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So how are you supposed to know which ones are worth your money and time?
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Youre not, but dermatologists are, which is why we reached out to several of them for you.
Why do you have hyperpigmentation to begin with?
What ingredients should you look for?
And most importantly, which specificskin care productsand in-office treatments actually work to get rid of dark spots?
To answer these questions and more, SELF asked some of our favorite derms howtheytreat hyperpigmentation in their practices.
But if youd rather it go away or at least fade, we get itand weve got you.
What causes dark spots to show up?
Injuries like burns andbug bitescan also cause skin to darken, he says.
Okay, now that you know where dark spots come from, heres how to fade them.
Here are some of our favorite, derm-recommendedvitamin C serums.
Hydroquinone
When it comes to dark spot treatments,hydroquinonehas been the gold standard for more than 50 years.
So naturally, less tyrosinase equals less melanin.
Thats why youll find it in tons of skin-lightening products.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Moisturizing Night Cream
5.
Azelaic acid
This lesser-known ingredient is one of the top dermatologist-recommended treatments for facial dark spots.
So what is it exactly?
Essentially, like hydroquinone and kojic acid, it inhibits tyrosinase, reducing excess pigment as a result.
IPL[intense pulsed light] can also treat unwanted pigmentation, Dr. Cook-Bolden says.
So, yep, its best totalk to a dermbefore trying IPL too.
Common active ingredients in professional-grade peels includeglycolic, mandelic, salicylic, andlactic acid.
And same note as above: The safest move is to see a board-certified dermatologist.
If you’re nevertheless curious about the effects ofat-home chemical peels, consider one of these dermatologist-recommended products.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2%
Drunk Elephant
T.L.C.
Sukari Babyfacial
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads
SkinBetter
8.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is another well-known exfoliating treatment for hyperpigmentation that uses tiny particles to sand away dead skin.
Microneedling
This ones not for the faint of heart (or sensitive of skin).
For the best results, microneedling is often combined with topical treatments.
Darker-skinned patients may also find that they becomemorepigmented initially, she adds.
One more thing: Dont forget sunscreen.
Daily sunscreen is the absolute best way to prevent hyperpigmentation, Dr. Zeichner says.
Even low levels of UV light exposure add up over a lifetime and can cause dark spots.
And look for a water-resistant formula if youre swimming or sweating.
’s cult favorite offerings to splurge-y lotions from Shiseido and other luxe brands.
