I have been dying to tell you about this new product for the last few months, however, I was sworn to secrecy until the product launched on April 1st.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is a prescription strength serum designed to treat the appearance of dark spots, age spots, discolourations due to aging, sun damage and past acne scarring to reveal a more uniformly radiant complexion.

The big difference is that this ‘damage eraser’ is gentle and non-irritating and ideal for skins that cannot tolerate other skin brightening treatments. And no call or cost for a dermatologist visit, we can finally get prescription strength skin-evening results at home!

We chat to Janet Pardo, SVP of Clinique Product Development Worldwide.

Q. How does Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector work?  What is the breakthrough?
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is the first available skin tone and dark spot corrector from a prestige cosmetics brand clinically proven to perform equal to a leading prescription drug ingredient for evening skin tone. It is gentle enough for continued long term use, particularly important for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate drugs. This product is suitable for people of various skin types and ethnicities.

We use a rare botanical extract, derived from Dianella Ensifolia (Border Silver), native to China, India, Japan, the Philippines and Florida. This is the first time this extract has been used in a cosmetic product. It is a powerful antioxidant and when coupled with our existing hyperpigmentation technology, gave us the push to take our evening skin tone results to a prescription level.

Q. Who should use this product?
If your main concern is uneven skin tone or spots caused by hyperpigmentation due to non-hereditary causes such as sun, irritation or scarring, then Even Better Clinical is appropriate for you.

Q. How long until you see results?
With consistent use twice a day, results can be seen within 4 weeks. Our clinical tests revealed a 45% improvement in skin tone on the Caucasian panel. While immediate results include improved clarity and brightness, by using Even Better Clinical twice daily, you can help skin become more even-toned and the appearance of dark spots diminishes. Even Better Clinical can be used continuously unlike some prescription ingredients which can cause irritation and redness.

Q. What else can women do to avoid future dark spots?
Sun protection is extremely important. Clinique always recommends wearing a daily sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher.  When possible, also try to avoid environmental stressors such as UV that can trigger excess melanin synthesis. Using skin protection products that include both sunscreens and antioxidants, such as Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20, to protect the skin is ideal. In addition, using a daily skin care regimen that is appropriate for your skin type will help keep skin happy, healthy, and not irritated.

For optimal results, use twice a day with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is on counter now with a RRP of $120.