This Exact Skincare Routine Transformed My Dark Spots And Pigmentation

When I turned 30, my skincare concerns changed overnight. My ongoing battle with dull skin and blemishes? Still very much present. But suddenly, the fine lines around my forehead and eyes began to irritate me too, making me look far more tired than I felt. And then there was the hyperpigmentation. My goodness, the hyperpigmentation! Every summer, as soon as the sun hits, those dark splotches show up along my upper lip, blurring the line between skin and lip and giving the distinct appearance of a moustache. The joys.

So, when the opportunity came up to try Dermatica - a subscription-based service offering expert-curated skincare- I was intrigued. I’m a bridesmaid at the end of this month, and I refuse to let my pigmentation steal the spotlight from the bride - genuinely, it’s that much of a showstopper.

So, I handed things over to the experts and hoped they could simplify my routine - and make it effective. That’s exactly what I did. For the past six weeks, I’ve been following a Dermatica only routine, using ingredients hand-picked for me by a dermatology team. I submitted a few bare-faced photos, filled in a detailed questionnaire, listed my skin goals, and they curated a tailored regime. Mere days later, it was delivered by post, kicking off my new skincare journey. I was excited. But sceptical. Nothing that worked thus far, so why would Dermatica be different?

So, what is Dermatica- and how does it work?

Dermatica was created to make evidence-based, dermatologist-approved skincare accessible to more people. The idea? That high-quality, personalised treatments shouldn’t be limited to those with the time or money to see a private dermatologist. It makes sense. Even as a beauty editor, I’ve often felt unsure where to turn when I’ve needed something stronger than what’s available on the high street. When you have skin concerns it’s tempting to purchase stronger actives from all sorts of places - even when I know they aren’t equipped to sell such potent actives.

Their team- made up of consultant dermatologists, pharmacists, GPs, clinical researchers and formulation scientists- create bespoke formulas tailored to your skin’s specific needs and can be adapted as your skin changes over time. And as aforementioned, it’s delivered straight to your door.

My Verdict

Rachael Martin Beauty Director says:

‘The process couldn’t have been easier- and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the simplicity of sticking to one clear routine. In the mornings, I skip cleansing and simply splash my face with water, followed by a small amount of Dermatica’s Vitamin C cream to brighten my dull complexion. Vitamin C is well-known for enhancing radiance, and I noticed an improvement in my glow after about a month. I then follow with my usual SPF. Evenings, when I would use my own specially created formula, are where things got more interesting. Although I’ve been using retinoids for a couple of years, I’d always wanted to try a more powerful iteration. Considered the gold standard for anti-ageing and acne treatment, I was thrilled to get a stronger retinoid - the kind you can’t get over the counter. It’s potent. Really potent, meaning it can cause dryness or irritation, so I started with an every-other-night application in a bid to build up tolerance.

On the nights I wasn't using my retinoid, I applied Dermatica’s azelaic acid - a beautifully textured formula that glides on effortlessly. Known for its ability to brighten and reduce dark spots, it’s quickly become a firm favourite and one I’m sorry I didn’t start sooner. I finish each evening with their ceramide-rich moisturiser to support and bolster my skin barrier - it’s deeply soothing and calms any irritation.

So, how did it feel to get this ritual up and going? Honestly? Really good. I did experience dryness during the first week, especially around my nose, but by week three things had settled. In hindsight, I’d probably have started the stronger retinoid every third night instead of every other, just to ease myself in more gently and to minimise flaking.  That said, the ceramide cream worked beautifully to calm and restore my skin.

The results didn’t happen overnight, but they’re not meant to. Dermatica advises allowing at least six weeks to see visible results. I noticed changes around week four. There was a softening of my fine lines, while my skin looked brighter and more even tone. The dark spots on my upper lip is still there, but it’s visibly reduced, so I’m excited to see what the next two weeks will bring.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a no-nonsense, hassle-free skincare routine, expertly tailored to your own unique skin concerns Dermatica is well worth considering. Their effective, medical-grade formulas chosen by the dermatology team could improve your skin - and quickly, too. I now feel so much more confident in the appearance of my complexion without make-up. This is a big deal, considering I was self-conscious mere weeks ago. And good news, as we’ve teamed up withDermatica to offer you 50% off your first 3 months using the code GRAZIA. Usually £24.99 a month, you’ll get a personalised formula, an online consultation reviewed by a dermatology team and 24/7 access to dermatology experts.