Dark spots occur when there’s an excess production of melanin, which often happens to skin that is frequently exposed to the sun, making your face a prime spot for, well, spots.
Tanning, both in the sun and in tanning beds, as well as aging can often bring on dark spots. These spots, which often appear as brown, gray or black, are more common in people with fair skin who have a history of sun exposure and tanning. The spots often begin appearing more frequently once we pass the age of 40 and can show up on your hands, shoulders, and forearms, in addition to your face.
Avoiding the sun during peak hours, always wearing sunscreen and reapplying when outside, even during cloudy days, are all important steps to ensuring you don’t develop additional dark spots. But what about the spots you already have?
This is where dark spot correctors come in handy.
When buying a dark spot corrector, there are specific ingredients that you’ll want the product to include. Vitamin C helps to break down dark spots, salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, hydroquinone lightens skin, and hyaluronic acid moisturizes skin. But don’t worry, we’ve done the research and found three great correctors to help get rid of dark spots below.
1. Pure Biology Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum
A fairly strong over-the-counter option, Pure Biology Dark Spot Corrector Face Serum is made with vitamin C, E, and aloe to boost the skin’s collagen and decrease puffiness and dark spots. The serums list of pros include Fision ActiveWhite complex and Alpha-Arbutin, which lighten and even skin tone and inhibits the over-production of melanin, which causes dark spots. The serum works best when applied in the morning and at night.
2. Olay Dark Spot Corrector Treatment
Olay Dark Spot Corrector Treatment is a concentrated formula that prevents hyper pigmentation, which means it lightens dark spots. The corrector exfoliates skin and helps to create a more even skin tone while hydrating the face. Olay’s pros include not only correcting, but also possibly preventing future dark spots.
3. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser works as a foaming cleanser that exfoliates and cleanses the skin, helping to reduce the look of dark spots. We love that the cleanser makes dark spots lighter and makes skin look brighter and more even.