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%.
Salicylic Acid
An exfoliating agent that removes acne-causing bacteria and takes care of dark spots like a pro, salicylic acid is an all-rounder when it comes to all acne-related issues. Opt for a salicylic acid face cleanser and watch your skin transform from dull, dark spot-ridden, to glowing, clear, and even-toned!
Share on Pinterest Laser treatment can remove dark spots on the skin. Dark spots on the skin do not require treatment, but some people may want to remove the spots for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them.
Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the dark spots before bedtime. Rinse the face in the morning with warm water. Licorice extract: Glabridin in licorice inhibits the activity of melanocytes, therefore helping in skin lightening. Creams containing licorice are available as over-the-counter (OTC) topical products.
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.
It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars. The key difference between any benzoyl peroxide product and other topical antibiotics for acne like clindamycin is that our bodies do not build up an antibiotic resistance to the product.
Salicylic acid is one of my favorite ingredients for treating a variety of skin ailments, including acne and dark spots. It's so effective because in addition to being an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial, it's a keratolytic, which means it breaks down the keratin in our skin and thus helps to lighten dark spots.
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.
Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote peeling. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. You might also try products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids. It may take a few weeks of using a product before you see any improvement.
As a pimple heals, your body sometimes produces cells with too much melanin in them to replace the damaged skin. This results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which we sometimes just call a dark spot.
Salicylic acid is more effective for blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide works well for mild pustules. The severity of your breakouts. Both ingredients are intended for mild breakouts, and they can take several weeks to take full effect.
The active ingredient in Benzac is benzoyl peroxide, in some cases this can cause slight lightening of your skin if applied to the same area for extended amounts of time. In terms of removing dark spots, that is not what Benzac is for and so we would not recommend using it for dark spot removal.
If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.
Though vitamin E has been used in various over-the-counter skin lightening creams, there is insufficient evidence on whether vitamin E oil can remove dark spots. The only evidence is that it can protect from the damaging effects of the sun and reduce depigmentation in melasma.
“Vitamin C is essential for skin health. The addition of vitamin E makes it even better.” This power-packed serum features not one, not two, but THREE sources of vitamin C. Pure vitamin C + vitamin E support skin's natural repair process.
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.
Step 1: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder, with 1-2 teaspoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil until it forms a paste with a consistency that's not too thick, or too liquid-y. Step 2: Leave it on your face for 20 minutes, and rinse it off with water.
While it is advised to consult with your doctor around dietary guidance and curating the proper beauty regimen, our experts share that salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and topical retinoids like adapalene are the most effective ingredients to treat and prevent acne.