The Dark Spot Treatment Regimen

The Dark Spot Treatment Regimen comes with:

• Dark Spot Peel, 2mL 
• Dark Spot Peel Accessory Kit (pre-peel alcohol wipe, gloves, cotton swabs)
• Daily Dark Spot Intercept, 30mL
• Daily Renewal Cream, 30mL
• Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, 30mL

This highly concentrated peel containing 13.6% TCA is designed to be used after a pre-conditioning period with Daily Dark Spot Intercept, Daily Renewal Cream, and Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50. The peel helps to reduce the appearance of individual dark spots—at home—transforming the look of discolorations into visibly more unified, even-toned skin.

• IMPROVES APPEARANCE OF INDIVIDUAL SPOTS AND UNEVEN PIGMENTATION, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
• RESULTS-DRIVEN: See visible results in 5 weeks when used in conjunction with Daily Dark Spot Intercept, Daily Renewal Cream, Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, and an application of Dark Spot Peel at the start of week 3. Dark Spot Peel can provide visible results in about 10-14 days after application.
• FORMULATED FOR ALL SKIN TONES

13.6% Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): TCA chemical peels are used to improve the appearance of even skin tone. Dark Spot Peel was designed as a superficial chemical peel to reduce irritation commonly associated with stronger TCA peels.

Lactic Acid: Known to stimulate exfoliation and cell renewal safely and effectively.

Salicylic Acid (SA): Compared to other acids used in skincare, salicylic acid provides a gentler exfoliation and is well tolerated by most skin types. SA helps fade dark spots and skin discolorations, and it is also commonly used to decrease blemishes, blackheads, sebum production, and clogged pores.

Phytic Acid: A great antioxidant booster that is commonly used in hyperpigmentation treatments.

After using Dark Spot Peel as part of the complete Ourself Dark Spot Treatment regimen, consumers generally see visible results in just 5 weeks*:

•  >98% of users thought their skin tone was more even.**
•  >98% of users said their skin looked and felt healthier.**
• 86% of users said their spots were less noticeable, and blended better with their skin overall.**

*Complete Dark Spot Treatment regimen as tested includes Daily Dark Spot Intercept, Daily Renewal Cream, Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, and an application of Dark Spot Peel at the start of week 3, all used as directed.
**In a consumer perception study with 15 participants.

Where to use Dark Spot Peel:

• Sunspots, age spots, or liver spots (less than 6mm)

What they are: Sunspots, age spots or liver spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin caused by short and long term sun exposure. They are common in adults and are our skin’s attempt to protect itself from sun damage. Unlike freckles, which fade with no sun exposure, sunspots do not fade. While dark spots can form at any time, most people will start to see them in or after their mid-thirties when melanin production may kick into overproduction.

• Are flat areas of increased pigmentation 
• Usually tan to dark brown
• Appear on skin that is most exposed to the sun, like the backs of hands, face, and shoulders 
• Can appear in a group together, which makes them more noticeable

Where NOT to use Dark Spot Peel:

• Broken skin
• History of an inflammatory skin condition (eg. Rosacea, eczema)
• Acne prone skin
• Skin prone to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) following any injury to the skin (eg. acne, bites, product irritation, picking, rashes, eczema, abrasions)
• Spots that have changed or increased in size, are black, has an irregular border, has an unusual combination of colors, is bleeding, and/or raisedOther types of spots: freckles, melasma, areas larger than 6mm
• Near eyes

Any spot that is larger than 6mm (a quarter inch), changes size over time, has different colors within the spot, or seems unusual looking should be checked out by a doctor.

Because Dark Spot Peel includes 13.6% TCA and other active ingredients, you must follow all application steps, including pre- and post-application, as provided below. This will help ensure maximum results and skin comfort. Read all instructions before beginning Dark Spot Peel.

Important: at least 2 weeks prior to your Dark Spot Peel application, stop using cosmetic products with retinoid/retinol and/or AHAs/BHAs. See warnings for additional information. Avoid excessive sun exposure.

DAY 1-14
Step 1: Confirm your Dark Spot

• Using the Dark Spot Finder, confirm that your dark spot is one that will benefit from the Dark Spot Peel
• If still unsure, schedule a virtual consultation with out estheticians to receive expert advice at your convenience. 

