Bolden Nighttime Repair Serum, Best With Vitamin C:
Derm tip: Usually dermatologists recommend three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by two to four weeks. Another potential side effect is ghosting, which is the inadvertent lightening of the skin outside of the targeted area. PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel, This PCA Skin Dark Spot Corrector Packs a Punch, Best for Dark Skin: Fading dark spots, sun spots, age spots, brown patches, melasma, and hyperpigmentation is a common concern, especially among people of color. It also has major soothing properties, with ginger root extract meant to help calm skin and prevent future free radical damage. Common active ingredients in pro-grade peels include glycolic, mandelic, salicylic, and lactic acids, along with trichloroacetic acid.
Its great for someone with sensitive skin and pigmentation and can be used in the morning. This top-rated, skin-evening moisturizer has more than 10,000 customer reviews on Amazon, and features a featherweight consistency with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevents spots from getting even darker. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid accelerate cellular turnover.
Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes, plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD, tells SELF. 2010;21(5):272-275. doi:10.3109/09546630903341945, Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.
Ad Choices, The Dark Spot Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists, This KN95 Protective Mask Is Cute, Comfy, and the Best I've Found, I Was Diagnosed With Monkeypox and the Symptoms Are Pretty Brutal, The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products for Weightless Hydration. It works as a daily cleanser, mask, and exfoliator, and the results speak for themselves. How We Picked the 2022 Healthy Beauty Award Winners.
If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Sephora customers are raving about this buzzy dark spot serum from Topicals that aims to fade stubborn acne marks and sun-damaged, uneven skin in just two weeks with daily use. This gentle yet effective treatment seriously reduces dark spots caused by sun damage without breaking the bank. She considered dozens of dark spot correctors for this roundup, carefully evaluating the formula of each and referencing dermatologist-recommended active ingredients. So whether you're sensitive to hydroquinone or simply don't want to use it on your skin, this serum is a great pick for you. Even visible light can increase skin pigmentation.
For a more affordable option, consider Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector, a drugstore favorite formulated with lipo-hydroxyl acid and vitamin C to target discoloration. While many at-home versions exist, Dr. Doft recommends having your physician control the level of penetrationthink half a millimeter to 2.5 millimeters. According to professionals, there are a number of formulas and ingredients availablefrom retinol to vitamin Cthat help minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089, The 9 Best Powder Cleansers for a Customizable Cleansing Experience, This Is How Hyaluronic Acid Interacts With All Your Favorite Skincare Ingredients, 12 Products for the Brightest, Most Even Skin of Your Dreams, The Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns, 12 Treatments That Help Fade Even the Most Stubborn Acne Scars, Experts Say These Face Masks Actually Help Heal Acne Scars, The Best Pore Minimizers for a Smooth Complexion, These 14 Exfoliators Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin, The Best Vitamin C Serums to Get Your Glow On, The Best Moisturizers for Rosacea That Keep Flare-Ups at Bay, 12 Powerful Drugstore Vitamin C Serums That Won't Break the Bank, The 13 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers with a Lightweight Finish, The Best Face Serums Worthy of a Spot in Your Skincare Routine, The Best Anti-Aging Serums To Elevate Your Skincare, 10 Drugstore Foundations That Make Even the Driest Skin Look Dewy, We Found the Best Drugstore Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type. Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, Best Exfoliating: This face sunscreen does leave a hint of a white cast, so its best suited for fairer skin tones. When it comes to high-quality sun protection, your options range from drugstore products from derm-approved brands like CeraVe to Supergoop! "One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them," Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, says. 
How to use it: Apply to dark spots in the morning and at night, before using your usual moisturizer. Is Dermaplaning Actually Safe for Your Skin?
