The 4 Best Ingredients to Fade Dark Marks

[@glam_by_lydia8995]

Good Molecules Niacinaminde Brightening Toner has been AMAZING for my hyperpigmentation!!! It has niacinamide, vitamin c, licorice root extract, and alpha arbutin 😍😍💖💖

[@Irenee_vx]

Last year I received it in a sample in a small vile, and that did absolutely incredible wonders for the 2 weeks that it lasted. I then went online and purchased the huge glass bottle, and noticed it did absolutely nothing. I didn’t see any improvement the same way I did when I had that small little sample vile. Ever since, I’ve never purchased it again.

[@margaretowoeye7766]

Interesting. I've always believed that companies give us their best in samples to reel us in and then sell us their run-of-the-mill products. Doesn't sound like a winning strategy to me but here is prove that my suspicion may be correct.

[@glam_by_lydia8995]

@@Irenee_vx that's wierd, I've only ever gotten the full size and it's always been perfection 😍

[@SkintitaApril]

Hi! Does the niacinamide toner leave a sticky feeling? Thank you!! 💞

[@glam_by_lydia8995]

@@SkintitaApril not at all! It absorbs really quickly leaving behind a light feeling of hydration

[@Miumiu0404]

Tranexamic acid is one of my holy grails. My personal favorite is the Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion. It has tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vit c derivative. It's a really nice brightening and hydrating toner.

[@KellyDriscoll]

I have to try that HL line, looks super good! 😍

[@lindazhang894]

@@KellyDriscoll It's so good. Just bought mine 2ish months ago and it makes my skin look so plump and glowy

[@sukyrajan4148]

i have already order this product. Good to hear fro you about it. Thank you

[@SkintitaApril]

I agree! The latest version has licorice root.. I noticed that it helped brighten my skin and also alleviate any irritation/redness from using tretinoin! 💕

[@blue-calla]

Thank you for recommending Hada Labo. I never heard of them but sounds good! I see some skincare KZbinrs posted reviews of their Whitening Lotion, so I plan to check them out.

[@viviannevillanueva80]

I loveee the Tia'm B3 Source!! I have acne-prone and combination skin. I've been using it for almost 1 month now and I can say it has DEFINITELY helped minimize my pores, i get less acne now (best part), and in my case, usually the hyperpigmentation that acne leaves on my face once it's healed takes about 3 to 6 months before it completely fades (this was when I wasn't using this product, but I was already using some products with a little bit of niacinamide and alpha arbutin in them). But this is such a big help for fading those stubborn marks. It didn't take a long time for me to see results with this product. So glad I discovered it through a dermatologist online. Definitely a holy grail for me. ✨

[@SkintitaApril]

I love Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium (with tranexamic)! On my 2nd bottle and it helps not just with hydration, but also in brightening (has vit c derivatives too). As for azelaic, i'm using Skinoren cream, and this also helps me from breaking out and treating pigmentation (in conjunction with tretinoin). 💞

[@jacquelynstewart6965]

your videos seriously are the best. you put so much time and work into them. I really really appreciate it!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Thank you so much, hearing this made my morning!! 🙏❤

[@marynjesh]

I have been using the Facetheory Exaglocw serum that has 5% tranexamic acid, 2% niacinamide, 1.5% lactic acid and a vitamin c derivative. I love it so far.

[@sandokero]

I use this one too! Perfect for oily/acne prone skin. For people that broke out to Faded, try this one instead

[@silentgypsy]

I would SUPER love to see a video like this for dark spots on the body! Often the formulations for the face arent strong enough for the body and I know people of colour especially stuggle with this too! Any advice or product reccomendations would be amazing!

[@patriciaanais9175]

I was so glad you mentioned the cos de baha azelaic acid! I've been using it for more than a month combined with a very mild retinol and they've helped a lot with my clogged pores. Ofc they're still there as I have oily skin and I live in a tropical country but they're looking clearer and I swear I think they've helped keep my maskne at bay. Definitely recommend it, it's so easy to use and layer, doesn't make me feel oily or breakout. Plus it's much cheaper than PC

[@margaretowoeye7766]

Wow!!! Now I'll have to check it out. Thank you.