Step 2: Pre-Conditioning

• STOP using cosmetic products with retinoid/retinol and/or AHAs/BHAs
• For 14 days, pre-condition every morning with Daily Dark Spot Intercept (DSI), followed by Daily Renewal Cream (DRC), plus Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (SPF). At night, repeat the application of DSI and DRC. 

DAY 15
Step 3: Re-confirm your Dark Spot and Getting Started

• Using the Dark Spot Finder, confirm that your dark spot is one that will benefit from the Dark Spot Peel
• Cleanse skin using cleanser that do not contain acids
• Put on gloves and use the alcohol wipe to clean the dark spot area

Step 4: Preparing the Peel

• Once skin is clean and dry, open the peel vial by placing thumb on the arrows on the cap and pushing up. Remove the crimp seal and the stopper.
• Using the cotton swab, dip it into the peel solution to wet the tip. Ensure it is saturated, but not dripping.

Step 5: Applying the Peel

• Gently dab one layer of peel on the dark spot. Do NOT apply pressure as you dab on the peel.
• Wait 3-5 minutes for any tingling/burning to subside.
• If burning does not subside, STOP.
• If skin frosting (whitening) occurs, STOP, peel application is complete.
• Application may continue for maximum of 3-5 layers of peel application.

Step 6: Applying DSI, DRC, SPF

• Once you have applied the final layer and waited 3-5 minutes, apply DSI and DRC to keep treated area moisturized.
• Dark Spot Peel is self neutralizing, so do NOT wash it off until the next morning

DAY 16-30
Step 7: After the Peel Application

• Cleanse your face as usual the next day
• Continue the application of DSI, DRC, and SPF during the 3 weeks following the Dark Spot Peel. Make sure to apply over the dark spot and avoid excessive sun exposure. 

Step 8: After the Peel Application (Individual results may vary)

• 1-2 days after peel application, skin may feel tighter/dry/irritated/warm. 
• 3-7 days after peel application, the dark spot will get darker, red and/or swollen, harden up and may itch and/or begin to slough/flake/peel. Do NOT pick or pull the skin – allow skin to peel at its own pace. Premature peeling of skin will results in dry, cracked, raw skin that may develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• 7-14 days after peel application, sloughing/flaking/peeling continues. Level or intensity of peeling depends on individual skin conditions as well as the number of layers of Dark Spot Peel applied.
• Continue to apply DSI, DRC, SPF in the morning and night. Apply addition DSI and DRC to keep itching down.

Step 9: After the Peel Application (Individual results may vary)

• 14+ days after peel application, peeling process is complete and the dark spot will fall off. It is normal for the new skin to look pinkish or a little bit different from the rest of skin. Color will even in a couple of days. 
• Continue to apply DSI, DRC, and SPF in the morning and night to maintain optimum results.

PREP/PRE-CONDITIONING

• How do I choose between Brightening Peel and Dark Spot Peel?
  • The Brightening Peel formulation addresses larger patches of uneven skin tone and texture, as well as general skin dullness. 
  • Dark Spot Peel targets specific individual sunspots, up to 6mm (a quarter inch) in diameter. 
• I’ve heard Peels don’t work on melanin-rich skin. Is this true?
  • While some peels on the market have been problematic for more melanin-rich skin, we asked testers with medium to deep skin tones to try Ourself Dark Spot Peel and they saw a reduction in the appearance of their spots. Consider using fewer layers when applying (especially the first few times), and balancing that by doing a second peel treatment 4 weeks later. Slower and steadier will win you the more even-toned look you want. We suggest testing this product on the inside of arm before using.
• Can sensitive skin use the Dark Spot Peel?
  • We recommend doing a patch test at least 48 hours before using Dark Spot Peel if you have sensitive skin. Do not use it during an active flare up.
• How do I perform a patch test?
  • Sweep alcohol wipe on the inside of the forearm, and dip the cotton swab into the solution–ensuring it is saturated, but not dripping. Dab one layer of the peel up to 6mm (a quarter inch) in diameter to clean skin on the inside of the forearm. Cover with bandage and let sit for 24 hours without getting wet and see if irritation occurs, then rinse clean. If irritation occurs, then the peel cannot be used. Wait a total of 48 hours between the patch test and using the peel.
• How do I find the right spot for the Dark Spot Peel?
  • Dark Spot Peel can only be used on sunspots, age spots or liver spots. Do not use on surface areas greater than 6mm. 
  • Do not apply if you have any medical or skin conditions, including active acne or acne prone skin, on broken, compromised, or irritated skin, on spots that have changed or increased in size, are black, have an irregular border, have an unusual combination of colors, are bleeding, and/or raised, on freckles, melasma, areas larger than 6mm, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), discoloration following injury to the skin (eg. acne, bites, product irritation, picking, rashes, eczema, abrasions), or near eyes.
  • Any spot that is larger than 6mm (a quarter inch), changes size over time, has different colors within the spot, or seems unusual looking should be evaluated  by a doctor.
• Can I apply the peel on my eyelids/near my eyes?
  •  No, do not apply near eyes/mucous membranes.
• Can I apply the peel on my body?
  • Unfortunately, we haven’t yet tested the Dark Spot Peel for body application. To ensure the best results, we recommend only using as directed.
• What should I expect after applying the Dark Spot Peel?
  • Approximately 1-7 days post-application, you may see visible darkening of the treated area. This is expected. Flaking, and/or peeling of the treated area may also occur. Do not physically or chemically exfoliate the treated area. For best results, it is important to allow flaking skin to come off on its own within 3-14 days. See visible results—clear, renewed skin—within 14 days. 
• Do I need to use the Ourself Everyday Regimen with the Dark Spot Peel?
  • Yes, the Dark Spot Peel and Ourself Everyday Regimen were formulated and clinically tested together for optimal, long-lasting results. These steps prime the skin, creating the ideal condition to apply Dark Spot Peel and ensuring the best post-peel results.

