Azelaic acid and retinol should be used all over the face, as they offer other benefits and help prevent pigmentation. Hydroquinone is potent and can be irritating, so its best to use only as a spot treatment. she says. 
Another added benefit is that vitamin C lightens only targets problem pigmentation areas, not the rest of your skin, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology, tells SELF. Microdermabrasion is another well-known exfoliating treatment for hyperpigmentation that uses tiny particles to sand away dead skin. How to use it: At nighttime, only on dark spots or areas of concern. ", This highly popular brightening serum from Sunday Riley has close to five stars and nearly 75,000 loves at Sephora, with one customer describing how the product "really changed my skin texture from dry and dull to hydrated and bright.". To answer these questions, SELF spoke to several dermatologists to find out how they treat dark spots on the face. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe, plant extracts, vitamin E | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Benefits: Gently exfoliates, soothes, and protects from environmental damage andfreeradicals | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Kojic acid and turmeric fade discoloration, Vitamins C and E target hyperpigmentation. This gel contains exfoliating acids and niacinamide that are powerful enough to fade scars and stubborn sun damage. products. This extra melanin can be triggered by a lot of different things, she says: Hormonesboth estrogen and progesteronecan increase the level of melaninwhy pregnant women see dark spots that often lighten following birth; the sun can increase the level of melaninwhy we have more dark spots after the summer; and age can increase the size of the melanocyteswhy we see dark age spots in older patients..
The formula promises to exfoliate dead and damaged skin cells to boost cell turnover and reveal a radiant, more youthful complexion upon waking.
"Mild acidswhether glycolic, mandelic, kojic, or salicylicin low concentrations are also ingredients to seek out.". Harper's BAZAAR participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This powerful serum uses 10 percent L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) combined with lactic and kojic acids, plus plant-based arbutin to improve the appearance of discoloration. Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, Stevens also recommends this best-selling moisturizer (which contains 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks. The results? Reviewers boast that their dark marks faded within a few short weeks. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Think beyond orange juice: Vitamin C can be used as a topical antioxidant that helps to block free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin (which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion, among other things). Derm tip: Anticipate as many as six treatments (possibly even more) with three to four weeks in between, in-office only. Blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid accelerate cellular turnover. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, pine bark essence, lipo-hydroxyl acid (LHA) | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Exfoliates, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Its creamier than most other products that call themselves serums, but it still had a slickness that made it easy to use. Joline Buscemi, Product Tester, Glycolic acid and antioxidants fade discoloration and increase cell turnover. 
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. Sunscreens, and particularly physical sunblocks that have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, can block out most of the rays that will darken the dark spots.. This lesser-known ingredient is a dermatologist-recommended treatment for dark spots on the face. While topical treatments can help drastically fade an uneven complexion over time, experts also recommend accompanying your serum or cream of choice with a sunscreen containing at least SPF 30 to keep skin protected.
In these cases, sunscreen is more than just protective, it is essential in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Here's another vitamin C-based serum that editors and beauty enthusiasts love, featuring 20 percent of the ingredient paired with a green tea compound to brighten dark spots while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. When using it during the day, be sure to follow it with sunscreen. People With Psoriasis Share the Most Helpful Questions Theyve Asked Their Doctors. Freckles form as a result of overproduction of melanin due to UV exposure, so yes, bleaching agents can help lighten them as they reduce pigmentation, she explains. "One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them," Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, says. 2010;21(5):272-275. doi:10.3109/09546630903341945, Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available?. This face sunscreen does leave a hint of a white cast, so its best suited for fairer skin tones. How you use a dark spot corrector will depend on the product formulation and ingredients, explains Shirazi. Derm tip: Usually dermatologists recommend three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by two to four weeks. However, most should anticipate 8 to 12 weeks of use to see a visible difference depending on a few factors (such as the extent of the hyperpigmentation, how deeply it penetrates, how long its been there, etc.). Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, natural fruit enzymes, kojic acid, turmeric | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Gently exfoliates, fades discoloration, soothes, and protects from environmental damage andfreeradicals | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, "A potent blend of vitamins C and E, alongside fruit enzymes, bearberry, turmeric, and kojic acid, all at a fraction of the price of most vitamin C products? "Olay's Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients," Robinson says. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Potent blend of azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide fades discoloration. Look for over-the-counter dark spot correctors containing "topical vitamins, retinol, arbutin, and other antioxidants to repair our aging collagen and elastin," says Madfes. Discoloration on the skin occurs when "enlarged melanocytes or increased tyrosinase production causes the dark spots." Testing out a product containing azelaic acid can mean tackling several skin concerns at once: In addition to dark marks, azelaic acid can help address redness, as well as blemishes and breakouts (especially in the case of Paula's Choice's cream gel, featured below, which also contains salicylic acid). So what is it exactly? All that's needed is a pump or two of this dual brightening serum and anti-irritant complex per day to improve the look of dark spots, age spots, and acne scars. In other words, the choice is yours. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key featureslike ingredients, shade range, or designin addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Contains a blend of retinol and vitamin C. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum, Best With SPF: This correcting serum is gentle enough to use day and night before your moisturizer, and has earned close to a five-star rating from more than 200 satisfied Murad customers.
