Turmeric powder is made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it that yellow-orange tint; it's also what makes it such a potent anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric is also found to lighten hyperpigmentation. Alpha-hydroxy acids AHAs and beta-hydroxy acids BHAs work to increase and improve skin cell turnover, which helps shed dead and dull cells that may lead to the appearance of dark spots. Alpha-hydroxy acids are a group of acid compounds, most often derived from plant-based sources, which work to exfoliate the skin.

They come in a variety of types like glycolic and lactic acid and differ in size, and subsequently, penetration and potency. Engelman likes to use to treat discoloration in the skin.

If using as a makeup remover, apply to dry skin and remove with a washcloth before following with cleanser. If using it as a moisturizer, apply a few drops to clean, dry skin and allow it to absorb before continuing with the rest of your routine.

Chemical peels are incredibly effective treatments as they shed the upper layers of your skin, but as such, it's important to consult a dermatologist who can choose the correct combination of ingredients based on your skin type and concerns.

Rather than slathering this ingredient on your face, tomato works best when taken systemically. According to a study, participants who ingested between around 55 milligrams of tomato paste with olive oil per day saw protection from acute and long-term photo damage brought on by UV rays.

Why is tomato paste so effective? Tomatoes are naturally rich in lycopene, which has multiple potential health benefits, including sun protection. Not a fan of tomatoes? Look to other similarly-hued fruits and veggies, like guava, pink grapefruit, watermelon, and red sweet peppers.

But don't apply to the skin—this benefit is reaped strictly through diet. If you have a dark spot that just won't go away no matter how many over-the-counter products and natural DIY solutions you've tried, it may be a good idea to visit a dermatologist.

They'll help you figure out the cause of your hyperpigmentation and subsequently find the best way to treat it. Engelman explains. Aloe can be ingested in the form of a drink or applied to the skin as a moisturizer or skin healer by breaking the leaf of an aloe plant and dabbing the sticky substance onto your scar.

Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant's inner gel mucilage the part that's used in skincare products is made up of American Academy of Dermatology Association.

How to fade dark spots in skin of color. Burlando B, Cornara L. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM. Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation?

A systematic review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Rizwan M, Rodriguez-Blanco I, Harbottle A, Birch-Machin MA, Watson RE, Rhodes LE. Tomato paste rich in lycopene protects against cutaneous photodamage in humans in vivo: a randomized controlled trial.

Br J Dermatol. Guo X, Mei N. Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. A squeeze tube would allow the user to control the amount of product a bit easier.

As it is, you have to roll the tip across the skin, but a nozzle applicator would help deposit the right amount of serum every time. Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, acetyl glucosamine, vitamin C, licorice root Size: 0.

If you want to treat your skin to the top-shelf stuff, SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is worth the splurge. This oil-free, lightweight serum is chock-full of ingredients like tranexamic acid , kojic acid, and niacinamide, that are clinically proven to minimize the appearance of dark spots, even out discoloration, and brighten your complexion.

The addition of HEPES, a molecule used to adjust the pH in cosmetic formulas, helps break down the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface, meaning it helps exfoliate, too. After testing for several weeks, our skin had a more even, consistent tone and appeared beautifully radiant.

This premium dark spot correcting serum has a great track record of clinically proven results and bills itself as the perfect complement to professional skin discoloration treatments , such as laser and chemical peels.

Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide Size: 1. Formulated with retinol and vitamin C , this super serum leans on two of the most effective tone-correcting ingredients on the market to fade dark spots.

Dermatologists often recommend retinol for those looking to eradicate fine lines, unwanted skin texture, and even acne. But, retinol also helps promote renewed skin cells which brightens the skin and fades hyperpigmentation. During testing, we found that only a pearl-sized amount was needed to cover the entire face, and it helped dramatically reduce dark spots, especially those from acne scarring.

Retinol fans will love this product. Follow with a soothing moisturizer to counteract any drying. Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid Size: 1 oz. Those with acne-prone skin will rejoice having found this clarifying treatment from German doctor, Dr.

In addition to treating breakouts, this serum helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, and overall redness on the skin. The transparent gel addresses impurities at the source, thanks to a potent blend of ingredients including antibacterial tea tree oil and zinc oxide.

It took about two weeks of use to notice a difference in the overall look of our skin, but from then on, the results undeniably got better and better. Barbara Sturm Untinted Clarifying Spot Treatment is a skinsaver for anyone who's in the process of treating acne.

The powerful product helps target blemishes while also fading the scars and dark spots left behind from past breakouts. Ingredients: Zinc, vitamin B3, jojoba oil, panthenol, vitamin E, tea tree oil Size: 0. We could all use a little skin brightening, are we right? This serum from Glow Recipe is the perfect choice for those looking for an all-over, radiant glow.

