Dark Spot Serum Features
Active ingredients
When it comes to dark spot serums, the active ingredients are the most important elements to consider. There are many ingredients that can help fade hyperpigmentation, but some options may be a better fit for your skin than others. Some dark spot serums may contain two or more of these active ingredients, which can help you see results more quickly.
Packaging
The packaging for a dark spot serum is important because many of the commonly used active ingredients can degrade when exposed to light and/or air. A bottle with an airtight pump is usually the best option because the product isnt exposed to the elements until you squeeze out a dose. If you opt for a serum in a glass container, make sure its dark in color, so the serum isnt exposed to the light.
Scent
Dark spot serums that contain artificial fragrances are more likely to irritate the skin. For the best results, opt for a formula with no added fragrance, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Urban Skin Rx Clean And Even Tone Body Cleansing Bar $32
Safe to use on your body and your face, Urban Skin Rxs formula is a top-tier product worth snagging for less than $35.
Its active ingredients include kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root, Chwalek lists, recommending the product.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
How Long Does Dark Spot Correction Take
The exact time it will take for you to see results from your dark spot corrector can vary greatly it depends heavily on the ingredients in your selected product and your own unique skin type.
That being said, expect to see significant results around the 3-month mark of consistent use, with continued fading and maximum correction achieved around a year of use.
Some products, like Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum may give you results in as little as a month, while others take 2 to 3 months to start visibly working. If you arent seeing any results within 3 months, considering switching to a different product or consulting a dermatologist about your dark spots.
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The Wait And See Approach
In some cases, no treatment may be the best option, as the spots could go away over time.
For example, this may be the case for some types of hyperpigmentation that occur during pregnancy or those that appear after an acne pimple goes away.
In the meantime, the use of sun protection can help prevent the spots from getting darker.
What Is The Best Dark Spot Treatment For Black Skin
Several products are available both over the counter and with a prescription that has been proven safe and effective in treating hyperpigmentation in dark skin tones. The most commonly prescribed treatment is the Kligman Formula, which combines several of the ingredients above to treat hyperpigmentation however, due to the high concentration of hydroquinone in most Kligman Formula variations, it is often not suitable for black skin.
MDacne’s Advanced Dark Spot remover: We’re biased, but we think this is the best way to treat hyperpigmentation in dark skin tonesespecially black skin. It was formulated by a dermatologist, Co-Founder, Dr. Yoram Harth. Inspired by Kligman Formula to help treat dark marks gently yet effectively, it is one of its kind formulated for acne-prone, sensitive skin. This dark spot corrector combines the most effective dark spots corrector available without a dermatologist prescription, with plant-based anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening ingredients for best results. This special formulation is safe and effective for all skin tones, including black skin.
Check out these results! Using her Customized Acne Treatment Kit & Medicated Dark Spot Remover, Pamela has been able to clear her acne and fade her PIH for clear, glowing skin!
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Best Spot Treatment: No7 Laboratories Dark Spot Correcting Booster Serum
What We Like: It’s very gentle and targets individual spots very well.
What We Don’t Like: It takes almost a month to see results.
This dark spot corrector from No7 is formulated with the brand’s special lightening complex that is clinically proven to improve the appearance of dark spots, age spots, and sun spots. And since it’s a spot treatment, you can specifically target areas with hyperpigmentation without having to apply it to your entire face. It’s a very thin, lightweight consistency that is suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin.
Size: 6.5 fl oz | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal, dry | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scented: No
Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector Review Final Verdict
Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector can be effective for lightening some dark spots and discolorations left by sun damage or acne scars.
However, there are other products on the market which are more effective at that. There are also other products which are safer for you since they do not contain dangerous chemical hydroquinone.
It makes sense to try the safer products first before you take unnecessary risks with your health.
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What Does Hyperpigmentation Look Like On Black Skin
Hyperpigmentation will appear as a mark, spot, or area thats noticeably darker than your surrounding skin. The exact color of a hyperpigmented spot can depend on whats causing it to occur, as well as on your individual skin tone.
Generally speaking, you can look out for spots that appear:
- tan
Youll typically see a dermatologist for hyperpigmentation. This is a type of doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions.
The first step will involve collecting your medical history. The dermatologist may ask about:
- any existing health conditions you may have, particularly those impacting the skin
- if youre currently taking any medications or supplements
- your lifestyle habits, like whether or not you use sun protection
- when exactly the hyperpigmented spots appeared
- which treatments youve already tried, if any
After taking your medical history, your dermatologist will examine the affected area. This is typically enough to diagnose hyperpigmentation, but your dermatologist may also perform an examination using a black light.
This exam is called a Woods lamp examination and may be used to help diagnose skin disorders like infections, vitiligo, or other hyperpigmentation. A Woods lamp exam can also help determine which layers of skin are affected by hyperpigmentation.
