Just like acne, dark spots have a long and varying list of causes and, again, different treatments. To be clear, “dark spot” is an umbrella term, used in skin care to describe discolored marks on the skin. Here, a breakdown of what dark spots are in the first place, along with causes and best treatments from dermatologists. Let’s dive in. While that generally covers what dark spots are, the causes vary. Some dark spots are caused by UV exposure, while others are triggered by broken skin or inflammation, like a pimple, bug bite, or rash. Others are caused by hormonal factors—we’ll dive into the details in a bit. All in all, not every dark spot is the same, even if it’s referred to as such. It’s important to know what’s causing them in order to pin down the best treatment. Sun-induced dark spots are often referred to by a few different names in passing: “Sun spots, liver spots, and age spots are common names for dark spots that develop from sun exposure or tanning beds,” Suarez says. These generally show up in areas that receive the most sun, like the back of the hands, face, and arms. For those with acne-prone skin, retinoids can also be helpful in managing breakouts as well. So if your dark spots are from previous breakouts (especially if those breakouts are still frequent), you may want to consider retinol as your go-to dark spot treatment. Here, the very best clean retinol serums to shop. Free radicals (the cause of oxidative stress) can come from environmental factors like pollution, UV exposure, and even internal factors like stress. To say the least, they’re pretty difficult to avoid, so protecting your skin with antioxidants is one step in the right direction, whether you’re dealing with dark spots or not. There are plenty of antioxidant serums out there apart from just vitamin C—however, this buzzy topical has been studied extensively in dermatological research for stability and effectiveness, hence why it’s one of the more popular antioxidants on the market. Check out our full guide to learn more about the ins and outs of vitamin C serums. If your skin is a bit more sensitive to AHAs, consider opting for mandelic rather than glycolic or lactic acids. This ingredient is more gentle but will still help fade dark spots over time. In fact, a skin care regimen containing mandelic acid and vitamin C was associated with a 73% improvement in the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma3. BHAs, like salicylic acid, are traditionally used to treat acne but can be used to lighten dark spots, especially those from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. “It does so by exfoliating the skin, but it also is anti-inflammatory4,” Suarez says. “Because of its structure, it favors oily areas, like the T-zone.” However, if you must exfoliate using physical means, do so with care. “A washcloth is a good option for gentle physical exfoliation, provided you are gentle and don’t rub too hard,” Suarez explains. Physical exfoliation will not help lighten dark spots quite as well as the options mentioned above, but should you decide to use a physical product, be sure not to overdo it. If your skin is red and tender afterward, that’s a surefire sign you should ease up on the pressure. Here, a guide to exfoliants 101 if you’re not sure which mode to pick. Enter, kojic acid. The gentle yet effective ingredient comes from fermented fungi and has been put to the test with promising results. This study5 demonstrates kojic acid’s ability to brighten the skin and fade dark spots—both results ideal for melasma patches in particular. Plus, it doubles as an antioxidant. Specifically, studies show that aloesin (a natural compound in the aloe plant) was shown to effectively fade post-acne hyperpigmentation7. Another report showed that topical application of aloesin can directly inhibit hyperpigmented skin from producing more melanin—again, hyperpigmentation simply means excess melanin production in your skin, so keeping the pigment-producing cells from becoming overactive is key. There’s a long list of benefits when it comes to aloe vera’s acne-fighting power—check out this story to learn more. There are plenty of options out there for treating dark spots via laser therapy, but not every laser is a perfect match for every person. It’s essential to consult a professional when deciding which treatment option will work for you with the fewest side effects.