Unlike other vitamin C serums on the market, it delivers effective ingredients in a stable formula vitamin C tends to be unstable on a molecular level. You can expect this non-sticky gel to absorb into the skin on contact, helping to plump, firm, and brighten the skin over time.

It took about a month for dark spots to fade, but the overall look of our skin radiant as heck is what really sold us. Use this when you need a radiance boost. Ingredients: 5 forms of vitamin C, guava seed oil, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E Size: 1 oz.

Our favorite dark spot corrector was our best overall pick: Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum , a hardworking hyperpigmentation treatment and vitamin C serum that quickly targets the look of dark spots for a more even tone and brighter-looking complexion.

To compile this list, our team of editors spent hours researching the best dark spot correctors on the market, evaluating features like ingredients, size, and design, before landing on about 30 formulas to try out for ourselves. We tested each formula over the course of eight weeks, then assigned each serum a rating from one to five five being the best; one being the worst to all of the products we tested.

The highest-rated products made the list. Other attributes we evaluated each dark spot corrector on:. How you use a dark spot corrector will depend on the product and formulation. Retinol, on the other hand, should be used at night. According to Shirazi, you can use dark spot correctors to fade freckles.

Retinol serums can also effectively address dark spots, freckles, and other signs of photoaging by encouraging cell turnover.

Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. She gathered insights and testimonials from our experienced team of editors and in-house lab testers to curate this list of dark spot correctors that actually do what they say they will.

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer specializing in skincare. For this story, she interviewed top dermatologists and compiled insights to inform this roundup. Additional guidance was provided by Adeline Kikam, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm, and Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center.

Lajis AF, Hamid M, Ariff AB. Depigmenting effect of Kojic acid esters in hyperpigmented B16F1 melanoma cells. J Biomed Biotechnol. Köpke D, Müller RH, Pyo SM. Eur J Pharm Sci. Tsz Wah Tse Hydroquinone for skin lightening: Safety profile, duration of use and when should we stop?

Ciganović P, Jakimiuk K, Tomczyk M, Zovko Končić M. Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity.

Antioxidants Basel. Published Oct 1. Callender VD, Baldwin H, Cook-Bolden FE, Alexis AF, Stein Gold L, Guenin E. Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice.

Am J Clin Dermatol. Achieve a Radiant Glow With the 13 Best Products for Hyperpigmentation of How to Use Tranexamic Acid In Your Skincare Routine for a Brighter Complexion. Licorice Extract for Skin: Benefits and How to Use, According to Dermatologists.

The 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of , Tested by Byrdie, Approved by Derms. We Tested Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin and These 10 Went Above and Beyond. Subscribe Email Address Subscribe.

Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. And while sunscreen is the best, pairing it with this Clinique serum will only make your results better. Made with brightening vitamin C and exfoliating salicylic acid , the Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector visibly improves discoloration, while preventing future dark spots from developing.

Editor Tip: Another key ingredient is glucosamine, which weakens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together — essentially making salicylic acid's job even easier. The iridescent rainbow packing is just an aesthetic bonus.

Why It's Worth It: True to its name, the star ingredient in Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is, drumroll, please, niacinamide.

Wave goodbye to stubborn hyperpigmentation and dark spots thanks to this ingredient's powerful, tone-evening properties.

To give skin a naturally healthy and dewy finish, there's plumping watermelon and hydration-binding hyaluronic acid present in this Allure Readers' Choice Award winner. Editor Tip: You can use it during your typical serum step before moisturizer, as a dewy makeup primer, or highlighter as a finishing touch.

Why It's Worth It: The Inkey List is proving that overnight treatments do not have to feel heavy on the skin — especially when it comes to the gel-based Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment.

All you need is a small dollop of this lightweight mask as the last step of your skin-care routine e. swap this with your moisturizer , and you'll watch all of your dark spots disappear in about a month's time. Why It's Worth It: Dr. Gohara also vouches for First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum.

She calls this lightweight formula "cosmetically elegant," which means it absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind a subtle glow. Editor Tip: This non-irritating, fragrance-free serum also "works perfectly alongside your favorite retinol to even out tone," Dr.

Gohara suggests. Other noteworthy brightening ingredients are licorice root, golden kiwifruit, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine, which is an amino acid that also hinders the pigmentation process.

Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is a classic and for good reason. This two-step at-home peel is loaded with a trifecta of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid to boost cell turnover, even skin tone, and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

Editor Tip: All you have to do is gently massage the exfoliating Step 1 pad into your skin post-cleanse, wait two minutes, and follow up with the Step 2 pad, which hydrates and replenishes skin with resveratrol, glycerin, green tea, and more.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, green tea, resveratrol, glycerin. Kim is a fan of mandelic acid in general because its gentler nature means it's likely tolerated by most patients — in a nutshell, it has larger molecules, so it doesn't penetrate the skin as deeply or as quickly as other acids.

Editor Tip: That's not where the benefits stop, either. Why It's Worth It: There's pretty much nothing better than a drugstore find, let's be real.

Marchbein, who adds that the ingredients fight more than just hyperpigmentation. Editor Tip: Licorice root also has antioxidant and brightening properties, while CeraVe's tri-ceramide blend soothes irritation.

As the name suggests, the formulation also contains an encapsulated retinol — which means its slow release makes it more tolerable for sensitive skin. Why It's Worth It: Melé's products are made with darker skin tones in mind and the brand's Even Dark Spot Control Serum takes special care to thoughtfully address discoloration in melanin-rich complexions.

Editor Tip: Despite seemingly lower percentages, Dr. Hermann confirms it's quite an effective combination. Why It's Worth It: Ole Henkrisen's Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner kind of does it all and then some.

Yes, it'll diminish dark spots with the alpha hydroxy acids glycolic and lactic in the formula but it'll also brighten and soothe skin.

For the latter, you can say thanks to the witch hazel water and lemon, sugar cane, and sandalwood extracts in the bottle. Editor Tip: You can swipe this toner all over, or if you notice a few really pesky dark spots, saturate a cotton ball and hold it on the spot s for a minute for a more targeted treatment.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, sandalwood extract, lemon. Why It's Worth It: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Correcting Serum will give you that glow from within, thanks to a special form of vitamin C called activated C, which breaks up the melanin particles that a dark spot is made up of.

Whether you're dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, age spots, or hormone-induced melasma, finding the best dark spot corrector for you will prove to be a worthwhile feat — especially if you find yourself piling on the makeup to cover them up.

Ahead, we have all of the insight from dermatologists about hyperpigmentation, plus 19 hardworking serums and solutions they recommend to help you fade dark spots — no in-office treatment required.

Why It's Worth It: In addition to kojic acid and niacinamide, the dermatologist-celebrated SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense contains tranexamic acid.

Editor Tip: Shari Marchbein , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City is also a fan of this specific treatment. Editor Tip: A slew of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, including glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acids, exfoliates dead skin and diminishes the look of dark spots.

You can also expect to look more radiant than ever, thanks to potent concentrations of turmeric , niacinamide, and papaya extract. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, turmeric, niacinamide, papaya extract. It won an Allure Best of Beauty award for a reason — it relies heavily on growth factors , which are stellar at building elastin, a protein our skin produces that decreases as we age.

Supplementing your skin-care routine with a growth factor-fortified serum like this one can help firm up the skin.

Editor Tip: This serum is infused with Spanish marine extract and French flaxseed to help your skin heal and repair itself. This combination, in a nutshell, leaves you with a more even tone and firmness to your skin. Key Ingredients: SkinMedica proprietary growth factors, peptides, French flaxseed, Spanish marine extract, green microalgae.

Why It's Worth It: Tackle hyperpigmentation at its root — and sometimes, before it even appears — with Murad's Environmental Shield Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum. Editor Tip: The star of the formula has to be the brand's patented resorcinol technology, which diminishes the look of dark spots and helps prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

These biodegradable, seaweed-lined capsules dissolve easily in water after use. It's also worth noting that this serum is fragrance-free and oil-free, and therefore suitable for sensitive skin.

Why It's Worth It: Breakouts can leave a hefty mark so slap a Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint and let it do its thing. And by its thing, I mean dissolving micropoints diminish the look of dark spots with a potent blend of licorice root, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C.

Editor Tip: Simply press the patch into the targeted area for around 20 seconds for the fullest effect and keep it on for 6 to 8 hours, and voila — the lightening effect you deserve. The star of the formula, azelaic acid "blocks tyrosinase, an essential enzyme for melanin production, and therefore reduces melanin production," he explains, adding that it's one of the few acne-fighting ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Editor Tip: Ava Shamban , MD, a Beverly Hills-based board-certified dermatologist, previously explained to Allure that azelaic acid loosens dead, pore-clogging skin cells and reduces instances of inflammation caused by acne. So, the better question is what can't this ingredient do?

Why It's Worth It: If there's one thing we love, it's preventative skin care. And while sunscreen is the best, pairing it with this Clinique serum will only make your results better. Made with brightening vitamin C and exfoliating salicylic acid , the Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector visibly improves discoloration, while preventing future dark spots from developing.