Ad Choices, The Dark Spot Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists, This KN95 Protective Mask Is Cute, Comfy, and the Best I've Found, I Was Diagnosed With Monkeypox and the Symptoms Are Pretty Brutal, The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products for Weightless Hydration. Another potential side effect is ghosting, which is the inadvertent lightening of the skin outside of the targeted area. Wonderful product!". On a biological level, hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which aids in the production of melanin, Dr. Cook-Bolden says.
This highly concentrated treatment was made with melanin-rich skin in mind, and it combines the age-defying properties of retinol with the radiance-boosting qualities of licorice root extract and niacinamide. Kojic acid (derived from mushrooms or fermented rice) is commonly used in skin lighteners and is best used in conjunction with hydroquinone for maximum results. 2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089, The 9 Best Powder Cleansers for a Customizable Cleansing Experience, This Is How Hyaluronic Acid Interacts With All Your Favorite Skincare Ingredients, 12 Products for the Brightest, Most Even Skin of Your Dreams, The Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns, 12 Treatments That Help Fade Even the Most Stubborn Acne Scars, Experts Say These Face Masks Actually Help Heal Acne Scars, The Best Pore Minimizers for a Smooth Complexion, These 14 Exfoliators Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin, The Best Vitamin C Serums to Get Your Glow On, The Best Moisturizers for Rosacea That Keep Flare-Ups at Bay, 12 Powerful Drugstore Vitamin C Serums That Won't Break the Bank, The 13 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers with a Lightweight Finish, The Best Face Serums Worthy of a Spot in Your Skincare Routine, The Best Anti-Aging Serums To Elevate Your Skincare, 10 Drugstore Foundations That Make Even the Driest Skin Look Dewy, We Found the Best Drugstore Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type. Dermatologists might also use a wound-healing serum, or a compound of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help with hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. It also has major soothing properties, with ginger root extract meant to help calm skin and prevent future free radical damage. Naturally, the less tyrosinase produced, the less melanin produced. To help you fade hyperpigmentation and lingering marks even faster, we've rounded up a few of the best dark spot correctors on the market that are worth adding to your range of skincare staples. Ingredients that work to decrease melanin production or accelerate skin turnover (and thus dispersal of melanin in the skin) are effective in treating hyperpigmentation, explains Kikam. "Sunscreen is extremely important in protecting the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and also visible light, which drives hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin more than other skin tones. Antioxidants such as vitamin C decrease inflammation and free radical damage to skin cells to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. So, if your ultimate quest is to achieve the no-makeup look, these skin-care products and tips can help. Darker-skinned patients may also find that they become more pigmented, she adds. J Dermatolog Treat.
Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, niacinamide, tetrapeptide-30, marine extract blend, phytic acid | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Prevents the appearance of new spots, reduces redness, supports a healthy skin barrier | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Potent blend of antioxidants target free radical damage, Azelaic acid and kojic acid fade discoloration, This is another very effective albeit more aggressive serum for the treatment of dark spots," Kikam says. At the end of the day, preventionwith sunscreenis key. It inhibits tyrosinase and prevents pigmentation, but its much more gentle, she says. Other factors, like skin irritation as a result of acne, waxing, and harsh scrubs, can also cause dark spots. Specific Beauty Intensive Skin Brightening Serum, Best Budget:
This hydroquinone- and paraben-free skin-brightening serum from SkinCeuticals contains a blend of tranexamic and kojic acids as well as niacinamide to minimize the appearance and reoccurrence of hyperpigmentation. Derm tip: Typically three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by three to four weeks is needed to see results. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best She does note there is a potential risk of scarring from microneedling services if they are performed too aggressively. Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar, The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar Made My Skin Glow, Best Splurge: This gentle yet effective treatment seriously reduces dark spots caused by sun damage without breaking the bank. You can also find her work in Elite Daily, MyDomaine, Thought Catalog, and more. This Amazon's Choice product isn't just any regular moisturizer with sunscreen: In addition to featuring broad-spectrum SPF 30, it also contains a blend of glycolic acid and vitamin C to even skin's tone while protecting it from future sun damage.
This top-rated, skin-evening moisturizer has more than 10,000 customer reviews on Amazon, and features a featherweight consistency with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevents spots from getting even darker. All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. Cook-Bolden describes microdermabrasion as a nonchemical procedure thats nonablative, which means it does not destroy skin tissue, and therefore does not require significant recovery time. Microdermabrasion is best for milder hyperpigmentation conditions since the results are modest in terms of improving the appearance of skin discoloration. 
Our best overall pick is Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar, not only for its ability to fade dark spots effectivelybut for doing so quickly, too. If you're new to dark spot correctors or have sensitive skin, we recommend slowly incorporating new products into your beauty routine at lower concentrations until figuring out what works best for you. Jenna Igneri, Product Tester, Niacinamide and tranexamic acid effectively target discoloration, Marine extract blend strengthens skin barrier.
Another added benefit is that vitamin C lightens only targets problem pigmentation areas, not the rest of your skin, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology, tells SELF. Microdermabrasion is another well-known exfoliating treatment for hyperpigmentation that uses tiny particles to sand away dead skin. How to use it: At nighttime, only on dark spots or areas of concern. ", This highly popular brightening serum from Sunday Riley has close to five stars and nearly 75,000 loves at Sephora, with one customer describing how the product "really changed my skin texture from dry and dull to hydrated and bright.". To answer these questions, SELF spoke to several dermatologists to find out how they treat dark spots on the face. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe, plant extracts, vitamin E | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Benefits: Gently exfoliates, soothes, and protects from environmental damage andfreeradicals | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Kojic acid and turmeric fade discoloration, Vitamins C and E target hyperpigmentation. This gel contains exfoliating acids and niacinamide that are powerful enough to fade scars and stubborn sun damage. products. This extra melanin can be triggered by a lot of different things, she says: Hormonesboth estrogen and progesteronecan increase the level of melaninwhy pregnant women see dark spots that often lighten following birth; the sun can increase the level of melaninwhy we have more dark spots after the summer; and age can increase the size of the melanocyteswhy we see dark age spots in older patients.. The formula promises to exfoliate dead and damaged skin cells to boost cell turnover and reveal a radiant, more youthful complexion upon waking.
