Do you suffer from dark spots that give you an uneven skin tone around your face, chest, and hands? These spots may be due to hormonal factors, prolonged sun exposure, and acne damage. Dark spots can add years to your appearance. Mostly, the root problem for dark spots is Melasma.
While there are numerous cosmetic procedures available to address this problem, these procedures can be costly and result in redness, swelling and discomfort.
Fortunately, there is an efficient, simple, and far less painful way to reduce and fade these troublesome freckles. Enter into the world of dark spot correctors. It leaves you looking fresh-faced and feeling youthful and confident. The best dark spot corrector is a hassle-free method of fading age spots. They are inexpensive, available over the counter and can be a great alternative to cosmetic procedures.
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Who needs dark spot corrector?
People who have dark spots, age spots, sun spots, liver spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and freckles need the best dark spot corrector. Dark spots affect millions of people all over the world and from every walk of life. It is regardless of your age, ethnic origin, gender or your skin type. There may be several types of dark spots on your skin, some are inevitable, while others are preventable.
Dark spot correctors in serum form are more concentrated and give you excellent results. So avoid cream-based dark spot correctors. If you have acne related shady spots, try to get a professional diagnosis before starting your treatment.
What is dark spot corrector?
Dark spot correctors are creams and serums. They contain active ingredients specifically proven to lighten and reduce these dark patches. The dark spot corrector simultaneously sheds the upper layers of your skin and inhibits the melanin production.
First, let’s see what dark spots are. Dark spots are also known as hyperpigmentation or age spots. They grow increasingly common with age. Dark spots are the result of overproduction of melanin. Aging and UV exposure, even exposure to artificial UV light like those used in tanning beds are significant causes.
Acne scars: They are the long lasting after effects of your acne breakouts. The breakouts leave behind acne marks that are often worse. Liver spots: They are flat, brown, black dots that appear on your sun-exposed skin. They are very common after age 40.
Causes of dark spots: In most cases, people who are frequently exposed to sun and who have suffered severe sunburns need dark spot correctors. Earlier people believed that dark spots were connected with the liver. But skin discolorations have nothing to do with the liver.
They are caused by your body’s natural reaction to UV radiation. As the sun’s rays touch your skin, your body uses particular cells called melanocytes that are present in your epidermis to produce protective chemical melanin.
The need for dark spot corrector arises when too much melanin is produced in some regions of your skin, leading the pigment to clump together that results in the appearance of sun spots on your face.
You must use the best dark spot corrector daily and continually to achieve the desired effect to brighten your complexion visibly. Each brand will have slightly different directions to follow. But the general rule is that you have to apply it twice daily over your face, once every morning and once every evening.
To enhance the effectiveness and improve the results of the best dark spot corrector: you have to act quickly, use daily, pay attention to the ingredients and use sunscreen. Melanin that gives the dark spots their black color moves deeper into the skin over time.
So it would be easier to treat them quickly. And you will get better results if you act within six months of the appearance of a sunspot. If you’ve had sunspots for a while, don’t despair dark skin correctors can reduce their appearance regardless of how old they are. It may just take a little longer.
You have to incorporate the best dark spot corrector into your regular beauty routine. This action ensures that you get the best possible results. There are a lot of ingredients for you to choose from by selecting the dark spot corrector that contains hydroquinone, Retin-A, or Vitamin C.
You can be sure that whatever serum or cream you have determined will be of some benefit to even out your complexion. If you are unsure about the ingredients, be sure to consult with a dermatologist before you purchase the product.
“You can work hard at lightening dark spots, and then an hour in the sun unprotected can bring them back,” Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City tells Health.com. Your priority should be to wear a good sunscreen in preventing more spots and keeping any current skin discoloration from getting worse.
Try to choose a high SPF sunscreen for your face. Gently apply it every morning before leaving the house, particularly if you are attempting to eradicate dark spots.
While using the best dark spot corrector, you have to consider your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using dark spot corrector with hydroquinone in it. It’s always wise to ask your dermatologist about which products are compatible with your skin type.
Dark spots are usually caused by sun exposure, but it can also be the result of acne scarring or hormonal changes. So you have to understand the underlying cause of your dark spots. For example, if you believe your dark spots are due to UV exposure then choose a dark spot corrector with added SPF. If you are sure they are the result of hormonal changes, look for acne spot corrector with a higher dose of hydroquinone. If you’re not sure, consult a dermatologist.
Look for dark spot corrector containing hydroquinone, Retin-A, and Vitamin C. These ingredients are clinically proven to be useful when it comes to reducing the appearance of age spots. They not only reduce age spots but nourish and replenish your skin. Considering the price range, select the ones that suit your budget. Use your knowledge of active ingredients to make an informed decision.
Try to do your research. If you invest a little bit of time in reading about other people’s experiences, it can be beneficial when deciding whether or not a dark spot corrector is worth buying!
What’s in a dark spot corrector?
