Fade Your Dark Spots With These Products and Methods

It’s scary to find discoloration and black spots on your skin. But most discoloration is harmless, caused by sun exposure or acne scarring. 

There are ways to prevent pesky blemishes, like wearing SPF all year round and not picking at your skin. But you can’t turn back time. This article outlines how to get rid of dark spots on your face and includes methods for preventing them altogether.

What causes dark spots?

Dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are areas that appear darker in color. Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin is damaged and produces excess melanin, creating more pigment.

Here are some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation, with examples.

• Genetics (freckles)
• Hormonal changes (melasma during pregnancy)
• Injury (acne scars, cuts, burns)
• Medication side effects (oral contraceptives)
• Sun damage (sun spots)

How to get rid of dark marks on your face

Here are a few ways to remove dark spots on your face. 

• Sunscreen. SPF products prevent existing sun spots from darkening during sun exposure. Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. We recommend Pacifica’s Sea and C Sheer Sunscreen SPF30 because it’s water-resistant and contains vitamin C, which revitalizes skin’s natural glow. 

• Retinoids. Retinol skincare products reduce the appearance of dark spots by encouraging skin cell turnover. You can find over-the-counter retinol products or stronger prescription options like tretinoin.

• Medical treatments. A dermatologist can perform chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments to fade your dark spots.

The best products for removing dark spots

Here are a few ingredients to watch out for when choosing a hyperpigmentation removal product. We’ve also included our favorite items that highlight these ingredients.

• Vitamin C is a skin-brightening ingredient that quickly reduces the appearance of dark spots. Favorite product: Supergoop Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF40 Serum.‍
• Azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and works well on dark spots. Favorite product: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. ‍
• Glycolic acid treats acne scars, evens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Favorite product: Mario Badescu Anti-Aging Glycolic Acid Toner.‍
• Kojic acid reduces the amount of melanin your body produces to stop dark spots from worsening. Favorite product: Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar.

How to prevent dark spots

No matter the products or method you choose, it takes a while to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Here are a few ways to prevent them altogether. 

• Apply sunscreen every day, no matter the season or weather. 
• Avoid excessive sun exposure when possible, wearing a hat and protective clothing when outside all day.
• Cut out products that cause skin irritation. 
• Avoid comedogenic skincare products to prevent pimples that can leave dark spots.
• Don’t pop pimples — it can lead to scarring. 
• Create a nourishing and gentle skincare routine to avoid blemishes and irritation altogether. We recommend BeautyBio’s The Balance pH Balancing Cleanser and The Quench Face Cream for a deep clean and serious hydration. 

People also ask

How do I get rid of scars?

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by skin damage, such as acne or minor wounds. You may have raised or indented scars, along with dark spots. If you have persistent acne, it’s not uncommon to have multiple types of scars at once.

The dark spot treatments mentioned above will help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Azelaic and glycolic acids are especially effective since they also reduce acne’s occurrence. 

A dermatologist can help remove acne scars with robust treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, needling, laser resurfacing, and injections. 

While a bit slower, you can also reduce acne scars’ appearance by exfoliating once a week and moisturizing daily. This will speed up skin cell turnover and heal scars quicker. 

How do I cover dark spots with makeup?

For immediate relief from the appearance of dark spots, simply apply makeup. Here’s a foolproof way to cover them effectively.

1. Prep your skin. Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer and sunscreen.
   
   
2. Apply primer. Use a color-correcting primer to start reducing the appearance of any discoloration.
   
   
3. Apply your foundation. Use a full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone, blending with a makeup sponge for flawless coverage.
   
   
4. Apply a brightening concealer. Use a shade lighter than your foundation, dabbing and blending it over dark spots.
   
   
5. Set it with powder. For dry skin, use a setting spray. A setting powder is perfect for oilier skin. 

How long does it take to get rid of dark marks?

It takes about 6–12 months to fade hyperpigmentation yourself. Seek a medical professional for stubborn long-lasting blemishes. 

Loving your skin

Dark spots or not, your skin is something to be celebrated. It protects you from the elements and fights hard daily to keep you healthy. Embrace what Mother Nature has given you and you’ll feel great every day. 

For skincare products designed to accentuate your unique features, check out product reviews on Flip. Chances are you’ll find a creator with a similar skin type raving about their go-to beauty brands. Wondering about Flip reviews? They're on the App Store!