So, if your ultimate quest is to achieve the no-makeup look, these skin-care products and tips can help. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. This formula contains 15 percent vitamins C and E that are meant to work together, along with natural fruit enzymes, kojic acid, and turmeric, to target and fade dark marks caused by age spots or acne scars. The good news is preventing dark spots is often as simple as wearing sunscreen (which youre already using every dayright??). 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. Look for over-the-counter dark spot correctors containing "topical vitamins, retinol, arbutin, and other antioxidants to repair our aging collagen and elastin," says Madfes. Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, Stevens also recommends this best-selling moisturizer (which contains 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks. Naturally, the less tyrosinase produced, the less melanin produced. Commerce writer and skincare expert Theresa Holland specializes in over-the-counter cosmetics. Derm tip: Typically three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by three to four weeks is needed to see results. If it does, discontinue use and talk to your dermatologist. Now that you know where dark spots come from, keep reading to discover how to get rid of dark spots. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. In other words, the choice is yours. IPL [intense pulsed light] can treat unwanted pigmentation. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list. Tse TW. Even low levels of UV light exposure add up over a lifetime and can cause dark spots., Alan J. Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Benefits: Daily cleanser, mask, exfoliator | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, "After using consistently for two weeks, my skin looks clearer and more radiant, save one hormonal pimple on my chin cropping up during the testing period.
Discoloration on the skin occurs when "enlarged melanocytes or increased tyrosinase production causes the dark spots." We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Once the skin barrier is opened, it is also possible to infuse ingredients known to lighten the skin like vitamin C, says Doft.
Use it during the day and pair it with sunscreen as the ingredient can cause sun sensitivity. This best seller from Kiehl's is powered by vitamin C and peony extract to help minimize hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. This exfoliating serum is designed to work at night when the skin enters its reparation mode. Consider this a treatment, not for the faint of heart. To answer these questions, SELF spoke to several dermatologists to find out how they treat dark spots on the face. For best results, microneedling is often combined with topical treatments. ", This highly popular brightening serum from Sunday Riley has close to five stars and nearly 75,000 loves at Sephora, with one customer describing how the product "really changed my skin texture from dry and dull to hydrated and bright.". A texture that is more supple and smooth, and a complexion that is radiant and more even.
At the end of the day, preventionwith sunscreenis key. 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. Beauty experts and BAZAAR editors agree: This cult-favorite, fragrance-free dark spot serumwhich is optimized for melanated skinis a must-have in any skin care rotation. Of course, keep in mind that chemical peels can be harsh, particularly on sensitive skin, so be sure to talk to your dermatologist about how you may react before booking one. How to use it: Apply it all over your face once or twice a day; you can use it alone or with your favorite face moisturizer. The 58 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Under $20, All the Amazon Prime Day Skin-Care Deals to Score Before Midnight. According to New York dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, discoloration is often a result of sun damage, hormonal changes, or skin growths. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads, The 10 Chemical Peels You Can Use at Home for the Glowiest Face Ever, Best Patches: "It contains a combination of antioxidant phenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to effectively correct hyperpigmentation and promote an even tone.. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie.
Below, we dive into what causes dark spots in the first place, plus nine different dark spot treatments that dermatologists recommend.
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. Learn more about Best Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector, Best Dark Spot Corrector for a Healthy Skin Barrier, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We considered dozens of products for this roundup, combining our own research insights, dermatologist recommendations, and third party reviews to compile the best in show. She specializes in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques. All that's needed is a pump or two of this dual brightening serum and anti-irritant complex per day to improve the look of dark spots, age spots, and acne scars. It can also be And for sensitive or combination skin types dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, or rosacea, a product containing powerful yet gentle azelaic acid is key.
Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available.
"Sunscreens that contain iron oxide and carry a tint tend to provide better protection against visible light," Robinson explains. Derm tip: Anticipate as many as six treatments (possibly even more) with three to four weeks in between, in-office only. This type of laser will help avoid an inflammatory response, burns, or collateral damage, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Azelaic acid and retinol should be used all over the face, as they offer other benefits and help prevent pigmentation.
These patches come to the rescue for stubborn spots that wont go away. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum, Best Hydroquinone-Free: Wonderful product!". Board-certified dermatologist Adeline Kikam recommends ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to address hyperpigmentation in her patients. When using it during the day, be sure to follow it with sunscreen. From powerful serums to gentle moisturizers. The well-rated brand Ambi offers hydroquinone-based creams for both normal and oily skin types. Antioxidants such as vitamin C decrease inflammation and free radical damage to skin cells to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. Lasers are the most expensive yet most impactful treatment to reduce dark spots. She also advises sun avoidance in generalespecially for sensitive areasbetween 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. products. Another added benefit is that vitamin C lightens only targets problem pigmentation areas, not the rest of your skin, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology, tells SELF. While the product didnt prevent it from forming, it did keep it from growing into an enormous zit like Im used to." 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. 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.
