Asians. innisfree’s Whitening Pore Tone Up Moisturizer instantly corrects skin tone to even out the appearance of dullness and blemishes. It even contains 4 different powders for an immediate brightening effect, as well as 6 types of citrus flavonoids to inhibit melanin production, thereby reducing the formation of pigmentation for a flawless complexion. Brightens, regulates sebum, and colour corrects – a product that’s destined to be the next K-beauty favourite.
Available now at all innisfree stores.


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SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum, $159

An easy-to-use daily serum, SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense is here to reduce visible brown patches that have been camping out on your complexion since the beginning of time. Yup, we’re talking about those stubborn, hard-to-treat spots that need to bugger off. Made with Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Niacinamide, this optimised cocktail of brightening ingredients work in tandem to even out skin tone and minimise the appearance of discolouration. Expect to see the difference in as early as 2 weeks. To top it all off, this one’s formulated without parabens, hydroquinone, fragrance, and silicone – perfect for troublesome skin that’s prone to irritation.
Available now at selected spas and clinics.


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Vichy LIFTACTIV Brightening Skin Corrector, $52

If you’re a regular reader on NYLON Singapore, our last product here needs no introduction. The Vichy LIFTACTIV Brightening Skin Corrector comes highly recommended by our Editor-in-Chief for dull skin that needs a boost of radiance. The serum combines 15% pure vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) with skin-quenching hyaluronic acid, so your skin won’t just look brighter, it’ll feel firmer in just 10 days, too. There’s only 11 ingredients in this potent formula, and there’s no trace of parabens and fragrances, another accessible, dermatologist-grade treatment that makes a great addition to any routine.
Available now at Guardian, Watsons and Lazada.sg.