[@KellyDriscoll]

Glad you found a combo that works well for you!

[@allrighty1000]

Thanks for the tip! Never heard of this brand before and went to check it out and they seem to have a bunch of really promising serums....but HOW are they so affordable?? Too good to be true? :D They seem to have a serum with Arbutin 5% + Niacinamide 5% + licorice root, that seems like a powerhouse combo! Also they have a 2.5% Retinol serum (which also has niacinamide)!? Now I'm intrigued...They don't have a lot of reviews though so would like to hear people's experiences more before trying!

[@patriciaanais9175]

@@allrighty1000 the arbutin is using beta arbutin tho not alpha arbutin so I'm not really sure if it'll work as well as the ones using alpha. As for the retinol i actually almost bought that one but decided to take the plunge to take tret instead for a more drastic result. There's more reviews on reddit if you wanna look into it. Most reviews i read are positive. I suspect they're very affordable because their serum base is actually very basic and the same for every serum, just with different actives. Could be a positive or a negative thing depending on how you look at it.

[@laylab.2048]

I still come back to this when u need reminder and product recommendation ❤

[@carolinesutton5231]

I am struggling with this right now. Thank you for your advice. You are always so thorough and knowledgable!

[@KellyDriscoll]

So glad this came at the right time! Fading dark marks takes a lot of patience and consistency, you got this!!

[@sugerless20]

I wish there were more reviews on the cos de baha brand. They have a lot of serums, toners & even centella products. I can't find much online so I'm on the fence about buying from them.

[@thegoodkindofweirdo]

People in Asia do swear by them actually, and it worked for most people, especially the Azelaic Acid one--so it should tell you that they aren't playing. It's easily bought and affordable here in the PH exclusively in online stores (and I heard that it is also accessible in Amazon in the US).

[@katysoo1119]

I've been using their product for my acne and so far they've improved my skin. The azelaic acid 10% serum is their first product which I've tried, and it did helped with my acne. Now I'm trying out the azelaic acid hinokitiol serum and it's working quite well for me too. I have oily/combination skin so usually after washing my face it starts to get oily in around 3 hours or so. The 2 serums which I've been using helped with reducing my acne and my face is less oily so I'm pretty happy with the product. If you have oily/combination skin that's acne prone, I do recommend trying out either 1 of the 2 serums which I've mentioned. Cos de baha also has a salicylic acid bha 4% serum which helps to treat acne but unless your acne problem is very severe otherwise I dont recommend that you try that, as I was told that the serum is quite strong. I hope this helps.

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Kelly I use azelaic acid for my rosacea (alternate routine to my retinoid for skin strengthening) and have seen some fading of my freckles as a bonus. I tried tranexamic acid for it's erythema benefits (redness), but it is a slightly irritating ingredient and is taking some time to incorporate tbh. Niacinamide is also in my routine, as tbh it's in many products nowadays. I'm ok with having freckles and have had them since early childhood. They had darkened with aging and were less uniform in shape, so the fading to a smaller/lighter freckle is a good side benefit. Vitamin C just doesn't work for me - turns my face orange (I'm a fitzpatrick one - not a good look for me), or is very irritating due to the low ph. I've tried arbutin and tolerated it well, but didn't see marked improvement on my skin. I think pigment needs a multi ingredient approach, to deal with the different pathways to it's formation. Retinoids also help with sun induced pigment and AHA's can clear it more quickly, once the ingredients are in place to prevent the hyperpigmentation from forming. Best wishes.

[@blahblahblah8427]

Hey Kelly, are you able to please do a video on hormonal acne?

[@sunkissed7377]

Girl, you are so close to 50k subscribers! So exciting!

[@sujatarana7410]

I m shocked at seeing the subscriber numbrs.....i get it now numbers doen't matter at all...u r really my skin type and the way u describe things to the point from the start without any extra gibberish is so calming to me....i specially love love love the way u stick to ur gut products and not changing frequently like clothes just bcoz of trends it kinda give me the carefree trust to come to u when i need genuine skincare according my skin. I nvr knew it will be this easy to understand the science of ingrediants for skin needs coz u tell it so simply but effectively .

