Moisture is another key factor when it comes to treating dark spots, according to Engelman. "Adding moisture back into the skin with oils and lotions can reduce the appearance of existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming," she explains.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following treatments for dark spots in skin of color: 2% hydroquinone. azelaic acid. glycolic acid.
"Olay's Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients," adds Robinson. "It's not only available at most drug stores, but also uses vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and lactic acid to even tone and support collagen rejuvenation."
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
Most dark spots will then fade on their own over time, but it may take a long time. Skin injury: As the wound heals, you may see a dark spot or patch. In time, the hyperpigmentation will fade if you don't re-injure your skin.
Best Classic: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter. The intense antioxidant properties in this formula noticeably reduce acne spots and scars in 12 weeks (according to the brand), and it's gentle enough for daily use.
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
The condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and it's insanely common among all skin tones. The spots typically appear after your skin has experienced some type of inflammation (acne, mosquito bites, or other traumas).
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of skin - and you may be wondering, does exfoliating remove dark spots? Well, sadly they won't be completely gone, but exfoliation will help to diminish the appearance of dark spots.
Might Lighten Dark Spots
Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots.
A star in its true sense, AcneStar gel is an antibiotic used to treat acne prone skin to fight bacterial infections. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties clear out pimples to achieve flawless skin. It also works on minimizing whiteheads, blackheads, marks and blemishes.
When it comes to removing dark spots, you aren't limited to just serums and treatments. A gentle, fragrance-free formula like CeraVe's lightweight lotion can get the job done without irritating your skin.
Vitamin E is widely used to treat scarring, which can help lighten dark spots.
This is because an ice facial improves blood circulation, brightens skin and makes it appear radiant. This is why, with prolonged use, ice massages could lead to reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When You'll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks. It can help significantly fade hyperpigmentation in about two months.
Vitamin C lightens skin by inhibiting the amount of melanin your pigment skin cells generate. When applied topically, vitamin C interacts with tyrosinase, the main enzyme responsible for the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into melanin, thereby reducing pigmentation.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and slows the rate of free-radical damage to collagen that can contribute to dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin and can help prevent premature aging of your skin and damage to your DNA.
It can take a while, but dark spots tend to become lighter over time, and eventually go away completely. It can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years for them to vanish from view.
Retinol: This can unclog pores and fade dark spots. You'll find benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol in acne products that you can buy without a prescription. Retinol is a type of retinoid. Another retinoid that may be helpful is adapalene gel 0.1%.