Fade Dark Spots With These Dermatologist-Recommended Products

They seemed to have popped out of nowhere. What was once a face dotted with cute post-summer freckles that I had acquired in my teens, was now a more seasoned, creased facade accompanied by larger, splotchier-looking dark spots — like the ones my grandmother had on her face, neck, and hands. “Dark spots can be caused by a variety of factors,” explains Dr. Alexis Stephens, board-certified dermatologist. “But two of the most common are spots resulting from sun exposure and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs after a breakout.” If you’re over 40 like me, you’re probably on the hunt for a way to fade them fast, and according to Dr. Stephens, several ingredients and products can be incorporated into our skincare routine to help. Here are the best ones, as recommended by Dr. Stephens and other top dermatologists.

_{Prices are accurate as of December 8, 2024. Subject to change.}

OLAY Super Serum Night Repair 

There are two reasons why Dr. Stephens regularly recommends OLAY’s Super Serum Night Repair to her patients as an effective dark spot reducer. The silky serum contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that studies have shown significantly decreases hyperpigmentation (AKA dark spots) and increases skin lightness after four weeks of use. This serum also contains lactic acid, which helps to break down skin cells faster for brighter, more even-looking skin. “I also love to pair this with OLAY’s Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer to maximize skin turnover and provide skin with long-lasting hydration,” says Dr. Stephens. 

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel 

This peel from L’Oreal is made with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and polyhydroxy acids — chemical exfoliants that aid in the removal of dead skin cells and promote cellular turnover. “Its exfoliating strength is equivalent to a mild professional peel that is suitable for all skin tones and types,” says Dr. Chris Tomassian, Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist. You should see a brighter skin tone, improved skin texture, and visible fading of post-acne dark spots within two weeks of use, but I tried it and was amazed to see that after just one use, my sensitive skin appeared brighter and softer without irritation. Dr. Tomassian’s tip: Use it every other day after your basic cleanser and before your moisturizer for best results. 

Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is one of the more potent ingredients that dermatologists suggest looking for in a dark spot reducer. It inhibits melanin (skin’s pigment) production, which helps to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Plus, thanks to its antioxidant properties that protect skin from damaging UV rays, it can also help prevent new spots from forming. This serum is not only packed with fresh green tangerine extract which is said to have 10 times more vitamin C than lemons, but it also has niacinamide, adding to its spot-fading power. One pump twice a day is enough to slather on your face, hands, or neck.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots

You’ve likely seen the little patches made for pimples, and if you’re like me, your hormonal perimenopause acne has you trying each and every brand’s options. But as a Hero Cosmetics stan, I was so excited to see that they offer a patch to combat dark spots as well. While they’re made for reducing the dark spots left from acne, the ingredients are just as great for hyperpigmentation of any kind. On top of the lightening and brightening heroes included — niacinamide, vitamin C, and licorice root to name a few — these tiny patches have even tinier, dissolvable micropoints with ultra-fine tips that allow for deep ingredient penetration. I popped one on a newer post-acne scar before bed, and after three days of use, the scar had visibly faded.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum

As a long-time beauty writer and editor, I can honestly say that there isn’t a La Roche-Posay product I don’t love. The formulas are gentle on sensitive skin and backed by years of research and testing. The prices are usually reasonable too for the quality. The Mela B3 Serum is no exception. The formula contains dark-spot-fading gold-standard niacinamide which works in tandem with La Roche Posay’s patented Melasyl, a pigment inhibitor/blocker, to reduce a range of skin discoloration, including sunspots, age spots, and post-acne marks. All you need to do is rub in a few drops twice a day for visible results in about eight weeks.

Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

This one’s a splurge, but well worth it, especially if you have darker skin. Its key ingredient, mandelic acid, works twofold. It inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that controls the production of melanin, and provides gentle chemical exfoliation to remove dead, discolored skin. It’s also known to be more suitable for dark skin tones than other acids, and is a favorite of Dr. Trisha Khanna, board-certified dermatologist. “As a BIPOC woman myself, I take tremendous pride in treating patients of color and those who struggle with pigmentary disorders,” she says. “The Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum effectively addresses hyperpigmentation and improves skin texture.” Win-win!

Featured image credit: Youngoldman/ iStock