DURING APPLICATION

• How do I open the vial?
  • Open the peel vial by pushing up on the thin plastic cap, positioning your thumb at the base of the arrows. This will break the foil safety seal in the center. Continue pulling in the direction of the arrows and twist to remove the rest of the foil seal. Carefully remove the inner stopper.
• My skin turned white during the peel. What does that mean?  
  • Dark Spot Peel is a TCA peel and therefore may cause skin to turn white, known as skin frosting, which is what happens when the surface of your skin is exfoliated away by the acidic solution. If you develop skin frosting, this is expected and an indicator to stop application.
• Is it normal to feel tingling/burning?
  • Yes, moderate tingling/burning sensation may occur for up to 3-5 minutes. If you feel prolonged discomfort, discontinue application and splash with cool water. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers until skin is calm.
• Do I rinse off the peel?
  • No, this Peel is self-neutralizing. Do not rinse skin until the next time you plan to wash your face.
• How do I save the extra solution?
  • The Dark Spot Peel is a one time use product and not meant to be saved for future use.
• How do I dispose of leftover solution?
  • Turn the water faucet on and pour down the drain while water is running.

POST APPLICATION

• How do I care for my skin post peel?
  • Starting the evening immediately following the Dark Spot Peel treatment, apply Daily Dark Spot Intercept and follow with Daily Renewal Cream to keep the treated area well moisturized. If the treated area feels itchy, dry or tense, reapply moisturizer—do not scratch. 
  • Be sure to follow with Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 prior to any sun exposure, and reapply every 2-3 hours when you are outdoors. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
  • Continue this regimen until skin recovers.
• When can I apply the Dark Spot Peel again?
  • Allow your skin to recover completely, before using the Dark Spot Peel again. Do not use Dark Spot Peel more frequently than 4 to 6 weeks.
• When can I start using cosmetic products with retinols/retinoids and/or AHAs/BHAs again?
  • Once skin is fully recovered, roughly 3-4 weeks after performing the Peel, and there is no peeling or signs of irritation present, you can start to add retinoids and acids back into your routine. We suggest you add one product at a time, and give it a few days before adding the next one.

CAUTION: For external use only. May cause skin and eye irritation. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water. If irritation occurs and persists, consult a physician. If swallowed, call the Poison Control center in your area. Keep out of the reach of children. Take proper precautions when opening.

Do not use this if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or nursing, you are allergic to any of the ingredients (see product carton), or if you are experiencing any skin conditions or have broken, compromised, or irritated skin. Do not apply in hypopigmented areas. Use as directed. Discontinue retinoids and acids at least two weeks before performing this chemical peel. If you have a preexisting health or skin condition, consult with a physician before use.

SUNBURN ALERT: This product contains alpha/beta/poly hydroxy acids (AHA/BHA/PHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

WARNING: This product can expose you to trichloroacetic acid, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer.  For more information go to  www.P65Warnings.ca.gov