Dark spot treatments that actually work
Whether you call them dark spots, discoloration, or uneven skin-tone – we share a few ways you can treat pigmentation at home.
With so many products promising results, we chatted to the experts for their recommedations on ingredients and tactics that can help you make dark spots a thing of the past.
It all starts with sunscreen
Let’s not pretend this is news – we all now know that sunscreen is an essential in everyone’s daily routines. Apart from also protecting you from skin cancer and premature ageing, you’ll be happy to know that humble sunscreen is also part of your pigmentation-fighting toolkit – as those pesky dark spots tend to get only darker when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin C
A powerful skincare ingredient in its own right, vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps to block free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin – in short, the bad stuff that cause wrinkles and a dull complexion. But, did you know that vitamin “can help to reduce dark coloration of the skin,” according to Dr Sumayah Jamal?
Kojic acid
Derived from mushrooms or fermented rice, kojic acid is generally made available in the form of a soap or cream and has been a common ingredient in skin lighteners for quite a while. If you’re looking for maximum results, it works best when combined with products containing hydroquinone.
As this can be quite a potent treatment, a word of warning: If you do have sensitive skin, opt for small amounts at night.
Hydroquinone
This treatment is referred to as the gold standard when it comes to the treatment of dark spots. While you should give it 8 to 12 weeks before expecting results, some people have seen a change in their skintone in as little as two weeks.
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