How to Address Dark Spots

Dark spots, a form of hyperpigmentation, are a very common skin concern. Whether caused by acne, air pollution or sun exposure, dark spots can seem impossible to get rid of, but there are steps you can take at home to help reduce their appearance. With help from board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dendy Engelman, we’re sharing tips and tricks for addressing dark spots. Watch the video below featuring Rebecca, a friend of Skincare.com and patient of Dr. Engelman's, and keep reading for everything you need to know. 

What Are Dark Spots?

Dark spots on the skin’s surface occur when melanin — the pigment that is responsible for the skin’s color — is produced in excess. Because of their nature, this can make dark spots difficult to get rid of for good and even tough to cover up with makeup. But by using products formulated to help fade their appearance over time, and by following expert skin-care tips to help prevent more hyperpigmentation spots from appearing, a brighter, more even-looking complexion is possible.

What Can Cause Dark Spots?

Before you learn how to get rid of dark spots on your skin’s surface, it’s important to know what can cause them to occur in the first place. The biggest culprit is sun exposure. Another common cause is acne. Inflammation on the skin in the form of a brown or red-toned spot can be left behind after a breakout heals, especially if you picked at it or popped it. Other causes of dark spots include pollution and hormonal fluctuations.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Dark Spots

Dark spots, while tricky to treat, are not permanent. Here are some important skin-care tips to follow to help fade their appearance and achieve a more even skin tone. 

TIP 1: Wear Broad-Spectrum SPF Every Day

Your number-one defense against dark spots (and all other signs of aging) is sunscreen. “We have to look at sunscreen like a treatment,” says Dr. Engelman. “If you’re not giving your skin daily protection, the pigment is going to stay.” 

And don’t think for a second that the SPF in your foundation is enough. “The reality is, when they’ve tested foundation with sunscreen, you would have to put between seven and ten times the amount of the foundation on your face in order to convey the SPF that’s on the bottle,” she says. While wearing a foundation with sunscreen in the formula is fine as an additional layer of sun protection, it isn’t effective enough to protect your skin from sun damage and hyperpigmentation on its own.

Dr. Engelman’s sunscreen recommendation is the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. It protects the skin with 100% mineral filters to block UV damage before it has a chance to penetrate your skin.

TIP 2: Never Pick at Pimples

Because minor skin irritations — caused by picking, popping or scratching at blemishes — can trigger excess melanin production, it’s important to avoid picking at breakouts and touching your face altogether. If you have a breakout, reach for a spot treatment to help clear up the issue.

TIP 3: Use a Dark Spot Correcting Serum

If you have dark spots and discoloration, you’ll want to invest in a dark spot correcting product, like an antioxidant-rich serum. Dr. Engelman recommends SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid because it neutralizes environmental aggressors and brightens skin.

TIP 4: Exfoliate With Acids

Chemical exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy-acids — like glycolic and lactic acids — can help to gently slough off built-up dead cells on the skin’s surface and, by default, slowly but surely remove hyperpigmentation. When this buildup is removed, more even-looking skin can be revealed and dark spots appear lighter and less visible. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Anti-Aging Facial Cleanser.

TIP 5: Reach for Retinoids

Retinoids and retinol are as powerful and potent as anti-aging ingredients come. When used the right way — and under the watchful eye of a board-certified dermatologist — retinol can effectively reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin’s surface. Retinol can address a variety of skin issues — acne, wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration — as well as increase skin cell turnover and collagen production. But if you’re new to retinol, Dr. Engelman explains that it can take some time for your skin to become “retinized.” When your skin has adjusted to this powerful ingredient, you should experience little to no irritation, dryness or redness upon application.

Take a trip to your dermatologist to find out if a retinoid or retinol is right for you and your skin-care needs. “If your skin is having trouble tolerating the retinol, you can use an over-the-counter product or ask your doctor for a lower dosage,” adds Dr. Engelman. To start, we recommend giving the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 a try a few times a week and slowly working your way up to more frequent applications of the brand’s 0.5 and 1.0 concentrations. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn, Design: Hannah Packer

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