If You Have Dark Spots Or Melasma, These 10 Remedies Can Help

Just like acne, dark spots have a long and varying list of causes and, again, different treatments. To be clear, "dark spot" is an umbrella term, used in skin care to describe discolored marks on the skin. Here, a breakdown of what dark spots are in the first place, along with causes and best treatments from dermatologists. Let's dive in.

Others are caused by hormonal factors—we'll dive into the details in a bit. All in all, not every dark spot is the same, even if it's referred to as such. It's important to know what's causing them in order to pin down the best treatment.

There are several reasons that darks spots show up on the skin—some more avoidable than others.

Sun-induced dark spots are often referred to by a few different names in passing: "Sun spots, liver spots, and age spots are common names for dark spots that develop from sun exposure or tanning beds," Suarez says. These generally show up in areas that receive the most sun, like the back of the hands, face, and arms.

As we mentioned earlier, hormonal changes can cause dark spots2 as well. One common form is melasma: "Melasma is a skin condition that leads to larger patches of skin discoloration, as opposed to small spots," Suarez explains. Sun can certainly trigger melasma, Suarez says, but hormones (especially around pregnancy), heat, and irritating skin care products can make it worse, she says.

Acne, bug bites, and ingrown hairs can all lead to what dermatologists call post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation3. These spots are a result of the inflammation that occurs "secondary to another skin problem," Suarez says.

In addition to targeted inflammation like those mentioned above, rashes can also trigger dark spots. Rashes can be caused by a plethora of factors, but most commonly, hyperpigmentation comes from "atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, drug eruptions, and cosmetic procedures," board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye, M.D., MPH, and founder of Bergen Dermatology tells mbg.

Now, let's talk treatments. Yes, you can help fade dark spots. Just be mindful not to be too aggressive, or else you may further inflame the skin.

For those with acne-prone skin, retinoids can also be helpful in managing breakouts as well. So if your dark spots are from previous breakouts (especially if those breakouts are still frequent), you may want to consider retinol as your go-to dark spot treatment. Here, the very best clean retinol serums to shop—and how exactly you should use retinols in your routine.

There are plenty of antioxidant serums out there apart from just vitamin C—however, this buzzy topical has been studied extensively in dermatological research for stability and effectiveness, hence why it's one of the more popular antioxidants on the market. Check out our full guide to learn more about the ins and outs of vitamin C serums.

BHAs, like salicylic acid, are traditionally used to treat acne but can be used to lighten dark spots, especially those from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "It does so by exfoliating the skin, but it also is anti-inflammatory7," Suarez says. "Because of its structure, it favors oily areas, like the T-zone."

Physical exfoliation will not help lighten dark spots quite as well as the options mentioned above, but should you decide to use a physical product, be sure not to overdo it. If your skin is red and tender afterward, that's a surefire sign you should ease up on the pressure. Here, a guide to exfoliants 101 if you're not sure which mode to pick.

Enter, kojic acid. The gentle yet effective ingredient comes from fermented fungi and has been put to the test with promising results. This study8 demonstrates kojic acid's ability to brighten the skin and fade dark spots—both results ideal for melasma patches in particular. Plus, it doubles as an antioxidant.

Arbutin has been shown to lighten hyperpigmentation9 as well (it's essentially a natural variant of the controversial hydroquinone). "Arbutin is an ingredient that reduces tyrosinase activity," Boakye explains. Tyrosinase is a group of enzymes in the skin that contribute to the skin's pigmentation process. But this lightening agent is a bit more gentle than its common predecessors thanks to the slow release process.

There's a long list of benefits when it comes to aloe vera's acne-fighting power—check out this story to learn more.

Facials can be helpful when it comes to dark spot treatment as well. "Generally speaking, the best kind of facials to treat dark spots are usually classified as brightening facials, as these will help to exfoliate the skin, inhibit the production of melanin, and increase cell turnover to help eliminate those unwanted blemishes," celebrity aesthetician and owner of Skinlab Joshua Ross tells mbg. 

There are plenty of options out there for treating dark spots via laser therapy, but not every laser is a perfect match for every person. It's essential to consult a professional when deciding which treatment option will work for you with the fewest side effects.

Generally speaking, LED lights will not directly help lighten dark spots. However, they are key when it comes to preventing future spots, especially those caused by breakouts. "They do help aid in the healing process of a breakout and in helping to prevent the breakout in the first place," Ross explains. So if you're tired of those pesky post-acne spots, LED light tools may be of assistance. You can either visit a professional for an LED light therapy facial or opt for an at-home LED light tool instead.

We recommend finding a mineral formula, as they are calming on the skin and tend to be better for the environment. However, not everyone likes mineral formulas. Ultimately the best sunscreens are the ones that you'll actually wear—so if that involves clean chemical SPFs, then we support it. Here, our favorite sunscreens.

While the term "dark spots" is thrown around left and right, they are a bit more nuanced than you may think. Dark spots can be caused by acne, sun exposure, rashes, hormones, and general skin inflammation. Luckily, there are plenty of methods for fading these spots, a few of which you're familiar with now. If you're ready to add to cart, check out our top dark-spot-correcting products for bright, glowing skin.