Anna EfetovaGetty Images Show Whether a by-product of an aggressive breakout, sun damage, or a greater skin condition, dark spots and hyperpigmentation are a common issue. "Any inflammation in the skin can also lead to a light or dark mark, which can subsequently be worsened following sun exposure," Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in New York City, tells BAZAAR.com. "So the most common cause of discoloration depends on age, with acne of past reigning supreme in younger patients, UV damage in older patients, and many other factors in between." Most dark spot correctors use a powerful combination of active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid to effectively brighten skin. Erica Stevens, a dermatologist at a medical center in Buda, Texas, says one of the most potent brighteners is hydroquinone—available over the counter or through a prescription from your dermatologist—which is the "gold standard" in dark spot correction. 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. While topical treatments can help drastically fade an uneven complexion over time, experts also recommend accompanying your serum or cream of choice with a sunscreen containing at least SPF 30 to keep skin protected. "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. "Sunscreen is extremely important in protecting the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and also visible light, which drives hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin more than other skin tones. In these cases, sunscreen is more than just protective, it is essential in the treatment of hyperpigmentation." Some sunscreens are better
than others too. "Sunscreens that contain iron oxide and carry a tint tend to provide better protection against visible light," Robinson explains. Then comes next steps: "After consistent sunscreen, I recommend topical tone correctors that contain a blend of antioxidants and proven actives and in-office treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser. As always, pigment is tricky, and stubborn pigment is reason to see a board-certified dermatologist." 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.
Best for All Skin Tones ZO Brightalive Great for Acne-Prone Skin Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum Great for Sensitive Skin Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum Expert-Approved Olay Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer Editors' Choice Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum Best Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Popular on Amazon Ambi Skincare Fade Cream Popular on Amazon Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector Best Vegan Dark Spot Corrector Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum Great for Acne-Prone Skin Hyper Skin Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum Popular at Sephora The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Great for Acne-Prone Skin Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Popular at Sephora Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Expert-Approved BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Serum Popular on Amazon L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen Best Fast-Acting Dark Spot Corrector Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration Best Dark Spot Corrector for a Healthy Skin Barrier SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum Popular on Amazon RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer Best All-Around Dark Spot Corrector Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum Frequently Asked Questions What is the best treatment for dark spots? According to professionals, there are a number of formulas and ingredients available—from retinol to vitamin C—that help minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. Which dark spot corrector works best? Since consistency is always key when it comes to skincare, the best dark spot corrector is the one you use on a regular basis. If you're new to dark spot correctors or have sensitive skin, we recommend slowly incorporating new products into your beauty routine at lower concentrations until figuring out what works best for you. Does hydroquinone fade dark spots?Hydroquinone slows down melanin production, allowing existing spots to fade while preventing new ones from forming. However, it can take several weeks for you to see the results.
Which serum is best to remove dark spots?19 Best Dark Spot Correctors That Blast Away Scars And Pigmentation, Per Dermatologists. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum. ... . Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Moisturizer. ... . SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. ... . Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Mist. ... . Garnier SkinActive Dark Spot Corrector. ... . Sunday Riley CEO Glow Face Oil.. What is the number 1 Dark Spot Corrector?Urban Skin Rx's Even Tone Cleansing Bar is our best overall pick for its dermatologist recommended formula that contains azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide—all actives that have been proven to fade spots.
What is the most powerful dark spot remover?Best Overall: Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum. ... . Best Value: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector. ... . Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. ... . Best Peel Pads: Dr. ... . Best Exfoliator: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. ... . Best With Retinol: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform. ... . Best With Vitamin C: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.. |