[@icecrystalsinger]

could you please do a cos de baha brand review? i've recently stumbled across them and their ingredients look AMAZING. however i am a little skeptical since their SA percentages for example are over the "allowable" standard in korea so i would really want to see if this brand is trustworthy and if they're worth a shot :)

[@idir7981]

I just purchased TIL tranexamic acid and TO azelaic acid few days ago. Cant wait for them to arrive. Thanks for the tips kelly!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Excited for you!!

[@anonymous6594]

Topicals Faded contains all 4 ingredients. I don’t know if they are in high enough concentrations to be effective. It has a fairly long ingredient list and contains quite a few emollients. It may not be the best choice for acne-prone skin.

[@sandokero]

Yes coconut oil alone seems counterintuitive for people that are trying to fade PIH from acne.

[@lisadreischmiller7869]

I was also coming here to ask Kelly her thoughts on this product!

[@amelie4363]

These are the percentages: Niacinamide: 4% Tranexamic Acid: 3.5% Azelaic Acid: 1% Kojic Acid: 1%

[@anonymous6594]

@@amelie4363 what about alpha arbutin percentages? Supposedly, TF contains alpha-arbutin too

[@amelie4363]

@@anonymous6594 it doesn't contain any alpha arbutin - I just checked the ingredients list

[@shaygeyer9822]

I find it interesting that Tropicals Faded didn't get an honorable mention. Three of the ingredients listed in this video... Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid are in the product. This is hands down the best product on the market for discoloration especially if you are a person of color.

[@DanDLeon-zy8kw]

i am currently looking for products that deals with fading dark marks right now and then you uploaded this video like you know i needed this!!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Yaass, glad this came at the right time! 🙌

[@nyannieee]

Omg that Arbutin from Good Molecules is what I am using right now for over a week nooow and oh my ghad, the results are amazing. 😍 My overall complexion really brightened and more even to my neck. For hyperpigmentation, it helps.

[@josipaskoriciskra4987]

I LOVE LOVE TIL Tranaxemic acid, but I only use it on the certain areas, more like spot treatment after my pimple is gone and im left with PIH. It has done wonders for my skin concerns!!

[@777dato]

Kelly we are waiting for Isntree new Green tea launches and Purito's Oat gel cream review. Hope it is coming soon;)

[@OO-ct4hq]

YOU SOTLE MY NAME

[@777dato]

@@OO-ct4hq Kiddo I'm ancient

[@talghow-i2326]

Niacinamite with zinc from the ordinary helped me alot, like unbelieve.

[@joannmacmillan5740]

Thanks, I've been waiting for this topic. Much appreciate your East & West product recommendations.

[@KellyDriscoll]

Glad you enjoyed, Jo Ann! 💖

[@kkoongiwol]

Loved the recap in the end!

[@JLeigh75309]

Niacinamide and Azelaic acid are two of my favorites!

[@chloenguyen8519]

YES! Cos De Baha Azelaic Acid 10% is my holy grail!!

[@bbsail]

I have used all and TO arbutin and niacinamide, GM toner and discoloration serum didn't do anything for my patches. I'm 3weeks into Exaglow and I feel a little better

[@michalamuggiernst464]

I love the tranexamic acid from inkey list. I love it

[@natrose101]

Hi Kelly, great video!! I'm honing in on my routine and hoping you can help with some questions: 1) Can arbutin be combined with benzoyl peroxide, tetinoin, or L Ascorbic Acid? 2) Can azelaic acid be combined with benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or L Ascorbic Acid? Also thoughts on Naturium Az Acid? Thank you!!

[@nimilas8]

This is great! Can you make a list for bumpy skin texture?

[@johnsskincarereviews]

That Paula’s choice product looks great, may have to give it a shot! But first, I’m finishing up my Hada labo shirojyun with tranexamic acid (seen minor results, works better with other things like azelaic and ascorbic acids) and I ordered the exaglow serum from face theory that has 5% TA!

