Reapplication of your sunscreen every two hourseven if it is labeled all day, 24-hour, waterproof, etc.is necessary, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. 
So what is it exactly? For true protection, you need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to guard against sun damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. "Sunscreens that contain iron oxide and carry a tint tend to provide better protection against visible light," Robinson explains. 
Ingredients that work to decrease melanin production or accelerate skin turnover (and thus dispersal of melanin in the skin) are effective in treating hyperpigmentation, explains Kikam. Antioxidants such as vitamin C decrease inflammation and free radical damage to skin cells to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, glucosamine, yeast extract, rice bran extract, gyokuro extract | Skin Type: Dry, combination, oily | Benefits: Gently exfoliates, boosts radiance| Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Brydie Clean: Yes, Jojoba seed oil hydrates without triggering acne. Jenna Igneri, Product Tester, Niacinamide and tranexamic acid effectively target discoloration, Marine extract blend strengthens skin barrier. These use a focused beam of light that has a specific target or chromophore [pigment] to break up and eliminate the pigment particles in the skin, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Is Dermaplaning Actually Safe for Your Skin? Thats why youll find it in tons of skin-lightening products. More than 6,700 Amazon shoppers swear by this popular dark spot corrector from Neutrogena, with one writing that the retinol- and vitamin C-based serum "almost immediately got rid of the dark spots on my face and smoothed out my skin.
When it comes to dark spot treatments, hydroquinone has been the gold standard for over 50 years. Exfoliating treatments like chemical peels remove the upper layers of dead skin, helping to reduce the dull appearance of the skin so that it reflects light better and appears to glow, Dr. Jamal says. Here are some of our favorite vitamin C serums currently on the market, from the standard-setting brand SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to the affordableand effectivesolution from The Ordinary. Using patented microneedling technology, these dots gradually fade dark marks when used twice weekly for two consecutive weeks, according to the brand. Read our, Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar at Amazon, SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum at Amazon, Specific Beauty Intensive Skin Brightening Serum at Birchbox.com, Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector at Amazon, Bolden Nighttime Repair Serum at Boldenusa.com, Hyper Clear Brightening Vitamin C Serum at Gethyperskin.com, BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner at Amazon, Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector at Amazon, Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum at Sephora, Best Overall:
Derm tip: Typically three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by three to four weeks is needed to see results. Testing out a product containing azelaic acid can mean tackling several skin concerns at once: In addition to dark marks, azelaic acid can help address redness, as well as blemishes and breakouts (especially in the case of Paula's Choice's cream gel, featured below, which also contains salicylic acid). And most important, which ones will get rid of dark spots for good? This lesser-known ingredient is a dermatologist-recommended treatment for dark spots on the face. Hyper Clear possesses everything I look for when treating my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation." Peace Out Microneedling Dark Spot Brightening Dots, What to Look for in a Dark Spot Corrector. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Performed using a medical-grade, stainless steel roller covered with hundreds of tiny spikes, the tool creates a series of micro-injuries in an effort to rebuild the skin collagen production along with elasticity. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key featureslike ingredients, shade range, or designin addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads, The 10 Chemical Peels You Can Use at Home for the Glowiest Face Ever, Best Patches: Now that you know where dark spots come from, keep reading to discover how to get rid of dark spots. This best seller from Kiehl's is powered by vitamin C and peony extract to help minimize hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel, This PCA Skin Dark Spot Corrector Packs a Punch, Best for Dark Skin: Also, dont expect speedy resultsit can take several months to see improvement of hyperpigmentation with the use of topical kojic acid. On a biological level, hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which aids in the production of melanin, Dr. Cook-Bolden says.
This hydroquinone- and paraben-free skin-brightening serum from SkinCeuticals contains a blend of tranexamic and kojic acids as well as niacinamide to minimize the appearance and reoccurrence of hyperpigmentation. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Cook-Bolden describes microdermabrasion as a nonchemical procedure thats nonablative, which means it does not destroy skin tissue, and therefore does not require significant recovery time. Microdermabrasion is best for milder hyperpigmentation conditions since the results are modest in terms of improving the appearance of skin discoloration. She also advises sun avoidance in generalespecially for sensitive areasbetween 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Here's another vitamin C-based serum that editors and beauty enthusiasts love, featuring 20 percent of the ingredient paired with a green tea compound to brighten dark spots while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time. Kikam favors this serum for its clinically proven effectiveness in treating dark spots across all skin tones. Bolden Nighttime Repair Serum, Best With Vitamin C: How you use a dark spot corrector will depend on the product formulation and ingredients, explains Shirazi. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. As with any product that is applied to the skin, hydroquinone can cause dryness, redness, and burning, which may signal an allergic reaction to the ingredient, cautions Dr. Cook-Bolden, who always recommends trying a spot test first. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The 10 Best Exfoliating Gloves for Smooth Skin, The Best Under-Eye Patches to Hydrate & Brighten, The 12 Best Brushes for All Types of Curls, Get the Look: Hailey Bieber's Glazed Donut Nails, Glossier Is Officially Heading to Sephora, Need Hair Inspo? Azelaic acid is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce redness, so it's used to treat acne and rosacea. How to use it: At nighttime, only on dark spots or areas of concern. You can find this ingredient over the counter in concentrations of 2% or less, whereas the prescription has 4% or greater. 2010;21(5):272-275. doi:10.3109/09546630903341945, Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, licorice extract, tranexamic acid, vitamin B, mineral oil, hydroquinone | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Benefits: Fades discoloration| Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: No. To help you fade hyperpigmentation and lingering marks even faster, we've rounded up a few of the best dark spot correctors on the market that are worth adding to your range of skincare staples. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available?. The good news is preventing dark spots is often as simple as wearing sunscreen (which youre already using every dayright??).
