This Brightening Treatment Was Game-Changing For My Dark Spots and Melasma

Coming off the summer, my skin is a little worse for wear. I struggle with melasma and hyperpigmentation, but it’s an ongoing battle that I’m diligent in fighting. I take oral tranexamic acid to internally prevent melasma flare-ups from June to September when sun exposure and heat peak. I also utilize a topical to hit those pesky spots right at their source. I’m now at the point in the year when I’ve paused the medication and become strictly reliant on topicals, specifically YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment ($88), every morning and night to keep my skin bright.

Though a dark spot is a dark spot, not all dark spots are created equal, and some are harder to treat than others. Case in point: Hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term for dark spots, which present as freckles or patches of discoloration, most commonly resulting from sun damage. Melasma, on the other hand, is a more complex type of hyperpigmentation, though it presents similarly as patches of discoloration on the cheeks, forehead, and above the lip.

As I know all too well, melasma is triggered by heat, hormones, and sun exposure. Multiple provocateurs require a multifaceted approach to keep dark spots at bay. Though I’m meticulous with my use of retinoids and vitamin C, The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment has been the cherry on top of maintaining a melasma-free face all year long.

About YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment

What I Like About YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment

In case you’re unfamiliar, YSE Beauty is a skin care brand founded by model and actress Molly Sims. After testing the entire line, I can say with conviction it isn’t your typical celeb beauty brand; it’s extremely effective, ideal for sensitive skin, and it focuses on addressing hyperpigmentation — a plight near and dear to Sims herself.

My skin care routine involves several active ingredients for different skin issues. I love this product because it’s powerful yet gentle enough to be incorporated into my overall regime. Tranexamic acid is a powerhouse in stopping pigmentation from forming under the skin, a critical component in banishing dark spots. I love that it not only improves discoloration but also helps improve the skin barrier and boosts hydration with niacinamide, which leaves my skin feeling silky.

How to Use YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment

For best results, the brand advises applying the product in both the morning and the evening. In the morning, I apply The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment to the areas of my face where I tend to develop dark spots, for maintenance and to halt any melasma that pops up in its tracks. I apply my entire skin care routine, including my moisturizer, and then apply The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment. The brand recommends that you allow the product to absorb fully before following with any of your other skin care products. After it sets, I finish with SPF (a non-negotiable when defending against dark spots).

At night, I apply my skin care, including retinol and moisturizer, and then finish with The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment.

What to Consider Before Trying YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment

There are three key questions to consider before trying The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment: are you looking to reduce dark spots on your face, can you be consistent, and are you willing to pay the price? If the answer to all three is a yes — you’re going to absolutely love the product and your results.

Is YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment Worth the Splurge?

Though the treatment is pricey, a little bit goes a long way. Even if you use the product bidaily, expect it to last you about two to three months. Consistency and patience are requisite with any actives that you incorporate into your skincare routine. Expect to see results after about a month of regular use.

Where Is YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment Available?

YSE Beauty’s The Problem Solver Brightening Treatment is available at YSEbeauty.com.

Rating: ★★★★★

Taryn Brooke is a beauty writer and editor born and bred in New York City who has been in digital media for over 10 years. She is a contributing beauty writer for PS, Allure, Byrdie, and Well+Good.