The 18 Best Dark Spot Correcting Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists


Shop a selection of serums, oils, creams and more. You can spend years diligently taking care of your skin—using the right cleanser, the right moisturizer, the right anti-aging serum, the right SPF—and then develop hyperpigmentation almost overnight Phenomenon, commonly known as dark spots. color. 

"In people with fair skin, hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun damage and often develops with age," said Omar Ibrahimi, MD, founder and medical director of the Connecticut Dermatology Institute. And worsen." 

"With skin of color, anything that irritates or damages the skin can cause hyperpigmentation. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Acne is a common source of PIH in melanin-skinned skin and can sometimes be more severe than true pigmentation. 

Acne itself is more bothersome." And of course there's melasma, a specific type of pigmentation disorder that often occurs during pregnancy or other times of hormonal changes (think... menopause or starting birth control pills), Ibrahimi added. "Sun exposure can cause melasma to darken." Dermatologists have many tools at their disposal to help patients treat dark spots. 

"We use laser skin resurfacing treatments and other light-based devices (such as intense pulsed light) to 'exfoliate' the damaged skin while heating the second layer to promote the formation of new skin cells with a more uniform texture and tone," Dr. explained. 

Mona Gohara, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Yale University. "Chemical peels containing ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, carbolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid can also be used to renew and refresh your look." 

The good news? You don’t have to run to a dermatologist and spend thousands of dollars on expensive laser treatments. There are a variety of black point correctors that really work and are available over the counter at all price points. 

What to pay attention to when using a black point corrector. To make sure you choose the best (and most effective) dark spot removal product, our experts recommend looking for ingredients like vitamin C (an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and brightens skin) and niacinamide (a form of vitamin C) of cream or serum. 

B3, which slows pigment production), hydroquinone (a brightener that inhibits the pigment-forming enzyme tyrosinase), retinol (a vitamin A derivative that balances skin tone and texture), or glycolic or lactic acid (These are alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin). cell). 

Remember: Sun protection is non-negotiable. Gohara recommends daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that contains mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxide. Next, we asked dermatologists to recommend the best treatments for correcting dark spots. 

1. Duffin Anti-freckle Essence: “As far as over-the-counter treatment options go, this is an excellent option for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Melissa K. Levin, board-certified dermatologist at Entiere Dermatology in New York City. "It should be applied to acne every morning or evening and can be used under sunscreen." 

2. La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid can visibly reduce the appearance of existing spots. 

However, what makes this serum unique is the addition of lipohydroxy acids, which are gentle exfoliants that renew and brighten skin. Gohara thinks it's worth every penny. 

3. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Vitamin E Salicylic Acid Serum: The newest serum in the L'Oréal Paris range is one of the best yet. It contains 12% skin-grade vitamin C (to brighten and even out skin tone), vitamin E (to hydrate), and salicylic acid (to reduce breakouts and enlarged pores). 

4. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum: “The combined action of skin lightening agents niacinamide and tranexamic acid can help fade discoloration,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York. 

5. Mele Even Dark Spot Control Facial Serum: The serum is designed for darker skin and "exclusively developed by dermatologists of color," says Gohara. It contains retinol, resorcinol, and niacinamide, making it a nightmare for hyperpigmentation. 

6. Bushbalm Bermuda Oil Dark Spot Treatment: Use this gentle oil to safely reduce dark spots all over your body, including intimate areas like your bikini line and armpits. It contains a nourishing and brightening blend of jojoba seed, tea tree, lemon peel and grapeseed oil. 

7. Dermalogica PowerBright Anti-Spot Serum: Niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and shiitake mushrooms work together to reduce the appearance of dark spots in just one week. It also contains antioxidants that protect against environmental stressors. 

8. Ultra-Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum: Try this powerful serum with 15% Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Turmeric, and Vitamin E. and fruit enzymes—all of which work together to brighten skin, create a more even texture, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne scars, and prevent future breakouts. 

9. Neostrata Resurface Foaming Glycol Cleanser: "Containing 18 percent glycolic acid and grapefruit extract, this wash is great for brightening your skin and fading dark spots. 

It virtually makes you Get a small chemical peel with no downtime and can be used daily once tolerance is built up. ” “This is great for people who are prone to acne. " 

10. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense: "Infused with ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide, this elegant serum is easy to apply and highly concentrated, so just a little goes a long way," says Gohara. 

11. Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream: "Not only does it even out skin tone, it also promotes exfoliation, treating and preventing blemishes that can lead to dark spots," explains Segal. “And it’s great for anti-aging too – a welcome added bonus!” 

12. Skin Better AlphaRet Night Cream "To eliminate hyperpigmentation with minimal irritation, I recommend using this cream before bed and using the brand's Evening Tone Correcting Serum in the morning," says Connecticut dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD. “AlphaRet is a retinoid that’s gentle on the skin.” 

13. Goldfaden MD Palm Brightening Hand Care When it comes to hyperpigmentation and aging, we often forget about areas like the neck, chest, and hands. This ultra-nourishing formula locks in moisture and reduces sun damage. It also has a silky texture that is instantly absorbed into the skin without leaving any greasy residue. 

14. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Essence "This is a relatively inexpensive and well-tolerated dark spot remover," says board-certified dermatologist Anthony Youn, MD. It contains niacinamide, an effective yet gentle pigment brightener, and is lightweight and suitable for all skin types. 

15. Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Revolution This lightweight serum from professional esthetician Shani Darden delivers a healthy dose of encapsulated retinol along with lactic acid and fruit extracts to increase cell turnover, produce collagen, remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars , thereby improving your complexion to be smoother and more radiant. 

16. Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum "Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum is a great option if you're starting to notice dark spots and fine lines," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "Its waterless formula retains the benefits of vitamin C. It also contains bakuchiol oil (the natural form of retinol) to increase cell turnover and strengthen the skin's foundation to fight fine lines and wrinkles." 

17. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Developed by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this option has it all. Enriched with 20% L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of vitamin C), hydrating squalane (an active ingredient derived from green tea), and tartaric acid, this gel-cream evens skin tone and texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles , and gives skin a radiant glow. Let your skin glow from the inside out. 

18. Glytone Brightening Complex with Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid "This product contains azalea and glycolic acid to promote exfoliation, making it ideal for treating and preventing acne breakouts and the dark spots that result from them," says dermatologist Jennifer M. Segal, MD, of Metropolitan Dermatology Institute. A gentler yet more effective exfoliant than retinol, making it a good choice for more sensitive skin types.”

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