Hydroquinone for skin lightening: safety profile, duration of use and when should we stop?. This Amazon's Choice product isn't just any regular moisturizer with sunscreen: In addition to featuring broad-spectrum SPF 30, it also contains a blend of glycolic acid and vitamin C to even skin's tone while protecting it from future sun damage. When it comes to dark spot treatments, there are so many skin-care options out there that it can be hard to know where to start. Consider this a treatment, not for the faint of heart. Learn more about Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. This nourishing night cream from Aveeno is a great option not just for treating dark spots but for reducing dullness and blotchiness overall. The clock is ticking on these beauty buys from brands like EltaMD and Paula's Choice. Parks, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWarehouse, agrees: Dark spots will get darker with sun exposure, he tells SELF. Specific Beauty Intensive Skin Brightening Serum, Best Budget: It exfoliates to promote healthy, spot-free skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid accelerate cellular turnover. This brightening serum contains 15 percent vitamin C, plus a blend of ingredients like kojic acid, bearberry, licorice, and salicylic acid to brighten dark spots while preventing future breakouts. Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, pine bark essence, lipo-hydroxyl acid (LHA) | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Exfoliates, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Its creamier than most other products that call themselves serums, but it still had a slickness that made it easy to use. Joline Buscemi, Product Tester, Glycolic acid and antioxidants fade discoloration and increase cell turnover. Dermatologists might also use a wound-healing serum, or a compound of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help with hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Heres Why You Might Feel a Headache Behind Your Eyes, How to Tell If Your Poop Smells Regular-Bad or Concerningly Bad, This Kiehls Overnight Mask Transformed My Tired, Hungover Skin. Urban Skin Rxs Even Tone Cleansing Bar is our best overall pick for its dermatologist recommended formula containing active fading ingredients, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. Daily sunscreen is the absolute best way to prevent hyperpigmentation, Dr. Zeichner says. Board-certified dermatologist Adeline Kikam recommends ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to address hyperpigmentation in her patients. Active Ingredients: Phenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid | Skin Type: Combination | Benefits: Addresses discoloration, evens skin tone | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Concentration of retinol works on darker skin tones, Niacinamide fades discoloration while strengthening skin barrier health. For a dark spot corrector that contains vitamin C, consider Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum, a weightless gel serum that fades dark spots and acne scars with a blend of vitamins C and E, natural fruit enzymes, kojic acid, and turmeric. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi recommends products with azelaic acid, an exfoliant known to fight acne, reduce inflammation, and even out the skin toneall while being less harsh than hydroquinone. "It contains a combination of antioxidant phenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to effectively correct hyperpigmentation and promote an even tone.. Try This Summer Braid Celebs Love, Willow Smith Channels Her Inner Goddess for MUGLER, The 18 Best Dark Spot Correctors for Brighter Skin, The Best Dark Spot Correctors for Brighter, Glowing Skin, Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer, Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector, Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum, Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum, Revitalift Bright Reveal Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen, Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration, Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum. Users report that it noticeably reduces acne scars and sunspots. She does note there is a potential risk of scarring from microneedling services if they are performed too aggressively. You can snag this best-selling hydroquinone fade cream that's formulated for melanin-rich skin for 55 percent off right now. It works as a daily cleanser, mask, and exfoliator, and the results speak for themselves. In some cases, the effects of hydroquinone can be seen in as little as two weeks. Since consistency is always key when it comes to skincare, the best dark spot corrector is the one you use on a regular basis. This type of laser will help avoid an inflammatory response, burns, or collateral damage, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Our product testers used spot correctors for several weeks, evaluating their effect on skin, overall results, and value. In other words, the choice is yours. Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, niacinamide, tetrapeptide-30, marine extract blend, phytic acid | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Prevents the appearance of new spots, reduces redness, supports a healthy skin barrier | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Potent blend of antioxidants target free radical damage, Azelaic acid and kojic acid fade discoloration, This is another very effective albeit more aggressive serum for the treatment of dark spots," Kikam says. This gentle yet effective treatment seriously reduces dark spots caused by sun damage without breaking the bank. The suns ultraviolet radiation can worsen hyperpigmentation. The 12 Best Microdermabrasion Scrubs to Step Up Your Exfoliation Game, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector, Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum, La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. products. Other factors, like skin irritation as a result of acne, waxing, and harsh scrubs, can also cause dark spots. Wonderful product!". Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, jojoba seed oil | Skin Type: Sensitive, acne-prone | Benefits: Balances, boosts radiance, smooths, and fades the most stubborn marks| Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes. Derm tip: Anticipate as many as six treatments (possibly even more) with three to four weeks in between, in-office only. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. If you're nevertheless curious about the effects of at-home chemical peels, try one of these dermatologist-recommended products. While at-home peels are available, they are more likely to slough off dead skin rather than get deep enough to lighten dark spots, Dr. Jamal adds. Fading dark spots, sun spots, age spots, brown patches, melasma, and hyperpigmentation is a common concern, especially among people of color. It also inhibits enzymatic processes that produce melanin in the skin, as such it can help to reduce dark coloration of the skin, Sumayah Jamal, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group, tells SELF. Think beyond orange juice: Vitamin C can be used as a topical antioxidant that helps to block free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin (which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion, among other things). Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar, The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar Made My Skin Glow, Best Splurge: