Pros Helps fade dark spots Boosts skin radiance Testers note that it firms and hydrates skin. Cons Some testers dislike the scent. Size 1. Key ingredients Glycolic acid, peptides. Pros Addresses multiple concerns at once Brightens skin tone Reviewers say it reduces the appearance of dark spots.

Cons May not be suitable for sensitive skin. Key ingredients Vitamin C, retinol, glycerin. Pros Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin Packaged in an airless pump to preserve formula Dermatologist recommended. Cons Some reviewers report difficulty with the pump. Key ingredients Ceramides, vitamin C, glycerin.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Pros Targets hyperpigmentation with a variety of ingredients Good value Targeted applicator. Cons May feel sticky when applied to skin. Size 0. Key ingredients Kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice extract, tranexamic acid.

Pros Brightens and evens skin tone Provides advanced environmental protection from skin-damaging free radicals Moisturizes with vitamin E. Cons Pricey. Key ingredients Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid. Pros Targets dark spots with glycolic and tranexamic acid Suitable for acne-prone skin Provides lightweight hydration with panthenol vitamin B5.

Key ingredients Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, panthenol. Pros Evens and brightens skin Fragrance-free Protects skin barrier with niacinamide.

Cons Some reviewers dislike the thin consistency. Key ingredients Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide. Pros Gentle yet effective formula Evens and brightens skin tone Effectively treats melasma.

Size 2. Key ingredients Tranexamic acid, kogic acid, niacminade, phytic acid, marine extract blend. Pros Measurably reduces dark spots Moisturizes skin Formulated with peptides and vitamin C.

Key ingredients Vitamin C, peptides. Pros Addresses visible signs of aging Evens and brightens skin Designed for sensitive skin. Cons Not suitable for daytime use.

Key ingredients Bakuchiol, retinol, sea buckthorn berry extract, arnica. Pros Evens and brightens skin Brand promises results after using one bottle Suitable for sensitive skin. Cons May need to be used with another moisturizer. Key ingredients Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, licorice root extract, PHA.

Pros Promotes smooth skin Evens and brightens skin Affordable. Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots.

Melasma is a skin condition that leads to small patches of skin discoloration. The condition is more common in females and pregnant people, and typically occurs during the reproductive years.

Certain medications can increase skin pigmentation and lead to dark spots. Common culprits are:. Dark spots can develop after a bout of inflammation on the skin. Inflammation may occur for various reasons, including:.

Dark spots may remain after an insect bite, burn, or cut heals. These may fade with time. Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker. Skin conditions that may occur alongside diabetes include:. In some cases, a new dark spot could indicate cancer.

Features of a dark spot that could indicate melanoma include:. Dark spots on the skin do not usually require treatment, but some people may want to remove the spots for cosmetic reasons.

A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots or, in some cases, remove them. Procedures are more expensive than creams and are more likely to cause side effects, though they tend to work faster.

The best treatment option may depend on the cause, the size of the dark spot, and the area of the body it affects. A dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments for dark spots on the skin.

However, not all of these will be applicable for all types of dark spots. During microdermabrasion , a dermatologist uses a special device with an abrasive surface to remove the top layer of the skin. This treatment promotes new collagen growth and may help reduce spots. A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin, which exfoliates the surface, leading to new skin growth.

It may gradually fade dark spots on the skin. Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves applying liquid nitrogen to the dark patches to freeze them, which injures the skin cells. The skin often heals with a more even tone afterward.

Prescription-lightening cream works by bleaching the skin. These involve a topical lightening agent, such as hydroquinone. Prescription lightening creams may also contain topical steroids or topical retinoids. It typically takes several months to decrease the appearance of dark spots.

Hydroquinone prevents the skin from producing melanin. In addition to dermatological procedures and prescription medications, people may find that the following home remedies might fade dark spots on the skin.

Over-the-counter OTC creams to lighten skin are not as strong as prescription medications, but may also work. Creams and serums contain various ingredients, including azelaic acid, retinol or alpha hydroxy acid , which may speed up the exfoliation of the skin and promote new skin growth. People should speak with a healthcare professional when looking for a skin-lightening cream, as some products can be harmful.

A systematic review highlighted clinical studies that used natural products to treat dark spots on the skin. They looked at several ingredients, including niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, soy, licorice extracts, and mulberry. Although studies were limited, the researchers suggested that these natural treatments showed promise in lightening hyperpigmentation.

Although cosmetics do not lighten dark spots, they might cover them up. People can consider using a cream-based concealer to decrease the appearance of spots. Derm tip: Expect to do three treatments possibly more every six weeks with a dermatologist. At the end of the day, prevention—with sunscreen—is key.

