No matter your best efforts, sometimes developing (and then figuring out how to get rid of) dark spots on your face, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation is inevitable. “Dark spots occur when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural brown pigment that gives our skin color,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “The exact reason why dark spots appear ranges from acne scars to excessive sun exposure to aging to nutritional deficiencies. However, most dark spots are a result of sun exposure.”
“When your skin is exposed to the sun, its natural reaction is to produce melanin, which helps to block UV radiation from further damaging our DNA and skin. This is often why, when we go into the sun for prolonged periods, our skin gets tanned,” she says. “It is also the reason why individuals with fair skin easily burn in the sun while those with darker skin complexions are less likely to get sunburned. Sometimes, the sun causes an uneven increase in melanin production. This excess melanin gets clumped up and spills in between skin cells, giving the appearance of dark spots.” hydroquinone kojic acid cream
In short, dark spots are a result of hyperpigmentation. Green notes that most dark spots, such as sun or age spots are preventable with proper SPF protection and sun avoidance. But, if you notice a new spot that changes in size or color, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist to rule out skin cancer. “Anything out of the ordinary, especially if you have fair skin or a family history of skin cancer, should be checked out. I recommend getting regular skin exams so nothing suspicious goes unnoticed,” Green says. Once you’ve determined that a new freckle is harmless, it’s time to prevent and treat it through your at-home skin-care regimen.
Below, dermatologists walk us through how to get rid of dark spots—from everyday sun protection to rejuvenating retinol treatments.
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“Your first line of defense is always going to be sunscreen. Everyone should wear at least SPF 30 on their face daily and reapply every two hours if outside in the sun, or sitting next to a window,” notes Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
Green suggests the EltaMD UV Clear, dubbing it one of the best sunscreens out there. “This product is a lightweight oil-free face sunscreen that works well with all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin,” she says. "It is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use and also contains sodium hyaluronate and lactic acid which helps keep the skin hydrated and your pores clear.” Or, take your pick between La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane or Supergoop!’s Unseen, which pair sheer nourishment with ample SPF protection. Because our experts emphasize the need to apply sunscreen throughout the day, be sure to stock up on convenient formulas that make reapplication simple. Habit’s mister is a lightweight spray formula that delivers UV protection and won’t mess up your makeup.
This lightweight sunscreen has become a cult favorite, thanks to its broad-spectrum sun protection, along with its nourishing formula rich in lactic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated.
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV
Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin, and La Roche Posay’s signature Thermal Spring Water create a skin-loving broad-spectrum SPF 30.
Known for its transparent finish, this sunscreen contains red algae, frankincense, and a meadow foam seed complex to protect against blue light, make skin more resilient, and boost hydration levels.
Perfect for those who wish to spritz on their SPF rather than rub it in, an herbal blend of geranium flower, rosemary leaf, and lavender oils work together to add antioxidant protection, tone skin, and reduce inflammation.
“You also want to make sure you are using skin-care products with antioxidants, which are essential to helping reduce free radicals that can lead to hyperpigmentation,” says Hartman. Consider vitamins A, C, and E, as well as ferulic acid, resveratrol, and niacinamide. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens is a fan of Eadem’s Milk Marvel for fading post-acne dark marks. “The unique formula also helps to prevent future hyperpigmentation and gently resurface the skin. It is uniquely formulated with the key ingredients niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, amber algae and enzymes.” Stephens also likes the Isdin Sunisdin sun capsules to “help skin fight photoaging and the pro-pigmentation UV rays”—along with boosting overall radiance and elasticity. Otherwise, experts recommend the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic again and again for its environmental protection, or the cosmetic chemist-formulated BeautyStat Universal C to prevent signs of aging without oxidizing.
A mix of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid come together to protect against free radicals and help treat discoloration.
This formula is the world’s first 20% vitamin C serum that contains a stabilized form of the gold standard ingredient. This guarantees that your first pump will be as potent as the last.
Heal your skin from the inside out thanks to this antioxidant supplement. Take one pill once a day in the morning with plenty of water. You should start to notice results within two weeks.
Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
Formulated specifically for skin of color, encapsulated vitamin C, niacinamide, amber algae, as well as papaya and pineapple enzymes help to curb hyperpigmentation fast.
“It’s also important to get into the habit of gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells that are often harboring excess pigment. This can be done by using a topical retinoid product that both treats and fades hyperpigmentation,” explains Stephens. While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, an ingredient that can be picked up by a beauty subscription service like Curology, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription.
“Retinol is a weaker over-the-counter formula of retinoids and can provide similar benefits in reducing the appearance of dark spots, although it will typically take much longer,” Green explains. Take your pick of SkinCeuticals’s Retinol 0.3, SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex .25, or CeraVe’s Skin Renewing serum to experience the restorative benefits of the oft-recommended ingredient.
