What Is a Good Fade Cream for Dark Spots

When it comes to dark spot treatments, there are so many options out there that it can be hard to know where to start. What ingredients should you look for? And most important, which ones will get rid of dark spots for good?

To answer these questions, SELF talked to several dermatologists to find out how they treat dark spots on the face. Because, as a beauty editor, my ultimate quest is to achieve flawless skin. You know, the I-don't-even-need-any-makeup type of complexion we all desire. But I'm not quite there yet.

The number one thing keeping me from my no-makeup goal? Dark spots. Uneven skin tone keeps me reaching for my makeup bag again and again. With that said, keep reading to learn what causes dark spots in the first place, plus nine dark spot treatments that dermatologists recommend.

What causes dark spots?

"Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes," plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, M.D., tells SELF. This extra melanin can be triggered by a lot of different things, she says: "Hormones—both estrogen and progesterone—can increase the level of melanin—why pregnant women see dark spots that often lighten following birth; the sun can increase the level of melanin—why we have more dark spots after the summer; and age can increase the size of the melanocytes—why we see dark age spots in older patients."

Other factors, like skin irritation as a result of acne, waxing, and harsh scrubs, can also cause dark spots. Now that you know where dark spots come from, keep reading to discover how to get rid of dark spots.

1. Vitamin C

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 and a dull complexion, among other things). "It also inhibits enzymatic processes that produce melanin in the skin, as such it can help to reduce dark coloration of the skin," Sumayah Jamal, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group, tells SELF.

Another added benefit is that vitamin C lightens only targets problem pigmentation areas, not the rest of your skin, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D., dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology, tells SELF.

Isdinceutics Melaclear Dark Spot Correcting Serum

This powerful brightening serum uses ingredients like vitamin C and phytic acid to help improve uneven skin tone and discoloration.

How to use it: Massage a few drops daily onto cleansed skin, preferably before applying sunscreen in the a.m.

2. Hydroquinone

When it comes to dark spot treatments, hydroquinone has been the gold standard for over 50 years. You can find this ingredient over the counter in concentrations of 2% or less, whereas the prescription has 4% or greater. On a biological level, hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which aids in the production of melanin, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Naturally, the less tyrosinase produced, the less melanin produced.

In some cases, the effects of hydroquinone can be seen in as little as two 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 it's been there, etc.).

What Is a Good Fade Cream for Dark Spots

Source: https://www.self.com/story/dark-spot-treatments

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