Zeichner says. Alan J. For true protection, you need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least SPF 30 to guard against sun damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. She also advises sun avoidance in general—especially for sensitive areas—between 10 a. and 4 p. Even visible light can increase skin pigmentation.

When it comes to high-quality sun protection , your options range from drugstore products from derm-approved brands like CeraVe to Supergoop! In other words, the choice is yours. Unseen Sunscreen.

Cerave Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion With Zinc Oxide. Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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.

Fitness Food Health Love Beauty Life Conditionally Shopping. Video Challenges Workouts Newsletter Signup. Save this story Save this story. What causes dark spots? Kojic acid 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.

How to use it: At nighttime, only on dark spots or areas of concern. Most Popular. Not only does this product work, but it comes at a fraction of the cost of most skin-care products, let alone most peels. It contains a trifecta of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, which work synergistically to provide antiaging benefits, unclog pores, and even out complexion, according to Rina Allawh, M.

She recommends leaving it on for 5—10 minutes before gently rinsing it off with a gentle cleanser and following up with a moisturizer.

It contains a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy glycolic acid, tartaric acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid , along with raspberry extract, which contains antioxidants that may help protect against signs of premature aging. Murphy-Blair says.

With these easy-to-apply peel pads, your skin scores the benefit of three acids: glycolic, lactic, and salicylic. These peel pads will benefit most skin types, Deanne Mraz Robinson , M.

Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends. As SELF's senior commerce writer, she's taken a special interest in skin care, outdoor recreation, sleep, fitness gear and apparel, and more.

Topics dark spots dermatologists Skin Care melasma Shopping skin sunscreen hyperpigmentation. How to Use Retinol Without Turning Into a Dry, Flaky Mess.

Try the rule to save yourself from the hell that is flaking and peeling. What Exactly Is Squalane, and Should You Be Using It? If you hate greasy oils, you might love this lightweight moisturizer. We asked dermatologists to break down this old-school beauty treatment.

Is it stress? Something else entirely?

Sun damage is the number one cause of patches of hyperpigmentation, and you can do a lot to prevent sun damage by applying SPF and staying out of direct sunlight. To treat darker skin pigmentation, using products that contain ingredients such as retinol or Niacinamide can help.

Loving the sun is so easy. Sunday brunch sitting on a lovely café terrace, sunbathing while on holidays, sitting poolside with a cocktail — who could say no to these?

A little time in the sun is fun, but your skin needs sun protection no matter how long or what time of day you are out and about. And how can your skin benefit from an SPF moisturiser? Read on to find out! Sun spots are fairly common and can appear on anyone, but they are more likely to appear on fair skin or on people aged over Although completely removing them is very difficult, there are things you can do to reduce their appearance or prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Discover what sun spots are exactly, how to prevent them and how to reduce their appearance for more even, younger-looking skin. With age comes wisdom — and an acceptance of what you can and cannot change. Skip to content Skip to search.

What is hyperpigmentation? What can cause hyperpigmentation? These are some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation: Sun damage. How to prevent hyperpigmentation Although not all causes of hyperpigmentation can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to prevent certain instances of hyperpigmentation: Avoid direct sunlight.

Use a hat. Shade your face and scalp with a wide-brimmed hat. Here are some of the things you could try: Niacinamide. The key takeaway on hyperpigmentation Sun damage is the number one cause of patches of hyperpigmentation, and you can do a lot to prevent sun damage by applying SPF and staying out of direct sunlight.

What is SPF and what does it mean? Read More. How to remove and get rid of sun spots from my face? How does Luminous help dark spots?

The Luminous range is enriched with effective ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid which can be found in the advanced treatment serum to brighten the skin.

NIVEA Luminous products are developed to safely fade dark spots and help prevent future pigmentation by working at cellular level to rebalance melanin production and treat dark spots at the root cause.

NIVEA Luminous Range. How to prevent dark spots on skin? Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented - some occur naturally due to age and other factors. That being said, black and brown spots on skin caused by sun damage can be prevented. Use Sunscreen Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots.

By using a high SPF sunscreen - you can prevent your skin from becoming damaged and ensure that it's as healthy as possible to combat dark spots on the skin. Cover Up Black or brown spots on the face, neck and other overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun.

Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to offer your face and neck protection from the sun. Avoid The Midday Sun The sun reaches its highest temperature and most intense points during midday and early evenings, increasing the risk of sun damage and the potential development of black and brown spots on the skin.

By adopting these preventive measures and making sun protection a priority, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dark spots and maintain healthier, youthful-looking skin over time.