"Mild acidswhether glycolic, mandelic, kojic, or salicylicin low concentrations are also ingredients to seek out.". Harper's BAZAAR participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This powerful serum uses 10 percent L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) combined with lactic and kojic acids, plus plant-based arbutin to improve the appearance of discoloration. Because azelaic acid is often used to treat acne and rosacea, Stevens also recommends this best-selling moisturizer (which contains 10 percent of the ingredient) to combat post-breakout marks. The results? Reviewers boast that their dark marks faded within a few short weeks. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. Think beyond orange juice: Vitamin C can be used as a topical antioxidant that helps to block free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin (which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion, among other things). Derm tip: Anticipate as many as six treatments (possibly even more) with three to four weeks in between, in-office only. Blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid accelerate cellular turnover. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, pine bark essence, lipo-hydroxyl acid (LHA) | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Exfoliates, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Its creamier than most other products that call themselves serums, but it still had a slickness that made it easy to use. Joline Buscemi, Product Tester, Glycolic acid and antioxidants fade discoloration and increase cell turnover. Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. Sunscreens, and particularly physical sunblocks that have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, can block out most of the rays that will darken the dark spots.. This lesser-known ingredient is a dermatologist-recommended treatment for dark spots on the face. While topical treatments can help drastically fade an uneven complexion over time, experts also recommend accompanying your serum or cream of choice with a sunscreen containing at least SPF 30 to keep skin protected. In these cases, sunscreen is more than just protective, it is essential in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Here's another vitamin C-based serum that editors and beauty enthusiasts love, featuring 20 percent of the ingredient paired with a green tea compound to brighten dark spots while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. When using it during the day, be sure to follow it with sunscreen. People With Psoriasis Share the Most Helpful Questions Theyve Asked Their Doctors. Freckles form as a result of overproduction of melanin due to UV exposure, so yes, bleaching agents can help lighten them as they reduce pigmentation, she explains. "One of the least acknowledged truths about treating hyperpigmentation is that sunscreen is the very first step in improving them," Caroline Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, says. 2010;21(5):272-275. doi:10.3109/09546630903341945, Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available?. This face sunscreen does leave a hint of a white cast, so its best suited for fairer skin tones. How you use a dark spot corrector will depend on the product formulation and ingredients, explains Shirazi. Derm tip: Usually dermatologists recommend three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by two to four weeks. However, most should anticipate 8 to 12 weeks of use to see a visible difference depending on a few factors (such as the extent of the hyperpigmentation, how deeply it penetrates, how long its been there, etc.). Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, natural fruit enzymes, kojic acid, turmeric | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Gently exfoliates, fades discoloration, soothes, and protects from environmental damage andfreeradicals | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, "A potent blend of vitamins C and E, alongside fruit enzymes, bearberry, turmeric, and kojic acid, all at a fraction of the price of most vitamin C products? "Olay's Vitamin C and Peptide 24 moisturizer is one of my favorite budget-friendly dark spot correctors to recommend to clients," Robinson says. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Potent blend of azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide fades discoloration. Look for over-the-counter dark spot correctors containing "topical vitamins, retinol, arbutin, and other antioxidants to repair our aging collagen and elastin," says Madfes. Discoloration on the skin occurs when "enlarged melanocytes or increased tyrosinase production causes the dark spots." Testing out a product containing azelaic acid can mean tackling several skin concerns at once: In addition to dark marks, azelaic acid can help address redness, as well as blemishes and breakouts (especially in the case of Paula's Choice's cream gel, featured below, which also contains salicylic acid). So what is it exactly? All that's needed is a pump or two of this dual brightening serum and anti-irritant complex per day to improve the look of dark spots, age spots, and acne scars. In other words, the choice is yours. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key featureslike ingredients, shade range, or designin addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Contains a blend of retinol and vitamin C. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum, Best With SPF: This correcting serum is gentle enough to use day and night before your moisturizer, and has earned close to a five-star rating from more than 200 satisfied Murad customers.