Derm tip: Usually dermatologists recommend three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by two to four weeks. Another potential side effect is ghosting, which is the inadvertent lightening of the skin outside of the targeted area. PCA Skin HQ-Free Pigment Gel, This PCA Skin Dark Spot Corrector Packs a Punch, Best for Dark Skin: Fading dark spots, sun spots, age spots, brown patches, melasma, and hyperpigmentation is a common concern, especially among people of color. It also has major soothing properties, with ginger root extract meant to help calm skin and prevent future free radical damage. Common active ingredients in pro-grade peels include glycolic, mandelic, salicylic, and lactic acids, along with trichloroacetic acid.
Its great for someone with sensitive skin and pigmentation and can be used in the morning. This top-rated, skin-evening moisturizer has more than 10,000 customer reviews on Amazon, and features a featherweight consistency with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevents spots from getting even darker. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid accelerate cellular turnover. Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes, plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD, tells SELF. 2010;21(5):272-275. doi:10.3109/09546630903341945, Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.
Ad Choices, The Dark Spot Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists, This KN95 Protective Mask Is Cute, Comfy, and the Best I've Found, I Was Diagnosed With Monkeypox and the Symptoms Are Pretty Brutal, The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products for Weightless Hydration. It works as a daily cleanser, mask, and exfoliator, and the results speak for themselves. How We Picked the 2022 Healthy Beauty Award Winners. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Sephora customers are raving about this buzzy dark spot serum from Topicals that aims to fade stubborn acne marks and sun-damaged, uneven skin in just two weeks with daily use. This gentle yet effective treatment seriously reduces dark spots caused by sun damage without breaking the bank. She considered dozens of dark spot correctors for this roundup, carefully evaluating the formula of each and referencing dermatologist-recommended active ingredients. So whether you're sensitive to hydroquinone or simply don't want to use it on your skin, this serum is a great pick for you. Even visible light can increase skin pigmentation.
For a more affordable option, consider Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector, a drugstore favorite formulated with lipo-hydroxyl acid and vitamin C to target discoloration. While many at-home versions exist, Dr. Doft recommends having your physician control the level of penetrationthink half a millimeter to 2.5 millimeters. According to professionals, there are a number of formulas and ingredients availablefrom retinol to vitamin Cthat help minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089, The 9 Best Powder Cleansers for a Customizable Cleansing Experience, This Is How Hyaluronic Acid Interacts With All Your Favorite Skincare Ingredients, 12 Products for the Brightest, Most Even Skin of Your Dreams, The Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns, 12 Treatments That Help Fade Even the Most Stubborn Acne Scars, Experts Say These Face Masks Actually Help Heal Acne Scars, The Best Pore Minimizers for a Smooth Complexion, These 14 Exfoliators Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin, The Best Vitamin C Serums to Get Your Glow On, The Best Moisturizers for Rosacea That Keep Flare-Ups at Bay, 12 Powerful Drugstore Vitamin C Serums That Won't Break the Bank, The 13 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers with a Lightweight Finish, The Best Face Serums Worthy of a Spot in Your Skincare Routine, The Best Anti-Aging Serums To Elevate Your Skincare, 10 Drugstore Foundations That Make Even the Driest Skin Look Dewy, We Found the Best Drugstore Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type. Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, Best Exfoliating: This face sunscreen does leave a hint of a white cast, so its best suited for fairer skin tones. When it comes to high-quality sun protection, your options range from drugstore products from derm-approved brands like CeraVe to Supergoop! "One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them," Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, says. How to use it: Apply to dark spots in the morning and at night, before using your usual moisturizer. Is Dermaplaning Actually Safe for Your Skin? So, if your ultimate quest is to achieve the no-makeup look, these skin-care products and tips can help. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. This formula contains 15 percent vitamins C and E that are meant to work together, along with natural fruit enzymes, kojic acid, and turmeric, to target and fade dark marks caused by age spots or acne scars. The good news is preventing dark spots is often as simple as wearing sunscreen (which youre already using every dayright??). 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. Look for over-the-counter dark spot correctors containing "topical vitamins, retinol, arbutin, and other antioxidants to repair our aging collagen and elastin," says Madfes. Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, Stevens also recommends this best-selling moisturizer (which contains 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks. Naturally, the less tyrosinase produced, the less melanin produced. Commerce writer and skincare expert Theresa Holland specializes in over-the-counter cosmetics. Derm tip: Typically three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by three to four weeks is needed to see results. If it does, discontinue use and talk to your dermatologist. Now that you know where dark spots come from, keep reading to discover how to get rid of dark spots. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. In other words, the choice is yours. IPL [intense pulsed light] can treat unwanted pigmentation. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list. Tse TW. Even low levels of UV light exposure add up over a lifetime and can cause dark spots., Alan J. Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Benefits: Daily cleanser, mask, exfoliator | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, "After using consistently for two weeks, my skin looks clearer and more radiant, save one hormonal pimple on my chin cropping up during the testing period.
