Spot Correctors Can Unlock Even, Super Youthful Skin—13 I’ve Vetted and Recommend

Harper Rose2 weeks agoLast Updated: 6 December 2024

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Spot Correctors Can Unlock Even, Super Youthful Skin—13 I've Vetted and Recommend

As a dark-skinned individual, hyperpigmentation has always been a mystery. While I was told what the uneven areas around my eyes, mouth, and nose were early on; I was never given a solution for it beyond being told to keep using the products that works for me. I went ahead with my skincare routines without reaping the benefits from products specifically designed to address these areas. I think most people of color, sensitive skin, and/or acne prone skin have had a shared experience (especially when it comes to stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and age spots).

Now that I’m a twenty-something year old beauty editor with a strong desire to learn more about what it takes to protect and care for my skin, I’m extremely lucky to have access to thousands of products, industry experts, and fellow beauty lovers to help me come to solutions for my biggest skincare concerns. So, if you have a similar hyperpigmentation tale and have yet to find a solution through using dark spot correctors, you’ve landed in the right place. Below, three dermatologists are giving their advice for finding the right products, how to treat dark spots quickly, and their top picks to get the job done for each skin type. You may even find a few of my personal favorites in the mix!

What Ingredients Should I Look For In a Spot Corrector?

With so much conflicting information and different products available at the touch of a button, it can be challenging to know which dark spot treatment deserves a permanent spot in your skincare routine. Luckily, dermatologists are here to help you make the best possible choice. If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation and other forms of discoloration, there are many high performing ingredients to be on the lookout for. Marisa Garshick, MD, tells us the ones that make the biggest difference in promoting a smooth, even skin tone. “Key ingredients to look for in products for hyperpigmentation include antioxidants like vitamin C, hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinol, or other retinoids,” she shares. “Niacinamide, exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, licorice root extract, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, sunscreen, and more.”

Because there’s so many helpful ingredients to pick and choose from, you’re bound to come across products that can help you with your skincare journey. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, offers additional effective ingredients that can help combat and prevent dark spots from making an appearance. “Look for products formulated with natural skin lighteners such as kojic acid, arbutin, emblica, vitamin C, and niacinamide,” says Shirazi. “Clinical ingredients such as retinols, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid are also very effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and lightening dark spots.” Whether you decide to go with a serum or cream as your treatment, the secret to unlocking the potential of a dark spot corrector is to pay attention to your skin’s needs, and stay consistent with your use of the product.

How Should a Dark Spot Corrector Be Used?

So, you have your dark spot corrector in your hand… Now what? There’s no doubt that with the amount of conflicting information and products, it can be hard to determine if dark spot correctors belong in your skincare routine. Then comes the challenge of deciding where the product belongs in your lineup. Board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD, provides an answer. “I recommend applying the dark spot corrector as the first step after cleansing,” she says. “Apply a thin layer to the dark spot/area. Then you can apply your serums, moisturizer, and SPF (in that order).” At night, Penzi recommends following the same routine—cleansing followed by a dark spot corrector, retinol/retinoid (if you use one), and using a moisturizer as the grand finale.

The formulation of the dark spot corrector you choose and the way in which it’s used should be dependent on skin type. If you have sensitive skin, proceed with caution when using spot correctors. “They are best applied to dry skin to reduce the risk of irritation. Be cautious of the number of products you are using with dark-spot-correcting ingredients in order to avoid irritation, which in turn can lead to worsening hyperpigmentation. It’s best to use one to two products designed to lighten dark spots that are comprehensive, meaning there are multiple ingredients in a single product to maximize benefits and reduce side effects,” Penzi explains. For sensitive skin, she favors azelaic acid since it works well when layer with other ingredients and can help treat breakouts (one of the top reasons why dark spots happen).

Which Products Are Best To Avoid When Using a Dark Spot Corrector?

Garshick also stresses that those with acne-effective sensitive skin should be careful not to overdue the use of too many hyperpigmentation-targeting products since too many can lead to frequent breakouts. “Some ingredients like retinoids and exfoliating acids may be harsh or irritating on the skin, so when treating hyperpigmentation, it is often best to incorporate one new product at a time,” she says. “Importantly, for those who may be susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it is especially important to avoid irritating the skin when treating hyperpigmentation, as this can actually lead to more discoloration.”

With that being said, a safe solution and an easy product to begin using for all skin types is non-comedogenic sunscreen. “Oftentimes, people focus on using products designed to lighten hyperpigmentation without protecting their skin from factors that play a major role in stimulating melanin—UV rays and visible light,” Penzi explains.

Keep scrolling to see the dermatologist and beauty editor-approved dark spot correctors that will make the biggest difference in encouraging an even skin tone.