Verso Dark Spot Fix {Review}

I talk about hyperpigmentation plenty often around here. And I mean, how could I not—dark spots are a part of life much like periods and split ends. They come and they go (and come and go again and again) and are often the result of some sort of trauma to the skin. Trauma can be anything from a pimple to a scratch to an abrasion. There’s a lot you can do to treat dark spots—I try different things often based on the nature of what I do for a living. This time around I tried out Verso Dark Spot Fix (sent for review consideration) for a few months and here I am to talk about it :)

So first things first, make sure you read through my Hyperpigmentation posts so you can learn more about them, how to treat them, and products I’ve tried in the past.

Also to note, not all dark spots are the same. Some are more superficial meaning that they don’t go as deep into the skin’s surface making them easier to treat with over the counter methods. Also not all over the counter dark spot treatments are the same—some contain ingredients like hydroquinone which work “faster” to fade spots (but some people avoid using because of possible yet unconfirmed carcinogen links—you can look this up) and other more natural ingredients like kojic acid and licorice root which works “slower” than hydroquinone.

Others aren’t so superficial—typically those that are older—and may respond slightly to over the counter treatment but your best bet with them is to see a derm for more extensive treatment.

Now back to Verso Dark Spot Fix…

Official description:

What it is:
A fading and lightening dark spot corrector with Verso’s highest dose of retinol 8 complex to effectively reduce the appearance of minor, unwanted dark spots.

What it is formulated to do:
This concentrated formula effectively helps to reduce the appearance of minor, unwanted dark spots. It works to lighten the look of age spots, sun damage, and past acne, leaving the complexion looking smoother, healthier, and younger. Retinol 8—a stable vitamin A—makes this powerful product suitable for those with sensitive skin and safe for daytime use.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

What else you need to know:
Verso products contain no dyes, mineral oils, or other harmful substances.

So first, I’m a fan of Verso Foaming Cleanser, Verso Day Cream, and Verso Night Cream—all contain the brand’s own Retinol 8 ingredient and in the winter were two of my fave moisturizers and cleansers so I was looking forward to trying Verso Dark Spot Fix.

I applied it where I needed it twice a day for almost three months. Like I do sometimes with dark spot treatments I cycle off for a bit and then cycle back on (meaning I stop using it for a bit and then start using it again which is a technique I learned from a dermatologist). The spots I was treating were a spot I always get on my chin because I get the same pimple on my chin every now and then when I get my period and it leaves a dark spot behind; a spot I had on the side of my nose from a pimple; and a few spots on my forehead which resulted from pimples and then I burned myself with a curling wand while I was in Grenada (and then got a mosquito bite right below soon after…lol).

The easiest spot to treat was the one on the side of my nose—I noticed that faded completely within about 4 weeks. The one on my chin faded some but it’s still visible—not as much as it was when I first got it, but definitely not as apparent. The burn on my forehead is the most stubborn and is still very visible though again not as much as it was before I started treatment. This all goes back to my point earlier about not all dark spots being the same. The deeper ones (on my chin and the burn) need something stronger for me to see better results. This doesn’t mean Verso Dark Spot Fix doesn’t work, but as you’ll see in the official description above, it’s formulated to work on minor dark spots—which it did for the one I had on the side of my nose.

While I’m pretty impressed by Verso’s Retinol 8 (it’s also in the Verso Day Cream and Verso Night Cream I really like), I wouldn’t buy Dark Spot Fix after my press sample runs out. I personally prefer to use treatments that contain hydroquinone (or at least I am for now—that could change as I am a woman and I’m allowed to change my mind…lol) and I’d go back to one of my faves: Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener (it contains 2% hydroquinone and glycolic acid). If you’re more ingredient conscious and have minor dark spots, Verso Dark Spot Fix might be up your alley.

Price and where to buy: Verso Dark Spot Fix is $150 at Sephora (plus up to 8% cash back when you use eBates). See VersoSkincare.com for more locations across the globe.