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Whether a by-product of an aggressive breakout, sun damage, or a greater skin condition, dark spots and hyperpigmentation are a common issue. "Any inflammation in the skin can also lead to a light or dark mark, which can subsequently be worsened following sun exposure," Robert Finney, a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in New York City, tells BAZAAR.com. "So the most common cause of discoloration depends on age, with acne of past reigning supreme in younger patients, UV damage in older patients, and many other factors in between."
Most dark spot correctors use a powerful combination of active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid to effectively brighten skin. Erica Stevens, a dermatologist at a medical center in Buda, Texas, says one of the most potent brighteners is hydroquinone—available over the counter or through a prescription from your dermatologist—which is the "gold standard" in dark spot correction. It can also be And for sensitive or combination skin types dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, or rosacea, a product containing powerful yet gentle azelaic acid is key.
While topical treatments can help drastically fade an uneven complexion over time, experts also recommend accompanying your serum or cream of choice with a sunscreen containing at least SPF 30 to keep skin protected. "One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them," Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, says. "Sunscreen is extremely important in protecting the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and also visible light, which drives hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin more than other skin tones. In these cases, sunscreen is more than just protective, it is essential in the treatment of hyperpigmentation."
Some sunscreens are better
than others too. "Sunscreens that contain iron oxide and carry a tint tend to provide better protection against visible light," Robinson explains. Then comes next steps: "After consistent sunscreen, I recommend topical tone correctors that contain a blend of antioxidants and proven actives and in-office treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser. As always, pigment is tricky, and stubborn pigment is reason to see a board-certified dermatologist."
To help you fade
hyperpigmentation and lingering marks even faster, we've rounded up a few of the best dark spot correctors on the market that are worth adding to your range of skincare staples.
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Best for All Skin Tones
Brightalive ZO
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Great for Acne-Prone Skin
Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum Murad
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Great for Sensitive Skin
Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum Biossance
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Expert-Approved
Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer Olay
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Editors' Choice
Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum Eadem
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Best for All Skin Tones
ZO
Brightalive
Great for Acne-Prone Skin
Murad
Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Great for Sensitive Skin
Biossance
Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Expert-Approved
Olay
Vitamin C + Peptide Hydrating Moisturizer
Editors' Choice
Eadem
Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
Best Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector
SkinCeuticals
Discoloration Defense
Popular on Amazon
Ambi Skincare
Fade Cream
Popular on Amazon
Neutrogena
Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector
Best Vegan Dark Spot Corrector
Dr. Dennis Gross
Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Great for Acne-Prone Skin
Hyper Skin
Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum
Popular at Sephora
The Ordinary
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Great for Acne-Prone Skin
Kiehl's
Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Popular at Sephora
Sunday Riley
C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Expert-Approved
BeautyStat
Universal C Skin Refiner Serum
Popular on Amazon
L'Oréal Paris
Revitalift Bright Reveal Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen
Best Fast-Acting Dark Spot Corrector
Topicals
Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Best Dark Spot Corrector for a Healthy Skin Barrier
SkinMedica
Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
Popular on Amazon
RoC
Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer
Best All-Around Dark Spot Corrector
Clinique
Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter Serum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for dark spots?
According to professionals, there are a number of formulas and ingredients available—from retinol to vitamin C—that help minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
Which dark spot corrector works best?
Since consistency is always key when it comes to skincare, the best dark spot corrector is the one you use on a regular basis. If you're new to dark spot correctors or have sensitive skin, we recommend slowly incorporating new products into your beauty routine at lower concentrations until figuring out what works best for you.