Editor Tip: Another key ingredient is glucosamine, which weakens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together — essentially making salicylic acid's job even easier. The iridescent rainbow packing is just an aesthetic bonus. Why It's Worth It: True to its name, the star ingredient in Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops is, drumroll, please, niacinamide.

Wave goodbye to stubborn hyperpigmentation and dark spots thanks to this ingredient's powerful, tone-evening properties. To give skin a naturally healthy and dewy finish, there's plumping watermelon and hydration-binding hyaluronic acid present in this Allure Readers' Choice Award winner.

Editor Tip: You can use it during your typical serum step before moisturizer, as a dewy makeup primer, or highlighter as a finishing touch.

Why It's Worth It: The Inkey List is proving that overnight treatments do not have to feel heavy on the skin — especially when it comes to the gel-based Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment. All you need is a small dollop of this lightweight mask as the last step of your skin-care routine e.

swap this with your moisturizer , and you'll watch all of your dark spots disappear in about a month's time. Why It's Worth It: Dr.

Gohara also vouches for First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum. NUMBUZIN No. Add to cart. Sold out. ANUA Nano Retinol 0. NEEDLY Vita C Glow Jelly Pad. NEEDLY Vita C Glow Jelly Pad No reviews. ANUA Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner. ANUA Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner 1 review.

ANUA Peach 77 Niacin Conditioning Milk. ANUA Peach 77 Niacin Conditioning Milk No reviews. ANUA Peach 77 Niacin Enriched Cream. ANUA Peach 77 Niacin Enriched Cream No reviews. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

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On The Show Shop Wellness Parents Food Life TODAY Plaza. By Molly Calhoun. What to look for in products When to use them Products to help How we chose Meet the expert Whether you're prone to post- breakout marks or are dealing with spots left behind after not using enough sunscreen reapply, reapply, reapply!

How to choose a dark spot corrector Carqueville calls out five ingredients that you should be looking for in spot lightening products: Hydroquinone, azelaic acid and kojic acid. Carqueville says these ingredients block the enzyme that makes pigment. Vitamin C. This not only brightens the skin but it's also an antioxidant, "so it's preventative and can be used when you're in the sun.

Where do you put dark spot correctors in your skin care routine?

Apply on cleansed skin directly to dark spots and uneven pigmentation on the face, neck, décolleté or hands before your serum or moisturizer.

For best results, apply daily a sunscreen. This is a great serum. I was sent a sample with a previous purchase and started using it.

I saw immediate results. Will definitely buy again. This product is amazing! I have been using this product along with sunblock at AM and Retinol,Niacinamide serum at PM. I used it every day for about a month and the dark spots are all almost gone.

It is a expensive product but it does really work. I have sensitive skin but I had no issues. I really love it! Already ordered another one! I love this lil magic spot remover! I have one sun spot and it has remarkably gone lighter with using this magic! Skincare Quiz. Search 0 Cart.

Find your next crush. Commonly searched: dare to age! new needles no more! new Dr. B Lab! Rave Review: "Incredible—with patience and following instructions You already know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun, and Dr. Agbai stresses that sun damage can seriously exacerbate existing hyperpigmentation.

She recommends her patients wear a mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30—our editors love this one from LiveTinted, made for and by melanin-rich skin. Rave Review: "My skin is normal-to-dry, but in the winter, it gets really dry to the point where none of my makeup goes on smoothly.

This has a primer, feels so lightweight, and isn't sticky for an SPF cream. It is the best It's perfect for my medium-toned complexion. Read more: Best Moisturizers With SPF. FaceHaus The Luminary Dark Spot Corrector. Britt Craiglow , MD, reiterates the importance of incorporating a vitamin C serum into your routine if you want to fade dark spots.

FaceHaus has a few vitamin C products as well as this dark spot corrector, which helps hyperpigmentation and improves your skin's barrier function. Rave Review: "I bought this three months ago and was skeptical. But after using about four or five other brands and treatments to get rid of spots, this one worked much better than the other ones.

My spots have really faded. Read more: Best Vitamin C Serums. Our team consulted 11 dermatologists and then evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best dark spot correctors for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Engelman is a huge fan of using acids and retinoids to achieve quick results, while Dr. Zeichner highly recommends incorporating vitamin C into your routine whenever possible if you have more sensitive skin. If your skin is ultra-sensitive, stick to ingredients like soy and turmeric while making sure to wear an SPF every day.

