Porcelana Day Skin Lightening Cream Dark Spot Corrector
Pros
Cons
Fixing dark spots can be a time-consuming, effort-intense exercise. The hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage can be hard to reverse. In addition, these areas of the skin are more prone to aging as well. Many people find they either have to use makeup to conceal the spots or a product that evens out skin tone and restores skin vitality and glow. Today we review a product that can potentially help from cosmetic maker Porcelana. Porcelana has formulated a Dark Spot Corrector. As there are many such products on the market, we need to evaluate each one not only for efficacy but the ability to heal and protect the skin rather than damage it further. Why do we say this? Certain skin lighteners provide short-term gain in the form of long-term pain or damage.
What’s In Dark Spot Corrector?
- Hydroquinone U.S.P. 2%
- Octyl Methoxycinnamate 2.5%
The active ingredient lightening the skin is hydroquinone. It is contained in the product at acceptable levels. It prevents melanin from forming. Melanin is what gives you a tanned or darker complexion and is the reason ‘sunspots’ are darker in color. Because it leaves your skin more exposed to the sun’s rays, it is very good that this product contains a sun blocker in the form of Octyl Methoxycinnamate. Hydroquinone does produce results, but these are not permanent. Melanin growth reoccurs after a while. Therefore, we always advise going with a more natural, less invasive, and safer approach. Why safer? Long-term hydroquinone use can lead to skin discoloration and because it contains mercury and other harmful byproducts, it has also been linked to a number of scientifically documented skin ailments such as cancer, redness and inflammation, flaking and more. This is why the manufacturer cautions against using the cream for longer than three months. Dark Spot Corrector also contains antioxidants, to fight free radicals and aging. There does not seem to be much else that is of benefit in the formula. If so, it hasn’t been particularly highlighted. Given the potency and potential damage that hydroquinone can cause, we expected to see more nourishing and deeply hydrating agents included, the built-in sunscreen notwithstanding.
How Do You Use Dark Spot Corrector?
Only use this Corrector if you are over 12 years of age. If you have very dark skin, you may see no lightening effect. To decrease the visibility of dark spots or age spots, use a small amount to apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily, or use the Corrector as directed by a doctor. If you do not see any improvement within three months, you should stop using this Corrector. Guard against sun damage by using sunscreen or another blocking agent, or by wearing protective clothing such as a sunhat. This is necessary once you’ve completed your treatment so that your spots do not darken again.
It is clear that there is a daytime product and a nighttime product, and that each one should be used either during the day or in the evening. It is fast absorbing and does not leave an oily residue, therefore you can apply makeup over it.
The Cost
The price of a 3 oz jar is given as $7.99 on the Porcelana website. There are no discounts.
Is There a Guarantee?
The manufacturer does not appear to have a stated guarantee or returns policy. We found no mention of this in Porcelana’s external communications. It should always be the case that a company offers some kind of guarantee policy, even if it applies to incorrect products sent only.
The Conclusion of our Dark Spot Corrector Review
The manufacturer gives a clear time frame for when you should see an improvement. We welcome this, as it stops consumers from buying a needless product or expending needless energy. Realistic expectations are fostered. It also ensures that the product is safely used. Dark Spot Corrector seems to be ordered fairly often on Amazon and users give it an above-average review.
However, the product does come with a proposition 65 warning meaning that it harbors a potentially toxic or cancer-inducing ingredient which has to be disclosed in certain states, such as California. It is not clear what this specific ingredient may be but what we do find, is that Dark Spot Corrector contains parabens in the form of Propylparaben. Parabens are shunned in the top, all-natural products because of their links to skin cancer, interfering with reproduction and causing potential fetal defects however minor, and also for interfering with the work of the endocrine system. The ingredient could also, of course, be Hydroquinone.
While we applaud the fact that Dark Spot Corrector has in-built sunscreen, this together with the antioxidants in the product do not provide a formula that is deeply nourishing and hydrating enough long term. Because of the potential side effects, we are reluctant to recommend this product even for short periods of time. It would be preferable to opt for a product with natural pigment inhibitors, Vitamins C and E, and gypsyweed so skin is protected from aging, supported, nourished and hydrated.