Discoloration on the skin occurs when "enlarged melanocytes or increased tyrosinase production causes the dark spots." We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Once the skin barrier is opened, it is also possible to infuse ingredients known to lighten the skin like vitamin C, says Doft.
Use it during the day and pair it with sunscreen as the ingredient can cause sun sensitivity. This best seller from Kiehl's is powered by vitamin C and peony extract to help minimize hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. This exfoliating serum is designed to work at night when the skin enters its reparation mode. Consider this a treatment, not for the faint of heart. To answer these questions, SELF spoke to several dermatologists to find out how they treat dark spots on the face. For best results, microneedling is often combined with topical treatments. ", This highly popular brightening serum from Sunday Riley has close to five stars and nearly 75,000 loves at Sephora, with one customer describing how the product "really changed my skin texture from dry and dull to hydrated and bright.". A texture that is more supple and smooth, and a complexion that is radiant and more even.
At the end of the day, preventionwith sunscreenis key. 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. Beauty experts and BAZAAR editors agree: This cult-favorite, fragrance-free dark spot serumwhich is optimized for melanated skinis a must-have in any skin care rotation. Of course, keep in mind that chemical peels can be harsh, particularly on sensitive skin, so be sure to talk to your dermatologist about how you may react before booking one. How to use it: Apply it all over your face once or twice a day; you can use it alone or with your favorite face moisturizer. The 58 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Under $20, All the Amazon Prime Day Skin-Care Deals to Score Before Midnight. According to New York dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, discoloration is often a result of sun damage, hormonal changes, or skin growths. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads, The 10 Chemical Peels You Can Use at Home for the Glowiest Face Ever, Best Patches: "It contains a combination of antioxidant phenylethyl resorcinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid to effectively correct hyperpigmentation and promote an even tone.. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie.
Below, we dive into what causes dark spots in the first place, plus nine different dark spot treatments that dermatologists recommend.
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. Learn more about Best Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector, Best Dark Spot Corrector for a Healthy Skin Barrier, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We considered dozens of products for this roundup, combining our own research insights, dermatologist recommendations, and third party reviews to compile the best in show. She specializes in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques. All that's needed is a pump or two of this dual brightening serum and anti-irritant complex per day to improve the look of dark spots, age spots, and acne scars. It can also be And for sensitive or combination skin types dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, or rosacea, a product containing powerful yet gentle azelaic acid is key.
Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available.
"Sunscreens that contain iron oxide and carry a tint tend to provide better protection against visible light," Robinson explains. Derm tip: Anticipate as many as six treatments (possibly even more) with three to four weeks in between, in-office only. This type of laser will help avoid an inflammatory response, burns, or collateral damage, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Azelaic acid and retinol should be used all over the face, as they offer other benefits and help prevent pigmentation.
These patches come to the rescue for stubborn spots that wont go away. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum, Best Hydroquinone-Free: Wonderful product!". Board-certified dermatologist Adeline Kikam recommends ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to address hyperpigmentation in her patients. When using it during the day, be sure to follow it with sunscreen. From powerful serums to gentle moisturizers. The well-rated brand Ambi offers hydroquinone-based creams for both normal and oily skin types. Antioxidants such as vitamin C decrease inflammation and free radical damage to skin cells to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. Lasers are the most expensive yet most impactful treatment to reduce dark spots. She also advises sun avoidance in generalespecially for sensitive areasbetween 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. products. Another added benefit is that vitamin C lightens only targets problem pigmentation areas, not the rest of your skin, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology, tells SELF. While the product didnt prevent it from forming, it did keep it from growing into an enormous zit like Im used to." 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. 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.