Got dark spots? These must-haves will help
Whether the result of acne, UV exposure or something else entirely, dealing with dark spots is about to get a whole lot easier.
Let’s face it: We all have our skin care woes, but by no means do they define us or our beauty. However, if you find yourself looking for solutions for issues like dark spots, we totally feel you. And you’re not alone — addressing discoloration is high on many skincare wishlists.
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne scars; call it what you want, but no matter which term you prefer, you’ve more than likely found yourself searching high and low for products that will lighten or minimize it. And while it sounds easy enough, stopping overactive melanin is no simple task.
Well, this roundup is here to help. From creams and serums to masks and cleansers, these products fight discoloration once and for all.
Kiehl's Since 1851
Cult classic
Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($56) has a cult following for a reason: Because there’s truly so much to love. The formula is made with 86% naturally derived ingredients that work wonders while you snooze. Thanks to the blend of evening primrose, lavender, and squalene oils, you’ll have smoother, brighter, and more hydrated skin by morning. Then you can truly say, “I woke up like this.”
Juice Beauty
Clean cure
If you’re looking for a clean beauty option to fight dark spots, reach for Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer ($70). The powerhouse ingredient in this hydrator is vitamin C. When combined with organic resveratrol-rich grape, you can expect that lit-from-within glow you’ve always dreamed about.
Skyn Iceland
Targeted patches
When it feels like dark circles are ruling your world, reach for Skyn Iceland Dissolving Microneedle Eye Patches ($16). You can wear these while you catch some z’s or while you’re bingeing Netflix. They’re formulated with hyaluronic acid and peptides to deliver a healthy dose of hydration and to improve the texture and tone of your skin as they dissolve.
Exuviance
Does-it-all corrector
Don’t let the name of the Exuviance Age Reverse Total Correct + Sculpt Serum ($89) intimidate you. And before you keep scrolling, no you don’t need to be in your 40’s or 50’s to benefit from this reversal serum. The combination of vitamin C and NeoGlucosamine gently exfoliates, brightens, and smooths the texture and tone of your complexion with each use. You may also find that your pores appear smaller and your skin looks and feels plumper, too.
PEACH & LILY
Dark spot fighter
For an anti-dark spot option that’s a little easier on the wallet, Peach & Lily’s Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment ($45) also harnesses the powerhouse properties of vitamin C in the form of a uniquely stable 20% derivative formula. The impressive before and afters are proof enough that the treatment makes a huge visual impact on acne and pesky dark spots.
Tula
Multitasking gel
Since one of the main causes of discoloration is unprotected sun exposure, this Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($38) is basically a treatment and prevention product in one. It’s a moisturizer and a sunscreen so you can save yourself an extra step in the morning. And the infusion of pineapple and papaya will brighten dark spots. Plus, the consistency is so light and silky you won’t even know you’re wearing it.
DERMA E
Works while you sleep
The best kinds of products are the ones that work while you’re doing absolutely nothing, and Vitamin C Intense Antioxidant Night Cream ($25) fits the bill perfectly. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and packed to the brim with rejuvenating antioxidants, stress-blocking probiotics and healthy rooibos, it will keep you fresh and moisturized all by the time you wake up in the morning.
Clinique
Acne scar ace
The power is in the name with this one: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter ($85) helps to correct all discoloration including acne scars. Clinique’s very own “damage eraser” complex is super concentrated with top-notch ingredients like salicylic acid, yeast and rice bran extract to not only treat existing dark spots, but also help prevent future ones from forming.