Now lets take a look at how hyperpigmentation on Black skin may be treated.
Best For Women Of Color: Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
What We Like: It is designed for women of color, by women of color.
What We Don’t Like: It is not ideal for oily skin and can make it feel more oily.
Eadem’s dark spot corrector is finally available at Sephora and it’s already making waves. The miracle serum contains pigment-correcting ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and Amber Algae. Plus, it was designed for women of color, by women of color â and the dosage of each ingredient was chosen specifically to fade dark spots on melanated skin. For an even brighter boost, it features papaya and pineapple enzymes, which will gently resurface the skin without causing any irritation. It is suitable for both A.M. and P.M. use and it leaves the skin feeling so soft.
Size: 1 fl oz | Skin Type: Combo, normal, dry | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scented: No
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Proactiv Dark Spot Corrector Product Details
The tie-in between this product and other acne-correcting products from Proactiv is that this product is touted as a treatment for the dark spots which can be left behind by acne scars.
In fact, the product is marketed as one part of their special 3-Step Acne System. You can either buy the full product set together or can purchase just the Dark Spot Corrector on its own through Retailer sites.
Dark spots on the skin can also be due to other factors, such as skin damage from the sun, hormonal changes, unhealthy diet, and hyperpigmentation.
The question is whether this product can really remove dark spots due to various causes, and bring back beautiful skin.
Best Natural Dark Spot Correctors Of 2022 By Beauty Experts
It seems like almost everyone is looking to remove dark spots. In fact, our editors surveyed 500 women on their skin care habits and goals. Of those women, 55% rated fading dark spots as one of their top beauty objectives outranking other skin goals such as clearing acne and reducing redness. As a result, there is no shortage of beauty brands promising quick and powerful dark spot removers and skin lightening treatments. Unfortunately, these potent treatments can lead to serious permanent skin damage.
Luckily, there are natural and effective products on the market to correct dark spots. In this article, well review the causes of dark spots and how to prevent them, the most powerful natural brightening ingredients, and our tested picks of the best natural dark spot removers around.
What Are Dark Spots and What Causes Them?Hyperpigmentation, the technical name for dark spots, is a condition where an accumulation of melanin pigment causes the skin to be darker than the natural skin tone. Dark spots are a common complaint because there are many innocuous and unpreventable causes behind the formation of dark spots on the skin. Four of those common causes include:
At the end of this article, youll find our recommendations for the best organic and all natural dark spot removers and skin brightening serums that you can mix into your skin care routine.
: 06/17/2019 |: 07/15/2021
WRITTEN BY: TAMRYN BURGESS
PUBLISHED: 06/17/2019 |: 07/15/2021
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Skincare Tips On How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Body
Just as your face responds to a good skincare routine, so does your body. Vitamin C, vitamin B12 and vitamin E can help treat dark spots on body. Vitamin E and B12 promote collagen production , while vitamin C is well known for its antioxidant, firming and brightening effects. Vitamin E can also soothe scarring which can decrease the appearance of dark spots on body. We recommend using body lotion regularly – twice daily if you can. Apply to damp skin for maximum effects. Try a body lotion with natural almond oil and vitamin E, for deep hydration and care.
Whats The Outlook For Black People Experiencing Hyperpigmentation
Most of the time, hyperpigmentation will gradually fade. But this can take time, so its important to be patient and stick to your treatment plan. Many types of hyperpigmentation will fade in about 6 to 12 months.
But some types of hyperpigmentation may require longer or more intensive treatment. For example, hyperpigmentation that impacts the dermis may take years to fade and, in some cases, can be permanent.
Its vital to continue to protect yourself from the sun during your treatment. Because sunlight can make an already dark area darker, its possible to undo weeks or months of treatment with an afternoon of intense sun exposure.
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Best Exfoliator: Drunk Elephant Tlc Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
What We Like: It transforms your entire complexion, from tone to texture.
What We Don’t Like: It is expensive.
This Drunk Elephant night serum is a cult favorite, and for good reason. With an AHA/BHA gel formula, it doubles as an exfoliator and works to resurface dull, congested skin by gently lifting away dead skin cells. On top of improving skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, it features a handful of derm-approved ingredients like glycolic and lactic acids and raspberry extract, which target dark spots. It is also formulated at a skin-friendly 3.5 pH level.
Size: 1 fl oz | Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal, dry | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scented: No
Best Dark Spot Corrector For Melasma
Dermstore US
I have been a longstanding fan of Skinceuticals products and like their Discoloration Defense serum. It has kojic acid, niacinamide and tranexamic acid, which makes it particularly useful for treating melasma, says Beal. With continued use, this formula also helps to brighten the skin and minimize the occurrence of dark marks.