[@KellyDriscoll]

The new hada labo shirojyun is definitely something I want to try!

[@lanvallbear1322]

Really enjoy watching your videos. I've learn so much from them. Btw, there are three new Illiyoon Ceramide Derma. Wonder what are your thoughts about them. Cheers.

[@RandyandCyndi]

This might seem like over kill but my skin has choose these formulations in I alternate these in different times. Ordinary's Azelaic Acid 10% mixed in my moisturizer when i don't use my Curology RX with Tranexamic Acid formulated in it. Night routine Oh I also have a Purito Tube of the Sea Buckthorn Vital 70 Cream and base products with Niacinimide 4%. The Glow Serum and Fermented complex 94 for The A.M routine . Sunscreen of course!!!!! there's more but these are my return products Ride or Dies if you will. I set my makeup with the Galactomyces Rose toner.

[@RandyandCyndi]

Its not too invasive but I do see a lot of tighter more healthier skin and look 5 years younger at least .

[@nickylapiel2675]

Always considered Azelaic acid as tret's friendly lil sister. Has similar benefits and kinder to the user. 🤣

[@shivika1000]

Hey Kelly, have you tried the beauty of joseon rice and arbutin serum? I've been wondering if it's good.

[@KellyDriscoll]

Haven't tried it, looks interesting though!

[@juli_shares1556]

ALways so informative 💕 😃

[@kengyangshuen6466]

would you consider doing a video on exfoliants/acids? :)

[@KellyDriscoll]

Check this one out if you haven't already! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pouciIeeYqqhotU

[@elizaahmed3077]

Could you please review facetheory's exaglow serum, lumeza serum and N10 serum

[@arianabelegu6608]

Like always, amazing video ❤️ but I lol’d every time you said tranSexamic Acid haha KELLY where did that S in the middle come from? 😂😂 Still loved this tho, you’re amazing and my fave ❤️

[@rachanarai7452]

Can we use all these 4 ingredients at the same time in a single routine???

[@Irenee_vx]

I’m jumping on that Paulas choice ASAP !

[@Irenee_vx]

The paulas choice product isn’t on the Australian website !! 😭😩

[@KellyDriscoll]

That's too bad! Hopefully they carry it soon!

[@MsAaannaaa]

the hada labo shirojyun premium lotion also has tranexamic acid in it and I love it for my red spot marks I get on my pale skin after breakouts.

[@assimpleasgravity]

My skin is so reactive and sensitive so I'm struggling with very vibrant pink almost purple marks since I'm also almost translucent in skin color; not to mention they stay around forever ... So thank you, Kelly, for this much-needed knowledge that I was just too lazy to get into and start repairing these skin issues. I actually, by coincidence, have the TIAM B3 and the blue premium version of the Hada Labo line open right now but have been inconsistent in using them .... maybe I should really add them in for real and see how my skin does with them. I'm always a bit wary though of adding too many actives cause I already use azelaic acid 15% AM and Differin gel PM. Could adding the TIAM B3 PM some days and adding the Hada Labo lotion AM (maybe every day) on other days?

[@KellyDriscoll]

I would suggest just picking one of those products and starting with 2-3 days a week max to see how your skin likes it. Irritation often comes a few days after use so this will help you keep track of what your skin is liking (or not).

[@sukyrajan4787]

Dear Kelly, i am suffering from dark spot under my eye and melasma, dark uneven skin tone in my forehead and cheeks. i have started using Hadalabo shirojyun lotion with tranexamic acid the ordinary 10% niacinamide and cosrx snail mucin 96 cosrx bha cosrx all in one 92 and tretinoin. Looking for some definite kbeauty alternatives to this. please advice some products from 'style vanna'.

[@KittenCasserole]

Great video 👍🏻

[@BrookeaCookea]

Is the Paula's Choice brightening serum something you could use after exfoliating or you wouldn't recommend it?

[@jacea5739]

Can i mix arbutin niacinamide and azelaic?