This prescription-strength product is customized just for you—so your skin will be getting exactly what it needs.
The formula’s retinol is paired with the brand’s trademark PhytoShield Complex to help curb irritation while also enhancing skin texture.
If you’re new to retinoids, this may be the product for you. A concentration of 0.3% retinol is paired with soothing ingredients like bisabolol to prevent any bad side physical effects.
Encapsulated retinol helps to fight discoloration and smooth out fine lines, while ceramides protect the skin barrier.
Hartman suggests “a product with an exfoliating active ingredient, like AHA, to help remove the top surface layer of the skin to treat dark spots.” This category of exfoliants includes glycolic, mandelic, and lactic acids which Stephens says “helps to remove dead skin cells while moisturizing the skin.” If you’d prefer a serum formula, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is a solid option packed with lactic acid to exfoliate and brighten, whereas Alpha-H’s glycolic acid-enriched formula is an excellent liquid exfoliant known to improve skin tone and texture overnight. Similarly, at-home peels might be worth incorporating for those unable to get a professional treatment. Take options by M-61 or Dr. Dennis Gross’s peels, for example; these supercharged towelettes help reduce the look of discoloration through a cocktail of exfoliating acids.
Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid
It’s not called Liquid Gold for no reason. Five percent glycolic acid, licorice root extract, and silk proteins team up to provide exfoliation and even out skin tone, all while protecting the skin’s hydration levels.
Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment
Lactic acid clears away dead skin, while licorice and lemongrass brighten hyperpigmentation. Prickly pear extract ensures irritation is minimized.
All you need is one minute to complete this concentrated one-step exfoliating treatment. You’ll notice more even skin over time.
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Gentle enough to use daily, this two-step system uses a blend of glycolic, lactic, and malic acid to encourage cell turnover and minimize the appearance of dark spots, while green tea extract offers free radical protection.
Thanks to a new class of specialized treatments, one can give their dark spots extra TLC. Those interested in a dermatologist-approved solution should seriously consider Cyspera’s system that Hartman advocates for. “Cyspera is my first choice for patients dealing with hyperpigmentation, especially patients of color, as hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat successfully in darker skin,” he details. “Its active ingredient, cysteamine, is an exclusive amino acid derivative that helps reduce pigment and is effective in treating all skin tones.” Or, there’s board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss’s recently-launched brand, PillowtalkDerm, which features a Major Fade collection formulated, in part, based on her own experience treating melasma and discoloration.
On the other hand, there are a few contemporary beauty labels making waves for their efficacious offerings. There is Topicals Faded serum which uses a blend of tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide to reduce the look of dark spots, patches, and post-acne scarring. Ourself’s brightening serum, on the other hand, is powered by the brand’s patented technology enriched by the likes of peptides and powerhouse brightening ingredients, alongside vitamin C and niacinamide to intercept the overproduction of new melanin and lighten existing spots. Or perhaps a patch approach works best for your regimen? In that case, Hero Cosmetics recently launched a new and improved version of its Micropoint patches which deposits tranexamic acid, vitamin C, licorice root, and niacinamide onto dark spots through 395 micropoints to fade post-blemish marks.
This three-step system tackles even the most stubborn dark spots. You’ll start to notice results after two weeks, with major improvements by week 16.
This non-irritating formula blends powerhouse ingredients vitamin C and niacinamide to give you noticeable results—fast.
This serum quickly went viral on the internet, simply because it works—thanks to powerful ingredients like niacinamide, along with azelaic and tranexamic acids. Start by applying once a week, then slowly work your way up to daily use.
Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots
Micropoints help ingredients like vitamin C and tranexamic acid penetrate deep into the skin.
“The sunlight and visible light spectrum is responsible for the great majority of hyperpigmentation, hence the number one way to both prevent and treat dark marks is properly using and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 40+ with HEVL/blue light protection and taking additional sun protective measures with sunglasses, UPF clothing and seeking the shade when possible,” says Stephens. She reaches for the Bluestone Sunshields for extra protection. For the body, consider Lululemon’s shirt which offers UPF 40+ protection. “If possible, try to avoid going out for prolonged periods when the sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.,” says Green, who adds that a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses are a good choice to protect your eyes and scalp from the sun.
UPF 50+ Everyday long sleeve t-shirt
A favorite of Dr. Hartman, this long-sleeve t-shirt offers built-in UPF protection, making it an excellent choice for shielding the skin from the sun. “It provides UPF 50 protection against both UVA and UVB rays,” he says.
