This Drugstore Skincare Routine Brightens Dullness and Dark Spots (But Really)

The bundle was created in partnership with Chris Tomassian, a Kansas City dermatologist who's passionate about cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology. When he's not working with patients, he's often sharing educational skincare content with his devoted social media following. (Follow him for advice on everything from proper product application to hair loss, ingredient interactions, and more). 
As for the products that are featured in the bundle, there are four in total. All of them happen to be Who What Wear team favorites. That's because each one is formulated with a mix of ingredients, like kojic acid, niacinamide, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid. "Dark spots and skin dullness are two common skin concerns that many people deal with," Tomassian says. "I tried to mix and match ingredients that work well together to address both concerns."

Let's start with this targeted spot treatment, which was formulated to address dark spots and post-acne marks (a notoriously stubborn skin concern for some people). "Dark spots are commonly found after trauma to the skin called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so try to limit picking or further irritation to any pimples or blemishes," Tomassian says. "Incorporating retinol may also be beneficial, as this not only helps with dark spots but is one of the most well-studied ingredients to improve texture, tone, and fine wrinkles." 

Next up, we have the moisturizer of the bundle. This one is enriched with restorative ingredients such as algae extract, vitamin E, and squalane to calm, hydrate, and nourish the skin. The result? Plump and dewy skin with no dullness in sight.

Exfoliation is paramount when it comes to correcting dullness and dark spots since it sloughs off dead, dry skin cells and brings plump new ones up to the surface. This mask uses three (count 'em, three) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHAs, which are "gentle chemical exfoliates that help turn over your skin cells quickly leaving you with fresh, youthful appearing skin and furthermore over time have been shown to improve collagen production," Dr. Tomassian says. There are also BHAs (aka, salicylic acid) and enzymes. 

This sunscreen doubles as a lightweight moisturizer for daily use. It contains non-nano zinc oxide, which is important in treating dark spots and dullness because it "helps protect your skin from further darkening of your dark spots and collagen degradation from cumulative UV damage," according to Tomassian.