We all have different ways we cope with stress: sweating it out on a long run, meditating, taking a hot bath. But for me, when the cray hits the fan, I do something I'm not proud of: I pick at my skin.
It’s a nasty habit, for sure. And it’s one that always leads to stubborn, hard-to-get-rid-of dark spots speckled across my brown skin. Most of the zits I get could clear up within a few days, but their presence remains known thanks to my stress-induced urge to poke and prod. My dermatologist has explained to me that when I pick at my pimples, they feel attacked, so they try to protect themselves by overproducing melanocytes—pigment-producing cells—which leave behind pesky dark marks.
Clearly, I need to work on finding a better way to deal with stress. But in the meantime, I've been looking for a way to fade those dark marks and get a smoother, more even-toned complexion. And I've finally found something that works: Paula’s Choice Resist 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment, which is featured in the April ESSENCE BeautyBox. Within a few days, this product had earned employee-of-the-year status: my marks were less noticeable, my skin was baby-soft, and overall, I just looked better. (That alone relieved some stress.) The miracle ingredient in this product is ascorbic acid, or stabilized vitamin C. It's used to fade post-acne discolorations like mine, as well as sunspots and age spots, and can be used on all skin types.
Need to fade dark marks or even out your own complexion? You can get Paula’s Choice Resist 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment in the April ESSENCE BeautyBox, along with four other products (plus, a surprise bonus product!) when you order a box by March 29. This new subscription box, curated by the editors of ESSENCE, addresses the unique challenges in finding a variety of beauty products for dark skin.