Burt’s Bees Renewal Dark Spot Corrector

In each edition, Modern Aesthetics® magazine asks top cosmetic doctors about the newest cosmeceuticals they are offering to patients. Here, Raja Sivamani, MD, a Sacramento, CA-based dermatologist and senior medical editor for LearnSkin, shares his enthusiasm for Burt’s Bees Renewal Dark Spot Corrector, which contains the natural retinol alternative bakuchiol.

What is Burt’s Bees Renewal Dark Spot Corrector?

Raja Sivamani, MD: The Renewal Dark Spot Corrector is a targeted treatment that helps fade the appearance of dark spots and reduce uneven skin tone. The main active ingredient in the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector is bakuchiol, an extract from Psoralea corylifolia, or the “babchi” plant, and a natural retinol alternative. In clinical studies, bakuchiol has been shown to improve signs of photoaging without the irritating effects of retinol, such as dry or peeling skin. The Renewal Dark Spot Corrector pairs bakuchiol with antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, which can help boost skin radiance and brighten complexion.

How do you suggest your patients use the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector?

Dr. Sivamani: I have patients use the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector by gently smoothing it all over their face and neck. For best results, patients can apply it daily in the morning and evening after washing their face. Since the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector contains bakuchiol as opposed to traditional retinoids—which have a risk of phototoxicity or photosensitization with sun exposure—the product can be used in the morning as well as the evening.

How does the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector compare with other products in this category?

Dr. Sivamani: For my patients seeking natural anti-aging solutions supported with clinical science, the Burt’s Bees Renewal line is always at the top of my list. Like all Burt’s Bees products, this product has ingredients sourced from nature and is free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and sodium lauryl sulfate. When looking at active ingredients, the bakuchiol in Burt’s Bees Renewal line is shown to be comparable to retinol—the long-held gold standard for anti-aging. The most recent data shows bakuchiol has multi-targeted effects on skin through several pathways, demonstrating that it may actually exert synergistic anti-aging benefits.

What types of results are your patients seeing?

Dr. Sivamani: My patients find the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector to be gentle on their skin, and they like the way that it feels—especially with the sunflower oil included in there. Like many dermatologists, I find a lot of my patients have sensitive skin—more than 60 percent of women and 50 percent of men report some degree of skin sensitivity—and are searching for products that don’t utilize harsh retinol. They like that the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector helps them without as much skin irritation. I like using it with my acne patients to help with any dark blemishes, especially in my patients with darker skin, to give them a healthy glow.

What other products complement these results?

Dr. Sivamani: The Renewal Dark Spot Corrector is part of a broader Burt’s Bees Renewal regimen with a cleanser, serum and several creams/lotions. The entire line is powered by bakuchiol to reduce signs of photoaging. I recommend you follow the Renewal Dark Spot Corrector with the Renewal Fragrance-Free Firming Moisturizing Cream at night or the Renewal Firming Day Lotion with SPF for day use. Patients should always apply sunscreen after their morning skincare regimen to protect their skin and prevent premature aging. I recommend an SPF of at least 30.