If you're wondering what specific ingredients to look for in a dark spot corrector, here are some others Dr. Kapoor recommends: Vitamin A derivatives: These can come in the form of retinol and retinoids and decrease melanin by blocking tyrosinase, an enzyme in the pathway of melanin production and increasing cell turnover.

Tranexamic acid: It's a newer ingredient, which can be found in topical over-the-counter products or prescribed as an oral medication for certain conditions, such as melasma.

Azelaic acid: It's a naturally-occurring acid that inhibits tyrosinase and regulates melanin production. Kojic acid : It's a byproduct of fungi that blocks the UV activation of tyrosinase and acts as an antioxidant.

It works well when combined with prescription hydroquinone and can also be found in combination with other ingredients in OTC products.

Niacinamide: It inhibits the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory, which contributes to skin barrier repair.

There are several different dark spots, according to dermatologist Carl Thornfeldt , MD. Age spots, however, are the most common, as he says that those are caused by over-exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. While Dr. Thornfeldt recommends a barrier-first approach to skincare with serums and lotions, the type of dark spot remover you wish to use depends on your personal preference.

Consider what your skin type is dry, sensitive, oily, etc. and how many steps you may want to add to your routine. For example, you might like to add a mask into your nightly skincare routine as a preventative measure, while others may prefer to use a multi-tasking SPF that also targets dark spots on the daily.

Dark spots can come in the form of acne scars , age spots , or sun spots —truly any dark mark on the skin is considered hyperpigmentation—and it happens when excess melanin, the pigment that makes up your skin's color, forms in the skin.

Agbai says one of the most common types of hyperpigmentation is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The after-effect of inflammatory skin conditions like acne or eczema can include excess melanin in affected areas. The best way to use a corrector is by applying it directly to the dark spot.

However, you should be mindful of how much you use. He adds that it's best practice to use an SPF moisturizer when using a dark spot corrector to protect your skin from the sun and prevent dark spots from reappearing.

While buying topical products from your favorite brands might be more budget-friendly, Dr. Camp notes that you can also try in-office peels and lasers, such as IPL. The strongest treatment, hydroquinone, is found in some prescription-strength correctors.

It works by "inhibiting melanin production by disrupting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis," says Dr. If you'd like to start incorporating hydroquinone into your skin care routine to treat dark spots, be sure to check in with your doctor beforehand.

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What are the different types of dark spots? What type of dark spot remover is best? What causes dark spots? Are there any other ways to remove dark spots? What is the strongest treatment for dark spots? See some of the best dark spot correctors below:. Best Oil Dark Spot Corrector Sunday Riley C.

Best Overall. Pros High-potency vitamin C Available at mass retailers. Cons Contains silicones. Key Ingredients Vitamin C Product Type Serum Skin Type Sensitive Size 1.

Best For Hydrating Skin. Pros Deeply hydrates skin with ceramides Clean formula. Cons Can be too heavy for some. Key Ingredients Honey, propolis, royal jelly, fig fruit extract, and a ceramide blend Product Type Moisturizer Skin Type Dry Size 8.

Best Splurge-Worthy Buy. Pros Formulated with a research-backed combination of ingredients Liquid formula leaves skin dewy. Cons Expensive. Key Ingredients Vitamins C and E Product Type Serum Skin Type Dry, Normal, Combination, Sensitive Size 1 Ounce.

Best Facial Mist. Pros Convenient mist application Very hydrating on dry skin. Cons May not tackle stubborn spots. Key Ingredients Fruit extracts Product Type Face Mist Skin Type Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive Size 3.

Best For Exfoliation. Pros Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate skin Affordable price point. Cons Small tube. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. SKIP TO CONTENT. Today Logo. Share this —. More News Life Books Trending Recipes Read With Jenna Astrology Inspirational Holidays Relationships TODAY Table Help Newsletters Start TODAY Halloween Shop TODAY Awards Citi Music Series Listen All Day.

Follow today. More Brands NBC News Logo MSNBC Logo. Facebook Pinterest Email SMS Print Whatsapp Reddit Pocket Flipboard Twitter Linkedin. On The Show Shop Wellness Parents Food Life TODAY Plaza.

By Molly Calhoun. What to look for in products When to use them Products to help How we chose Meet the expert Whether you're prone to post- breakout marks or are dealing with spots left behind after not using enough sunscreen reapply, reapply, reapply!

How to choose a dark spot corrector Carqueville calls out five ingredients that you should be looking for in spot lightening products: Hydroquinone, azelaic acid and kojic acid. Carqueville says these ingredients block the enzyme that makes pigment.

Vitamin C. This not only brightens the skin but it's also an antioxidant, "so it's preventative and can be used when you're in the sun.