[@agathacarpo5275]

Omg you changed your intro!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Hope you like it!! 😀

[@twlee1930]

What do you think of Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment? It has niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin all in one formula. Or Topicals Faded which also has multiple ingredients (niacinamide, tranexamic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid, Kojic acid, licorice root)? BTW, I think you are accidentally pronouncing tranexamic with an "s" in the middle.

[@KellyDriscoll]

Both sound interesting, I don't have any personal experience with them though but sounds like all the brightening in one product! I know it was bugging me when I was editing! My mouth just wants to put an S in the middle! 🙈

[@jann7782]

i have hyperpigmentation from irritation on my NECK, since my neck is sensitive, how do i get rid of it ?

[@CarmineKoh]

Can you review the Cos De Baha Azelaic Acid 10 serum pretty please?

[@steampunk5123]

I don't exactly have dark marks, it is more pitted acne scars, which of these do you recommend? Great vid as always btw.

[@johnsskincarereviews]

Retinoids and lasers unfortunately

[@patriciaanais9175]

Maybe you wanna check doctorly videos for this. They're dermatologists and they have a video on acne scars

[@nuralyanorhisham2017]

Hii... Just wanna ask.... If u have concern of discoloration just in a few spot (my case is at cheeks) should we use the product just on that area or the whole face?

[@heathersargent289]

I just bought TIAM b3 serum and I already have the arbutin powder hum I am wondering if u could throw alittle of the powder in the serum to add more arbutin content to it. I bought the serum for 11$ the other day I couldn't pass it up I have been looking at it for awhile and it is already affordable so 11$ was like yes now buy it..lol also bought the wishtrend oil in drop I kinda wish I bought the matching eye cream when it was on sale kinda sad about it now like Fomo..lol

[@IIIIOTL]

This was really informative, thank you! I have a question, are freckles (most are from sun damage) and beauty marks/moles (flat, not raised) categorised as hyperpigmentation? I'm using vit C which is fading my newer pimple scars, but not the freckles and moles. I'm desperate to get rid of them!

[@KellyDriscoll]

Freckles might fade from skincare and spf but beauty marks won't. Only way to remove those would be to go to a dermatologist to freeze or laser them off.

[@J355iiCA11]

Thank you🙏

[@RNBYang]

can azelaic acid use with retinol?

[@janetrodriguez5445]

Hi Kelly. I use tretenoin and experience flaky skin frequently. I have malesma and hyperpigmentation and I am thinking of adding one of these ingredients. Between Azelaic acid and tranaxemic acid which one will not add to the flaky ness that I already experience?

[@KellyDriscoll]

I would just choose based on your concerns, tranexamic acid is better for melasma than AA, Neither one is known to cause peeling but please start low and slow and see how your skin likes it.

[@janetrodriguez5445]

@@KellyDriscoll thank you for replying 🙂

[@kimyoo-bin542]

Azelaic acid is good for reducing acne?

[@OO-ct4hq]

Definitely, it worked really good on my skin.

[@margaretowoeye7766]

Yes. Watch Dr. Sam Bunting's videos on acne care. This is one of her favorite ingredients. These are her 10 reasons: 1. great for acne (anti-inflammatory, anti-comedonal, anti-bacterial) 2. reduces PIH 3. doesn't cause antibiotic resistance 4. calms rosacea and redness 5. tackles melasma 6. can treat perioral dermatitis 7. very well tolerated (few side effects) 8. safe to use during pregnancy and lactation 9. anti-aging benefits (antioxidant, evens out skin texture) 10. plays well with other actives.

[@marksavage3825]

"BA KOOCH E OL"

[@williamt.pinkney9228]

'Trans-examic' acid? 🤔

[@KellyDriscoll]

hahah I know, it was bugging me in editing, my mouth just wanted to add that S!!!

[@williamt.pinkney9228]

@@KellyDriscoll don´t worry about it. Your reccomendations are great, I just bought the Tranexamic Acid from The Inkey List to help me fade my acne marks :D

[@threatlevelmidnight3588]

❤

[@Iwillprblyneverpostagain]

💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@okashi10]

Pretty sure Bakuchiol is pronounced "buh-koo-chee-all." And Tranexamic doesn't have an S in it. 😅