Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. The treatments might cause temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness.
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.
One question customers have asked us time and time again is, "do any dark spot correctors work?" The answer: Yes—but it takes time (so patience is a must). To notice real results, you'll also want to build a complete skincare routine around addressing skin discolorations.
There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.
Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.
It works by breaking down the excess melanin in the age spots and gradually reducing their appearance. So, when used properly and in appropriate concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective and affordable option to remove age spots on the face.
How long does it take to see results with ACV for dark spots? Results can vary, but many people start to see improvements in their dark spots within a few weeks of consistent use.
For dark circles and dark spots: Use a peach color corrector if you have fair skin, or a deeper orange shade if you have medium to dark skin. For sallowness: Balance out unwanted warmth with a lavender color corrector.
Is Musely a legitimate company? Musely works with board certified dermatologists to provide legitimate prescription medications. It stocks a range of skin care products containing ingredients known to improve specific skin concerns.
Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin.
FAQs about treating dark spots
A: Hydroquinone (available by prescription) is one of the most potent options, but retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid also deliver visible results with consistent use.
However, if a person wants to get rid of dark spots, they can try a range of treatments, including working with a dermatologist for cosmetic procedures or using OTC creams. The effectiveness of treatment may depend on the cause of the dark spots and their extent. Dark spots on the skin may not completely fade.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains natural acids (alpha hydroxy acids) that can help exfoliate the skin and lighten dark spots. How to use it? Apply fresh lemon juice directly to the dark spots using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with water.
Apple cider vinegar can cause skin cells to shrink, tightening the skin. Some bacteria are necessary to keep the skin healthy. Using strong concentrations of ACV could strip away this good bacteria on the skin and cause irritation. The antimicrobial properties of ACV could treat acne.
If you have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), too much ACV could make the condition worse. That's because large amounts can reduce potassium levels. Avoid overusing ACV if you have kidney disease, since your kidneys might not be able to handle high levels of acid.
Hydrogen peroxide is not an effective treatment because it actually irritates the skin and inhibits wound healing. The advice about using it has changed because new research shows that the irritation it causes is not worth the antiseptic effect.”
Lemon juice is a perfect natural bleaching agent that can effectively fade age spots. We all know what age spots look like — tiny brown dark spots that can develop on your hands and face. We think they come from growing older, but they are actually a sign of sun damage or fluctuations in hormones.
Dr. Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist, GetHarley Clinician concurs: “Toothpaste might sound like a simple solution to treat spots but it's likely to cause more harm than good. Toothpaste contains ingredients that can result in skin redness, itching, inflammation and burning," so approach with caution.
Combine 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of milk in a glass bowl. Dip cotton pad or Q-tip in the bowl and apply to dark spots. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish off with your favorite serum and moisturizer.
Hydroquinone
Cook-Bolden says. So naturally, less tyrosinase equals less melanin. In some cases, hydroquinone can lighten hyperpigmentation in as little as two weeks, according to the experts we consulted.