Ad Choices, The Dark Spot Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists, This KN95 Protective Mask Is Cute, Comfy, and the Best I've Found, I Was Diagnosed With Monkeypox and the Symptoms Are Pretty Brutal, The Best Hyaluronic Acid Products for Weightless Hydration. Another potential side effect is ghosting, which is the inadvertent lightening of the skin outside of the targeted area. Wonderful product!". On a biological level, hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which aids in the production of melanin, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. This highly concentrated treatment was made with melanin-rich skin in mind, and it combines the age-defying properties of retinol with the radiance-boosting qualities of licorice root extract and niacinamide. Kojic acid (derived from mushrooms or fermented rice) is commonly used in skin lighteners and is best used in conjunction with hydroquinone for maximum results. 2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089, The 9 Best Powder Cleansers for a Customizable Cleansing Experience, This Is How Hyaluronic Acid Interacts With All Your Favorite Skincare Ingredients, 12 Products for the Brightest, Most Even Skin of Your Dreams, The Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns, 12 Treatments That Help Fade Even the Most Stubborn Acne Scars, Experts Say These Face Masks Actually Help Heal Acne Scars, The Best Pore Minimizers for a Smooth Complexion, These 14 Exfoliators Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin, The Best Vitamin C Serums to Get Your Glow On, The Best Moisturizers for Rosacea That Keep Flare-Ups at Bay, 12 Powerful Drugstore Vitamin C Serums That Won't Break the Bank, The 13 Best Oil-Free Moisturizers with a Lightweight Finish, The Best Face Serums Worthy of a Spot in Your Skincare Routine, The Best Anti-Aging Serums To Elevate Your Skincare, 10 Drugstore Foundations That Make Even the Driest Skin Look Dewy, We Found the Best Drugstore Face Moisturizers for Every Skin Type. Dermatologists might also use a wound-healing serum, or a compound of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help with hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. It also has major soothing properties, with ginger root extract meant to help calm skin and prevent future free radical damage. Naturally, the less tyrosinase produced, the less melanin produced. To help you fade hyperpigmentation and lingering marks even faster, we've rounded up a few of the best dark spot correctors on the market that are worth adding to your range of skincare staples. Ingredients that work to decrease melanin production or accelerate skin turnover (and thus dispersal of melanin in the skin) are effective in treating hyperpigmentation, explains Kikam. "Sunscreen is extremely important in protecting the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and also visible light, which drives hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin more than other skin tones. Antioxidants such as vitamin C decrease inflammation and free radical damage to skin cells to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. So, if your ultimate quest is to achieve the no-makeup look, these skin-care products and tips can help. Darker-skinned patients may also find that they become more pigmented, she adds. J Dermatolog Treat.
Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol, niacinamide, tetrapeptide-30, marine extract blend, phytic acid | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Prevents the appearance of new spots, reduces redness, supports a healthy skin barrier | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brydie Clean: Yes, Potent blend of antioxidants target free radical damage, Azelaic acid and kojic acid fade discoloration, This is another very effective albeit more aggressive serum for the treatment of dark spots," Kikam says. At the end of the day, preventionwith sunscreenis key. It inhibits tyrosinase and prevents pigmentation, but its much more gentle, she says. Other factors, like skin irritation as a result of acne, waxing, and harsh scrubs, can also cause dark spots. Specific Beauty Intensive Skin Brightening Serum, Best Budget: This hydroquinone- and paraben-free skin-brightening serum from SkinCeuticals contains a blend of tranexamic and kojic acids as well as niacinamide to minimize the appearance and reoccurrence of hyperpigmentation. Derm tip: Typically three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by three to four weeks is needed to see results. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best She does note there is a potential risk of scarring from microneedling services if they are performed too aggressively. Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar, The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar Made My Skin Glow, Best Splurge: This gentle yet effective treatment seriously reduces dark spots caused by sun damage without breaking the bank. You can also find her work in Elite Daily, MyDomaine, Thought Catalog, and more. This Amazon's Choice product isn't just any regular moisturizer with sunscreen: In addition to featuring broad-spectrum SPF 30, it also contains a blend of glycolic acid and vitamin C to even skin's tone while protecting it from future sun damage.
This top-rated, skin-evening moisturizer has more than 10,000 customer reviews on Amazon, and features a featherweight consistency with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to prevents spots from getting even darker. All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. Cook-Bolden describes microdermabrasion as a nonchemical procedure thats nonablative, which means it does not destroy skin tissue, and therefore does not require significant recovery time. Microdermabrasion is best for milder hyperpigmentation conditions since the results are modest in terms of improving the appearance of skin discoloration. Our best overall pick is Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar, not only for its ability to fade dark spots effectivelybut for doing so quickly, too. If you're new to dark spot correctors or have sensitive skin, we recommend slowly incorporating new products into your beauty routine at lower concentrations until figuring out what works best for you. Jenna Igneri, Product Tester, Niacinamide and tranexamic acid effectively target discoloration, Marine extract blend strengthens skin barrier.