Q: Which ingredient works the fastest for 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.
When it comes to dark spot treatments, hydroquinone has been the gold standard for more than 50 years. You can find this ingredient over the counter in concentrations of 2% or less, and you can also get prescription versions, which have 4% or greater.
Hydroquinone is the gold standard of lightening ingredients as it aids in cell turnover, which reduces the appearance of the discoloration over time, says Kwan. ``It is much more potent in inhibiting (tyrosinase),'' he says. ``By inhibiting this pigment formation, dark marks get lighter.''
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.
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.
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.
Customer reviews on the Musely website are positive, with most products receiving 4 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews claim the products are effective and provide visible results. Many reviews on Musely's website describe how customers struggled to find treatments that worked for them before using Musely.
Glycolic Acid
Studies show that AHAs can help fade the look of skin concerns like dark spots, premature ageing from sun exposure (also known as photoageing) and acne. Glycolic acid can also improve the penetration of skincare products that are applied after it.
Best Overall: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
Glamour staffers have tested dozens of Skinceutical products and overwhelmingly give the brand's products rave reviews. Derms agree that if you're targeting dark spots from the sun, acne, or medical procedures, you can't go wrong with this one.
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
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.
Musely treatments are available to order exclusively on our platform at musely.com where you will get paired with a Board-Certified Dermatologist to review your medical questionnaire and photos. You can get started by creating an account and adding the treatments you are interested in to your cart!
If you are currently tolerating your regimen well and it doesn't include hydroquinone, you can continue to use these products. However, do not use any other acids (vitamin c, alpha hydroxy, benzoyl peroxides, retinoids) with this cream until your skin is fully adjusted to it (this process can take up to two weeks).
Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently? No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.
Q: Which ingredient works the fastest for 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.
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.
Vitamin C containing gels and face serums can help brighten skin and effectively fade the hyperpigmentation. The gels with high levels of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, ellagic acid, arbutin, in addition to Vitamin C give even better results if applied regularly and under proper precautions.
Hydroquinone: As a widely recognized topical agent for hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin production, effectively lightening dark spots and improving overall skin tone, explains Reszko.
Some common treatments for skin discoloration issues are: Antifungal ointments, creams and shampoos. Creams or lotions to lighten or fade dark spots or patches. Chemical peels.