Discover NIVEA Sun Products. Dark spots - Takeaway Dark spots are a common skin concern, often occurring on sun-exposed regions such as the face, hands, back and chest. However, they can be effectively managed through a dedicated skincare routine, allowing for their reduction and prevention.

Consistency is key, as is the regular application of sunscreen to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing the dark spots from intensifying. While dark spots are generally not dangerous, it's strongly advised to have any skin discoloration examined by a dermatologist to rule out serious skin conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions Q1:What causes dark spots? Dark spots can be caused by factors like UV exposure, hormonal changes, ageing, genetics, skin injuries, and inflammation. Q2: Can dark spots be prevented? Yes, preventing dark spots involves consistent sun protection.

Regularly applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours can help prevent new dark spots from forming or existing ones from worsening. Q3: Are there natural remedies for dark spots? Some natural remedies include Lemon juice, Aloe Vera, Honey, and Turmeric.

However, their effectiveness varies, and it's recommended to consult a dermatologist before trying these remedies, as they might not be as potent as medical interventions.

Q4: How long does it take to see results from dark spot treatments? Results vary depending on the treatment used and the severity of the dark spots. Generally, it can take several weeks to months to notice visible improvements.

Q5: Are dark spots dangerous? In most cases, dark spots are harmless and purely a cosmetic concern. However, it's important to consult a dermatologist to rule out any serious underlying skin conditions, especially if a spot is irregular in shape, changing, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Q6: Can I cover up dark spots with makeup? Yes, makeup can help conceal dark spots temporarily. However, using skincare products to effectively treat the dark spots will provide longer-lasting results.

Q7: Can people with darker skin tones develop dark spots? Yes, individuals with all skin tones can develop dark spots. In fact, those with darker skin tones are often more susceptible to certain types of dark spots, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH.

Products for dark spots. Biodegradable formula. Related advice article. Collagen for Skin: Boost Your Glow. Discover the Power of Collagen for Skin with NIVEA.

Options include:. As you age, dark spots may be inevitable. However, there are some ways to help avoid getting dark spots or prevent faded ones from returning:. Dark spots commonly occur as people age. They are often the result of past sun exposure. But they can also be due to some skin conditions, medications, and certain medical conditions.

Often your healthcare provider or dermatologist can diagnose dark spots by looking at them. But in some cases, they may do a skin biopsy to be sure.

Dark spots are usually harmless. Even so, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include skin-lightening creams and cosmetic procedures. You may not be able to prevent dark spots entirely.

But, you can reduce your risk by using sunscreen, covering up when you are in the sun, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. Visit your dermatologist annually for a skin checkup, even if you think any oddities on your skin are harmless.

Though a dark spot is likely nothing to worry about, remember that skin color changes can sometimes be a sign of cancer. That's particularly true when paired with other changes such as bleeding, itching, and redness. In rare cases, what can appear as a sunspot such as a solar lentigo may, in fact, represent a type of melanoma called lentigo maligna.

If your healthcare provider sees a potentially harmful dark spot, they can perform a biopsy to check for something more serious, like skin cancer. Scarcella G, Dethlefsen MW, Nielsen MCE.

Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment. Clin Case Rep. Kaiser Permanente. Sun spot or cancer? Know the difference. Bastiaens M, Hoefnagel J, Westendorp R, Vermeer BJ, Bouwes Bavinck JN. Solar lentigines are strongly related to sun exposure in contrast to ephelides.

Pigment Cell Res. Skin of Color Society. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH. George AO, Shittu OB, Enwerem E, Wachtel M, Kuti O. The incidence of lower mid-trunk hyperpigmentation linea nigra is affected by sex hormone levels.

J Natl Med Assoc. Al-Saif FM, Baqays AA, Alsaif HF, Alhumidi AA. Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli with reticulated hyperpigmentation of the extremities. Food and Drug Administration.

The sun and your medicine. Ammoury A, Michaud S, Paul C, et al. Photodistribution of blue-gray hyperpigmentation after amiodarone treatment: molecular characterization of amiodarone in the skin.

Arch Dermatol. Jain A, Gupta N. Multifocal bullous fixed drug erruption due To phenytoin: A lesson learned! J Clin Diagn Res. Massinde A, Ntubika S, Magoma M.

Extensive hyperpigmentation during pregnancy: a case report. J Med Case Rep. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Addison's disease. Lause M, Kamboj A, Fernandez Faith E. Dermatologic manifestations of endocrine disorders. Transl Pediatr. American Academy of Dermatology.

How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones. Enguita FJ, Leitão AL. Hydroquinone: environmental pollution, toxicity, and microbial answers. Biomed Res Int.