Dermatologists recommend three main ingredients to reduce the intensity of dark spots. These are Hydroquinone, Retin A, and vitamin C. The topical dark spot corrector creams works in two categories: exfoliants and skin brighteners. Skin brighteners change your skin’s chemistry to produce reduced amounts of melanin pigment.
Hydroquinone, for example, is a well-known skin brightener. It works by hampering an enzyme called tyrosinase, a critical enzyme that produces melanin pigment. A dark spot corrector blocks this enzyme using hydroquinone. It also slows the production of additional pigment. So the troublesome areas with dark spots begin to fade.
Hydroquinone is the gold standard for dermatologists. You can start with an over-the-counter corrector with 1% hydroquinone, and apply it to the dark spots at night before your moisturizer. Hydroquinone can dry up your skin, if you find that the 1% formulation does not irritate your skin, slowly increase the concentration to a 2% OTC product. Then move up the ladder to a 4 to 6% with a prescription.
Hydroquinone may not work for everyone. If you misuse or overuse it, it could cause severe reactions, including over-lightening or inflammation, leading to further darkening.
You should remember that melanin is our body’s defense mechanism against radiation. Therefore by using the best dark spot corrector either with hydroquinone or with other ingredients like azelaic acid you are weakening your natural defenses against UV radiation. This action can lead to early aging of skin and development of skin cancer.
If you want to avoid the dangers associated with tyrosinase blockers in the best dark spot corrector, you can use exfoliating masks and creams to speed up your cell regeneration. These dark skin corrector help fade sun spots on face and hands, but they will take longer to show effects.
Retin A: It is another essential component of the best dark spot corrector. Retin A helps to heal the skin itself by peeling away the upper layers of your skin. It is commonly used to treat acne. It also improves acne pores, sun damage, texture and fine lines. Retin A is more helpful when used in conjunction with other treatment such as chemical peeling or combination with other creams such as hydroquinone.
Retin A can cause dryness and irritation. So it is essential to use it according to your doctor’s directions. You must strictly avoid the sun while on RetinA, which will also help to improve the discoloration.
Vitamin C: it is a potent antioxidant and a key ingredient in forming collagen in your body. Vitamin C is crucial for healing the damage to your skin cells. Studies show that skin heals faster and scars less when exposed to Vitamin C. Vitamin C directly helps whiten skin by hindering the production of the enzyme called tyrosinase. This action reduces the production of melanin pigments near your hair follicles.
Vitamin C helps the production of another important antioxidant, namely Glutathione, one of the most important ingredients used for skin whitening. It beautifully balances the lighter and darker pigments that are found on your skin.
Glutathione lowers the overall melanin production in your body. It changes the metabolic pathway of melanin from synthesizing darkly pigmented melanin (eumelanin) to creating light-pigmented melanin (phaeomelanin). The more Glutathione present in your bodies, the lighter your skin will be. Vitamin C has the all-important ability to regenerate oxidized glutathione.
If you are interested in a hydroquinone-free product, you still have plenty of options. Look for ingredients like arbutin, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, lignin peroxidase, kojic acid, azelaic acid, licorice or bilberry, Niacinamide, ellagic acid, and Bromelain. All dark spot treatments reveal the lighter skin by peeling, de-clumping or shrinking the pigment cells.
Kojic acid is found naturally in soy sauce. It inhibits the activity of tyrosinase making it an effective treatment for melasma, freckles and brown spots. It’s less efficient than hydroquinone but better tolerated.
Glycolic acid is the most respected member of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs family). It fades hyperpigmentation and freckles. Glycolic acid also reduces fine lines and brightens skin. It exfoliates your skin, removing the “damaged” top layer and replacing it with the newer, healthier and brighter skin cells underneath.
Licorice extract may help to even out your skin tone and lighten dark spots. According to the National Center for Biotechnology, the glabridin part of the licorice plant inhibits pigmentation.
Bilberry fruit is a relative of blueberries. It contains tannins that have natural anti-inflammatory properties, and it is an excellent antioxidant. Studies show that bilberry extract has proven useful for treating hyperpigmentation and sun damage due to its chemical composition, which includes biological hydroquinone, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Lignin peroxidase comes from a fungus. It has the power to break down melanin in your skin. You can get it as an OTC product. Arbutin is a molecule obtained from the bearberry plant. It can prevent the formation of melanin. Arbutin blocks tyrosinase and keeps dark spots at bay. Studies on arbutin have all firmly stated that it’s a safe and active ingredient for skin lightening.
Salicylic Acid is an excellent choice for superficial skin issues such as sun spots and acne and skin texture. When it is used with other treatments, it can clear out dark spots. The fungus Pityrosporum ovale produces azelaic acid. It fades melasma, brown spots, and freckles treat acne and soothe rosacea.
Azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase and lightens your skin. In a 2007 research study scientists compared the efficacy of a 20% azelaic acid cream to that of hydroquinone cream that had 4% concentration. The results showed no significant treatment differences in overall rating, reduction in lesion size, and intensity of the melanin pigments between the two.
The Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 that acts like soy. It inhibits the transfer of melanosomes into the skin’s upper layer. It has the additional potential to prevent future dark spots by limiting how much pigments can come to the surface of the skin. Ellagic Acid is a natural substance obtained from strawberries, cherries, and pomegranates. It works as an antioxidant and also inhibits an enzyme needed for melanin production.
What are the precautions to consider for dark spot corrector?
Some of the ingredients in the best dark spot corrector may be unsuitable for use because of your skin type and any medications that you’re taking. So you need to consider before investing in treatment.
Hydroquinone may react with other medications. So be careful while taking prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, herbal medicines or dietary supplements. Avoid using the product if you’re pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or lactating. If you suffer from allergies, it’s better to avoid hydroquinone. This substance may cause inflammation and irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Use a high SPF sunscreen if you’re using the dark spot corrector containing Retin A. Dry, chapped, windburned, sunburned, or otherwise, irritated skin can be made worse by products containing Retin-A. Avoid using this product if you’re pregnant or lactating and if you suffer from any allergies.
What is the best dark spot corrector?
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Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream
Overview:
This best black spot corrector is lightweight and has an oil-free formula. It produces excellent results for dryness, dark spots and uneven skin tone. This product is vegan, oil-free, noncomedogenic, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and gluten-free.
“I love the Sunday Riley line. These products have made a difference in my skin. It glows and looks smoother, and my uneven skin tone has become a thing of the past! This cream is very light, absorbs into skin and does the job. I use in combination with one of their facial oils, and I wake up with a fresh looking face!
Yes, the line is costly, but having the best skin I can as I get older is so worth the money…plus, it’s cheaper than getting face work that may or may not make you look better!” Writes KDM a happy Amazon customer.
Pros
- The oil-free formula does not clog pores.
- Produces great results
- Cruelty-free, vegan and hypoallergenic
- Gives a youthful and hydrated look.
- Brightens your hyperpigmentation spots
Cons
- Some customers claim product does not hydrate skin
Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Overview:
This best dark spot corrector is excellent for people looking to reduce age spots, even skin tone, and lighten dark spots and to obtain smoother skin. “In 6 weeks my dark spots became MUCH less visible- my before and after pic is in the 6-week time frame. Very happy with this product!” Writes Anna a satisfied Amazon product user.
“This Serum saved my skin! I had terrible dark marks from pimples. I had hyperpigmentation all over my cheeks and my jawline. This product in a matter of weeks has lightened all my marks significantly. I am so happy I found this line” writes Iisha on Murad.com reviews.
Pros
- Fast acting treatment featuring hydroquinone
- Highest degree of hydroquinone without prescription
- Patented formula
Cons
- Consumers are concerned because hydroquinone is banned in some countries.
- It may cause serious side effects
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Anti-Aging Collagen Booster
Overview:
This aromatic serum is entirely weightless and gets instantly absorbed into your skin. It penetrates the deep layers of your skin, where it goes to work to provide long-term benefits. This best dark skin corrector is excellent for sensitive skin because this serum has soothing and calming properties.
“Makes a huge difference in my skin! After a month of use, my skin feels a lot softer and looks much more even,” writes Sandra an Amazon, product reviewer.
Pros
- Excellent for sensitive skin
- Has wonderful citrus smell
- Light serum with excellent absorption rate
Cons
- It can dry the skin
Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector
Overview:
This dark spot corrector targets spots with laser speed and reduces the appearance of spots over time. It contains sakura resist technology with Sakura from Japanese cherry blossoms. This best dark spot corrector is made of micro Target technology that intensively targets and banishes each spot.
Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector helps your skin to become more resistant to dark spots. It unveils a brighter, more radiant, translucent and even-toned complexion. You can use this acne spot corrector before and after brightening cosmetic procedures like laser spot removal.
“It is very light on my face. I enjoy that you don’t need a lot of it,” writes Brenda, a satisfied Amazon customer.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested.
- Very light and gets quickly absorbed by skin
- Contains extract of Japanese cherry blossoms to fight dark spots
Cons
- Slow to deliver promised results.
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Our choice for the best dark spot corrector
After thorough research, we found that Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream to be the winner. This best dark spot corrector delivers an intense water drench plus two forms of hyaluronic acid for a more youthful, hydrated look. The papaya enzymes smooth and exfoliate, while alpha-arbutin and exotic floral extracts brighten hyperpigmentation spots and illuminate your complexion.
This product contains Tamarind which is rich in ich in AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) that flight blemishes on your skin. “Exceeded my expectations! I don’t know what it is, but my skin looks amazing. Have used it for a month and noticed a difference the other day. I highly recommend it,” writes Suzanne Schmitz a happy Amazon customer.
Though the product is a bit pricey, we found that its ingredients not only fights black spots but even hydrates your skin. Plus this best dark spot corrector is hypoallergenic, oil-free, noncomedogenic, cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free.
To conclude we found that the best dark spot corrector in the market is Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream to be the best of the best.
