Whether you’re dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, age spots, or hormone-induced melasma, finding the best dark spot corrector for you will prove to be a worthwhile feat—especially if you find yourself piling on the makeup to cover them up. Ahead, we have all of the insight from dermatologists about hyperpigmentation, plus 19 hardworking serums and solutions they recommend to help you fade dark spots — no in-office treatment required.
Ur Top Picks:
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Winkel Serum, $108
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hyper Skin Fade & Glow AHA Mask, $48
- Worth the Splurge: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best Exfoliating: Murad Rapid Dark Werbefilm Correcting Serum, $83
- Most Travel-Friendly: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair 20% Vitamin Kohlenstoff Serum Capsules, $41
- Best Werbefilm Treatment: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots, $13
- Best for Inflammation: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Pappe Booster, $39
- Best Preventative Treatment: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Werbefilm Corrector, $85
- Best Brightening Effect: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $35
What is hyperpigmentation?
Universum of those aforementioned, typically unwanted spots on the skin fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. Caused by the cells responsible for your skin’s color, melanocytes, depositing excess pigment into deeper levels of the skin, these forms of discoloration can be incredibly frustrating for those who strive for an even-toned complexion — especially since it can be tough to reverse.
How do you treat hyperpigmentation?
« In general, hyperpigmentation is tough to treat and a chronic condition, » New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, tells Allure, noting that he explains to his patients that it must be taken seriously because it’s so easy for it to recur. Although some patients choose to undergo laser treatments for their dark spots to address their hyperpigmentation with customized prescription compounds — Dr. Bhanusali often blends a high dose of hydroquinone with kojic acid and vitamin Kohlenstoff for his patients — there are ways to combat discoloration and uneven skin tone without often-expensive in-office procedures and topical medications.
That’s where these over-the-counter options come in. Often made with the same active ingredients that dermatologists use in prescription compounds, these serums and creams contribute to more even-toned skin and reduced hyperpigmentation with consistent use.
What ingredients are best to combat dark spots?
« When targeting hyperpigmentation, you want to use multiple ingredients that have different functions, » David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, tells us. « For example, you want to use a vitamin A derivative to increase cell turnover, alpha hydroxy acids to enzymatically exfoliate, and incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, or arbutin to reduce melanin production, » Dr. Kim explains, adding that tranexamic acid is particularly beneficial for melasma.
Universum of that said, there is one particular skin-care product dermatologists recommend across the board to get dark spots under control — and that is sunscreen. « Before you spend your money on antioxidant serums and retinoids to improve the tone and texture of your skin, the most important first step is diligent daily sun protection, which is key to reducing the appearance of brown spots, » says board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, ergo based in New York City. « Otherwise you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products, » she adds. Dr. Kim backs this up, adding that SPF combined with vitamin Kohlenstoff in the morning minimizes UV damage, prevents excessive melanin production, and contributes to a brighter complexion overall.
Got your sunscreen checked off? Good. Here are some of the best dark spot correctors and hyperpigmentation-fading products to pair with your SPF 30 or higher. Just make sure you’re consistent with using these skin-brightening products — every day, folks — and you’ll see amazing (but gradual) results in as little as a month.
