Begone, dark spots.
For about a decade, I had acne, on and off. And while I rarely get breakouts anymore, I still have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a.k.a. dark spots on my face. They are the bane of my existence. Even though I don't need to cover up pimples anymore, I slather on a full-coverage foundation to hide all those little red and brown dots.
What You Need to Know About Hyperpigmentation
Of course, non acne-suffers get hyperpigmentation too. They're typically in the form of sun spots, dark spots, or age spots, and they're brought on by the usual suspects—too much sun exposure, hormones, and/or aging.It works like this: When there's inflammation, the first or second layer of the skin cells produce extra pigment during the healing process.
There's no other way to put it: Trying to lighten the appearance of these is time-consuming, tedious, and annoying. In trying to get rid of mine, I've used a ton of products including drugstore brightening creams, hardcore spot treatments, and prescription products. I'm still holding out on the in-office procedures (because I'm hoping the topicals will work, and also, $$).
In short: I know a bit about what works and what doesn't. Plus, I spoke with a slew of top dermatologists for their expertise. Here's a rundown of your best options, ranging from mild cases to severe on how to treat your hyperpigmentation in the best way.
Sunscreen
The easiest way to avoid pigmentation issues? Keep them at bay with sun protection. If you already have spots, a sunscreen will keep them from darkening. "If you are not using sunscreen every day all year long, you are wasting your time on other products," says New Jersey-based dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., director of Image Dermatology.Vitamin C Serum
Use an antioxidant-rich daily serum to help brighten skin's appearance all over, including those pesky marks. "Antioxidant serums help stabilize the skin after injury from UV and inferred light," says San Diego-based dermatologist Melanie Palm, M.D., director of Art OF Skin MD. "I make sure my patients put this on every morning." Also great: Vitamin C helps fight fine lines and smooths texture.BHA and AHA Cleansers
Typically, cleansers with beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic, and alpha hydroxyl acids, like glycolic and lactic, are marketed to teens and those who suffer from acne (so perfect if your discoloration comes from pimples). But it can also help other skin types by gently exfoliating the surface and unclogging pores, which could be causing unwanted acne. Unless you have really dry and sensitive skin, consider using one with either, or both, to help fade marks.Spot Treatments
Target marks more effectively with a concentrated dose. There are a ton of brightening ingredients to look for, but some of the more effective ones on the market right now are peony and licorice root extract, kojic acid, vitamin C and E, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin.Patches
The Patchology nightly patches have some pretty cool technology behind them: Basically you stick a circular patch over a dark spot, and this will send microcurrents down into your skin. The microcurrents diminish discoloration with the help of retinol, peptides, and niacinamides, which are all fused into the cloth sticker. There are lots of options on the market for acne patches that will de-clog your pores and fade your marks overtime.All-Over Brightening Serum
When spot treatments and vitamin C isn't enough, reach for an intense formula. The most exciting one I've used is SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Correcting Serum ($154). The four hero ingredients (with super science-y names like tranexamic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, niacinamide, and tetrapeptide-30) are major correctors that are safe for all skin types and tones. "It's a global product so it evens out the entire face, not just the dark spots," says Downie.Of course this do-everything ingredient also helps with pigmentation. "Not only does it speed up cell turnover, it penetrates really deep into the skin and interferes with pigment production," says Palm, so it can treat dark spots that aren't just on the surface level.
Hydroquinone
The last step in the product line—before we get to in-office procedures—is a prescription hydroquinone. It reduces the production of melanin in your skin. However this hardcore topical has some side effects—increased exposure to UV radiation, sensitivity to sunlight, and irritation—so it's best to proceed with caution and be extra protective of the skin while using it. If you don't want to go all the way with a prescription, the Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($53) is a great OTC (and more gentle) option.Microdermabrasion.
As long as the microdermabrasion is gentle enough (it's important not to be too irritating says Palm), this is a great option to buff away the top layer of the skin revealing the new (and less pigmented) layers underneath.Salicylic Acid Peel
Another in-office procedure that can vastly speed up treatments, this is ideal especially for acne sufferers. The salicylic acid is typically applied in the 20-30 percent range. "It has the ability to penetrated down into the oil glands, but it also has this great ability to lift that stain left behind from the inflammation," says Palm. She recommends getting one once every month.Lasers
When pigmentation occurs in the second layer of the skin, it acts almost like a tattoo—a.k.a. it's really hard to get rid of. So dermatologists have turned to the Q-Switch Laser, which is actually originally used to remove tattoos. "It uses low heat and energy, so it won't make pigmentation or inflammation worse," says Palm. And, because it's a longer wavelength, it's safe for all skin tones too.