For long beach days, you need a swimsuit that not only offers UPF 50+ protection but also stands up to the elements—sand, sweat, and chlorine. Summersalt’s wrap one-piece does exactly that.
Summer heat often calls for cotton or linen, but those fabrics allow two out of every three harmful UV rays to reach your skin. Thankfully, this midiskirt from Claudent made of a nylon and polyester blend blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays for superior sun protection.
When running errands, it’s helpful to know that your go-to leggings can be super soft, flattering, and offer UPF 50+ protection — just like this Norba pair does.
Available in four of the brand’s iconic prints, this half-zip pullover is perfect for layering over workout clothes or any outfit when you’re heading into the sun. With built-in UPF 50+ protection, it helps shield your skin from harmful rays.
UPF 50+ UV fingerless sun gloves
Whether you’re driving, going for a run, or getting your gel nails done, these gloves keep your skin cool and dry while effectively blocking UVA and UVB radiation.
Otherwise known as discoloration or hyperpigmentation, dark spots are any area of the skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. “This is due to an excess production of melanin—the pigment responsible for skin color,” explains aesthetic physician Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy.
Something else to note is that there are different types of dark spots—and they can all show up on the skin in various forms. “They can appear as sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can result from acne, bug bites, and other skin rashes,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick.
Sunspots or Solar Lentigines: According to Dr. Nosworthy, sunspots are typically developed as a result of prolonged UV exposure. “They are commonly found on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms,” she adds.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This type of discoloration is a result of trauma or inflammation of the skin—and why derms caution us from popping our own pimples. However, PIH can also appear after an eczema or psoriasis flare-up. You will notice that once the skin has healed, any injured area may appear darker than the surrounding skin.
Melasma: “Melasma causes symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation, often appearing on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip,” Dr. Nosworthy shares. “It is thought to be related to hormonal changes and sun exposure, and it is more common in women, particularly during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraceptives.”
Age Spots or Liver Spots: Much like sunspots, age or liver spots are flat brown or black spots that appear as a result of long-term sun exposure.
Anyone can develop dark spots. However, the type and their triggers may vary, explains Garshick. “Those with fair skin may be more susceptible to sun spots resulting from cumulative UV exposure that leads to dark spots,” she shares. “Those with darker skin may be more likely to experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that appears as a dark spot as a result of increased melanin production.”
Nosworthy adds those with hormonally-sensitive skin—for example, those who are pregnant or taking hormonal contraceptives—as well as people who are prone to eczema or psoriasis are also more prone to developing dark spots like melasma or PIH as a result of hormonal fluctuations, skin trauma, or inflammation.
Yes—which is great news for anyone with uneven skin tone due to dark spots. However, in order to treat them effectively, it’s important to develop a skin care routine that not only actively targets whichever form of discoloration you have, but also works to prevent it. “The most important thing is to remember sun protection,” says Garshick.
For at-home treatment, Garshick recommends speaking with a dermatologist first to diagnose which type of dark spots you have—then a skin care regimen can be developed. In general, she’s a fan of retinoids for hyperpigmentation, as they not only help to prevent acne in the first place, but also even out skin tone by stimulating cell turnover. “Other ingredients that may be helpful include azelaic acid, kojic acid, topical tranexamic acid, as well as chemical exfoliants and peels such as glycolic acid or lactic acid,” she adds.
Dark spots caused by melasma and sun or liver spots may be more difficult to treat at home. In this case, Nosworthy recommends seeing a dermatologist for an in-office treatment like NeoGen PSR, which Nosworthy describes as “a medical grade energy-based device that uses nitrogen plasma to regenerate the skin’s architecture.” “It is great at treating sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, scarring—including acne scarring—and more. Most importantly, it can be used on all skin types—light and dark.”
If you choose to do an in-office procedure, just be sure to go over at-home aftercare protocols with your doctor once you’ve wrapped up each treatment. “Post-procedure care is especially important to minimize any potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Garshick. “It can help to use a product like RescueMD DNA Repair Complex to enhance recovery and minimize irritation, it also works great to reduce inflammation.”
When it comes to getting rid of dark spots on darker skin tones, there are plenty of options, including retinoids, hydroquinone, laser treatments, and chemical peels. However, board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko says that caution must be used to avoid hyperpigmentation and scarring.
hydroquinone acid There are various treatments to choose from, ranging from in-office procedures like lasers and peels to at-home products featuring chemical exfoliants. Specifically for at home use, Reszko suggests people use a selection of hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C, and kojic acid. “These active ingredients work by inhibiting melanin production and promoting skin cell turnover.” Sun protection is also key in preventing the production or worsening of dark spots. “Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it daily, even on cloudy days,” she warns.