 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 that are worth adding to your range of skincare staples. Popular on Amazon Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector
Best Fast-Acting Dark Spot Corrector Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Great for Acne-Prone Skin Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum Expert-Approved Olay Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer
Best Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
Popular at Sephora The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Popular on Amazon RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer Great for Sensitive Skin Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum Best for All Skin Tones ZO Brightalive
Editors' Choice Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum Great for Acne-Prone Skin Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Best All-Around Dark Spot Corrector Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum
Best Vegan Dark Spot Corrector Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Popular on Amazon L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen
Great for Acne-Prone Skin Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Expert-Approved BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Serum Popular at Sephora Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Best Dark Spot Corrector for a Healthy Skin Barrier SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting 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. Which serum iS best to remove dark spots?Check out our top picks for face serums that target dark spots.. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF. ... . Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum. ... . iS Clinical Brightening Complex. ... . Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. ... . Dr. ... . Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx. ... . PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum.. Which brand iS best for removing dark spots on face?"Olay's Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients," Robinson says. "It's not only available at most drugstores, but also uses vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and lactic acid to even tone and support collagen rejuvenation."
What's the best over the counter dark spot remover?Our Top Picks. Best for Mild Spots. Ghost Democracy. ... . Best with Vitamin C. BeautyStat. ... . Best for Sensitive Skin. GLYTONE. ... . Best for Anti-Aging. Eau Thermale Avène. ... . Best Retinol. Skin Better. ... . Best Budget Buy. Ambi. ... . Best For Hands. Goldfaden M.D. ... . Best Cleanser. Neostrata. Resurface Foaming Glycolic Facial Cleanser.. |