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Your Skin Type Might React Differently To Certain Hyperpigmentation Treatments
While there are many DIY options, we know how overwhelming it can be to stare at a shelf full of products and try to figure out what product will work best for you. Hillian is here to help narrow down those options. As an esthetician for 15 years, I truly think product formulation has come a long way, she says. And there are many Black-owned brands that cater to our needs, like Hyper Skin, who has a very effective Vitamin C serum for Black skin.
Chemical peels and other hyper-concentrated and intense products can sometimes cause more harm than good, so its important to develop and stick to a healthy skincare routine. I thoroughly and truly believe less is best, Hillian says. Minimal skincare is the best way to keep balanced skin, as theres not alot of manipulation going on.
Hillian recommends the following for skincare routines:
Hillian concludes that no matter which approach youre taking, you shouldnt expect overnight results. What most people now realize is that getting rid of hyperpigmentation can take years, she says. We must be patient and consistent with our regimens, and know prevention is key.
Skinfix Correct+ Dark Spot Corrector $60
As one of our top brands for body lotions and body butters, Skinfix has a history of producing products that are sensitive-skin safe and concentrated for specific problem areas.
This corrector contains AHAs to improve skin turnover combined with turmeric, niacinamide and licorice root and vitamin C all of which can fade dark spots, Chwalek highlights. Within its formula is also a blend of bio-identical lipids to help with skin hydration and protect against irritation, she adds.
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Differin Dark Spot Correcting Gel
I like this gel because it contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future pimples while preventing acne scarring, says Engelman. It is the first retinoid available over the counter and it is more gentle compared to other retinoids. I swore by this during my teen acne phase, and then again through the acne I got in my late twentiesjust be sure to top it with an ultra hydrating moisturizer or oil if you have dry skin, since the retinoid is quite powerful in this.
- Works well to also fight acne
- Works well on acne scars
- May be irritating
Best Alpha Hydroxy Acid/beta Hydroxy Acid Skin Whitening Treatment: Drunk Elephant Tlc Sukari Baby Facial
Weve covered a few products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, but we havent yet mentioned one that combines these with beta-hydroxy acids, which is why the Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial has made it onto our list. This product focuses on resurfacing the skin to balance out an uneven skin tone while also improving texture.
Its efficacy comes from its potency a 25% AHA blend combined with a 2% BHA concentration enables this product to multi-task. Itll clear away discoloration while also smoothing out rough skin and wrinkles and boosting elasticity. If youre looking for a product thatll offer both skin brightening and anti-aging results, this is it.
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Best Skin Lightening Cream For Black Skin With Acne Scars: Skinfix Correct+ Dark Spot Corrector
Lets talk about acne scars. While those with oily skin are most susceptible to them, anyone can develop acne, and therefore the accompanying marks and scars. Of course, not only do these discolor your skin, but acne scars can also interfere with your skins texture.
This means that you need a product with both lightening and exfoliating ingredients, which is where the Correct+ Dark Spot Corrector from Skinfix comes in.
In addition to concentrated turmeric, which the brand claims has been clinically proven to be just as effective as 4% hydroquinone, this product also contains a cocktail of other brightening ingredients combined with exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and fruit enzymes.
Use it once a day, to begin with, but bump this up to twice daily if your skin is tolerating it well.
Benefits Of Using A Dark Spot Corrector
Dark spot correctors are super beneficial products that can help improve your skin in multiple ways.
Improve Skin Tone
The most important benefit of a dark spot corrector is that it helps to even out skin tone when used consistently, they will lighten any dark pigmentation and make skin appear more even overall.
Anti-Aging Properties
Many dark spot correctors will also have included ingredients such as retinols, vitamin C, and glycolic acids that help to reduce wrinkles and boost skin elasticity. From our list, a perfect product for anti-aging and dark spot correcting is the LOreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives.
Improve Skin Texture
Ingredients like vitamin C and acids work to smooth out skin, improving cell turnover rate and leaving you with soft, bump-free skin.
Skin Brightening
In addition to improving the color of dark spots, many products like Neutrogenas Bright Boost Illuminating Serum also have ingredients that will enhance and brighten your overall skin tone. This leaves you with more fresh, youthful-looking skin.
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Best Splurge: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
What We Like: It gives skin a beautiful glow.
What We Don’t Like: It has a distinct smell.
If you’re willing to splurge on a dark spot corrector, opt for this popular anti-aging serum by SkinCeuticals. The antioxidant-rich formula features vitamins C and E and ferulic acid to brighten skin and stop dark spots from appearing. With continued use, you’ll find that wrinkles are less noticeable and skin tone is more even. It will even banish acne scars for good and provide protection against environmental skin stressors like pollution and sun damage, making it well worth the splurge.
Size: 1 fl oz | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Scented: No