Dark spots are pockets of excess melanin that form when your skin is exposed to the sun. To help lighten them, look for ingredients like licorice root extract that inhibits the production of tyrosine (an enzyme that aids in melanin formation) and tranexamic acid, which fades discoloration over time; check out Gundry MD Dark Spot Diminisher reviews.
A leave-on serum with exfoliating acids, such as glycolic or lactic, can also fade spots.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
1. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient that can help fade dark spots and even skin tone. It’s typically found in creams, emulsions, or gels that you apply directly to the skin. It’s most effective for treating hyperpigmentation skin conditions like freckles, age spots, and melasma.
This depigmenting agent works by decreasing the formation of melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanocytes produce melanin at the base of the epidermis, and hydroquinone can reduce their activity to lighten dark patches.
It can be used alone or with other ingredients, such as retinol and a topical steroid. It is available both by prescription and over the counter.
Several natural products offer similar benefits if you’re looking for an alternative to hydroquinone. Try products that contain plant-based acids, such as kojic acid, ellagic acid, and vitamin B-3, which can also slow down melanin production.
2. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a complexion holy grail that helps fade dark spots, scars, and hyperpigmentation. This ingredient is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid family, and it works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells.
If you’re new to glycolic acid, it is recommended starting with a product that contains just 8% of the ingredient and gradually increase your usage as your skin becomes used to it. It’s also essential to apply glycolic acid products in the evening (to avoid sun sensitivity) and to use a hydrating serum before applying your product.
A sugar cane derivative, this ingredient sloughs away dull and dead skin cells, making your complexion appear brighter. It also loosens the glue that holds on to clogged pores (blackheads) and stimulates collagen production, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular structure of all the AHAs, which makes it the most easily absorbed.
3. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is one of the most beneficial skincare ingredients you can add to your beauty routine.
A form of vitamin B3, this skin-reviving ingredient is thought to optimize the way your cells function, making it a great pick for smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving uneven skin tone, and helping fade dark spots like sun damage and melasma (though it takes longer to fade melasma than hyperpigmentation that’s caused by an overactive serotype or other conditions).
Another beauty benefit of niacinamide is that it regulates oil production and soothes irritated complexions. It can also help offset the dryness that often comes with anti-aging ingredients that increase cell turnover, like retinol and glycolic acid.
Niacinamide’s normalizing effect on the pore lining can also visibly minimize enlarged pores, often caused by a build-up of dead skin cells that leads to clogging. It can even be used around the delicate eye area to soften the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles, as well as shoring up a weakened complexion and resist loss of firmness.
Fotografie de la Polina Kovaleva
4. Cystineamine
Cysteamine is “a great alternative to hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation concerns like melasma, sunspots, and uneven skin tone,” says Corey Hartman, MD. “It inhibits pigment production and lightens discoloration without hydroquinone’s toxicity and long-term side effects.”
Like other brighteners, cysteamine helps fade discoloration by blocking the activity of tyrosinase, which is responsible for creating melanin in skin cells. It is suitable for all skin types and tones, but “it is especially effective on dark spots and melasma that are resistant to other treatments,” says dermatologist Hadley King.
It may be slightly more irritating than other active ingredients, but most skin types still tolerate it, and it shouldn’t cause significant short-term redness or stinging. It’s best used for the face but also on other body areas.
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