I Used to Have the Worst Dark Spots, and These Are the Only Products That Helped

If you were to scroll through the camera roll on my phone, you'd notice two things. First, an embarrassing number of shots of my dog, Bernie, and second, a steep decline

in selfies between 2014 and 2015. It's not that I was limiting my screen time during that period or even that I'd begun to get a grip on my vanity. (That's an ongoing journey!) The truth is that I experienced some crazy cystic acne that left my face covered in dark spots that I couldn't bear to look at. I ran from cameras and packed on so much concealer every time I left the house that it felt like I was wearing a mask. It was a rough time.

For anyone who's struggled with a skin concern that shows up so prominently on your face, you know how tempting it can be to put anything and everything on those trouble spots in an effort to nip the problem quickly. After my breakouts subsided, I would regularly use chemical exfoliators, vitamin C serum, and retinol and was obsessive about applying SPF and shielding my face from the sun in order to eliminate the dark spots that had taken up residence on my face. But the truth is that you've got to be careful with your skin because the harsh ingredients we have access to now can do more harm than good if not used properly.

That's why I consulted Vanessa Lee, the founder of one of L.A.'s top skincare studios, The Things We Do, to get her thoughts on the best dark spot treatments to even out the skin without causing even more damage. Get her expert intel ahead and place your orders for the products that will erase your dark spots for good.