Cream for dark spots on your face

Whether you're dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, or hormone-induced melasma, these typically unwanted changes in the skin all fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. Caused by the cells responsible for your skin's color, melanocytes, depositing excess pigment into deeper levels of the skin, these forms of discoloration can be incredibly frustrating for those who strive for an even-toned complexion — especially since it can be tough to reverse.

"In general, hyperpigmentation is tough to treat and a chronic condition," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, tells Allure, noting that he explains to his patients that it must be taken seriously because it's so easy for it to recur. Although some patients choose to undergo laser treatments for their dark spots to address their hyperpigmentation with customized prescription compounds — Dr. Bhanusali often blends a high dose of hydroquinone with kojic acid and vitamin C for his patients — there are ways to combat discoloration without often-expensive in-office procedures and medications.

That's where these over-the-counter options come in. Often made with the same active ingredients that dermatologists use in prescription compounds, these serums and creams contribute to more even-toned skin and reduced hyperpigmentation with consistent use. "When targeting hyperpigmentation, you want to use multiple ingredients that have different functions," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, tells us. "For example, you want to use a vitamin A derivative to increase cell turnover, alpha hydroxy acids to enzymatically exfoliate, and incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, or arbutin to reduce melanin production," Dr. Kim explains, adding that tranexamic acid is particularly beneficial for melasma.

But there is something else dermatologists recommend across the board to get dark spots under control: sunscreen. "Before you spend your money on antioxidant serums and retinoids to improve the tone and texture of your skin, the most important first step is diligent daily sun protection, which is key to reducing the appearance of brown spots," says board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, also based in New York City. "Otherwise you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products," she adds. Dr. Kim backs this up, adding that SPF combined with vitamin C in the morning minimizes UV damage, prevents excessive melanin production, and contributes to a brighter complexion overall.

Got your sunscreen checked off? Good. Here are some of the best dark spot correctors and hyperpigmentation-fading products to pair with it. Just ensure that you're consistent with using these products — every day, folks — and you'll see amazing (but gradual) results in as little as a month.

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Dark spots on the skin, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation, can happen due to several reasons. Sun damage, hormonal changes, inflammation, medications, old wounds or even irritation from cosmetic products can cause dark spots. These dark spots usually appear as brown spots on skin and vary in size and colour, ranging from light brown to dark brown depending on the individual’s skin tone. They are usually the same texture as the skin they are on and tend to appear on the back of the hands, back, shoulders and face. Although it poses no health concern, it can blemish an otherwise flawless complexion. So, how do you remove dark spots on your face? Read on below for methods on how to prevent and get rid of dark spots on your face.

Sun Protection

One of the most common causes of dark spot production happens to be sun exposure. Dark spots are our skin’s way of protecting itself from harmful UV rays. Our cells send out additional protective pigments otherwise known as melanin to naturally prevent skin from getting burned.

While getting your daily dose of vitamin D is important, one shouldn’t stay out in the sun for an extended period of time without at least some form of sun protection. Always remember to wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect the rest of your skin as much as possible even if the sun doesn’t seem to be too bright. Don’t forget to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes with a pair of sunglasses as well. For extra protection, slather on a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or take your pick from Clarins’ range of UV Protection products.

• 1. UV Protection for Daily Use

Clarins’ UV Plus SPF50/PA++++ Neutral is great for daily use to protect your skin from harsh UV rays and environmental pollution. This ultra-light cream is enriched with plant extracts to help keep skin healthy and promises to deliver a transparent finish without leaving a white cast or oily feel.

• 2. Sun Care Product for Outdoor Activities

However, if an intense sun care solution is what you need for a day outdoors, the Sun Care Face Cream SPF50+ would be the better option. This hydrating sunscreen works better for outdoor activities such as a day at the beach, swimming or other sporting events as it is water and sweat resistant. Infused with Senna, Plane Tree, Baobab and Pea extracts which are all part of the Clarins [SunPlantComplex], the Sun Care Face Cream hydrates and protects your skin while keeping your skin matte-looking no matter what outdoor adventure you embark on.

Medical Treatments

With guaranteed results, medical treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy and laser resurfacing all seem like a good idea. However, the downside of it is just as costly to your skin as it is to your wallet. Despite being effective, these treatments tend to leave skin severely dehydrated, bruised, inflamed, reddened and even painful to touch from several hours to days afterwards. Nonetheless, if you do decide on medical treatments, it is best to consult a dermatologist on what kind would best suit your skin type and condition.

Cosmetic Creams

Milder and gentler on skin, the usage of dark spot treatment creams is a non-invasive method with a similar effect as medical treatments. The benefit of it is that these treatments are often better for your skin as they do double duty of brightening and nourishing skin.

Cleansing & Clarifying Routine

Cleansing is a crucial step for dark spot reduction. Exfoliating, which is a form of cleansing, can help speed up the shedding of dead skin cells, thus helping to remove the overly pigmented layers gradually and safely without resorting to more abrasive methods such as chemical peels. Use a scrub that’s gentle on skin to prevent further microtears in your skin and try incorporating a cream or gel that targets dark spot reduction for quicker and more visible results. However, do note that if you are using an exfoliating cleanser, it is best to limit usage to twice a week, at most.

Clarins Tip: Use the Clarins Brightening Mousse Cleanser to achieve a more luminous and radiant skin tone.

Targeted Dark Spot Treatment to Brighten Skin

Dark spot treatments such as the Clarins White Plus Targeted Spot Brightener will help to soothe, brighten and even out skin tone, particularly targeting dark spots to reveal a more translucent, flawless complexion.

Amp up the effects of your dark spot treatment by including a skin-brightening serum. The Clarins Bright Plus Advanced Brightening Dark Spot-Targeting Serum delivers a shot of Vitamin C and Acerola extract goodness directly to your skin. Its super-whitening formula is renowned for its unprecedented anti-dark spot fighting prowess. In fact, it halts dark spot formation in its tracks within just 4 weeks of application!

For a radiance-boosting formula that’s suitable for daily use, try a daytime skincare cream such as the White Plus Pure Translucency Brightening Emulsion SPF20 PA+++. It contains Acerola Fruit, White Tea and Meadowsweet extract which help to brighten and mattify skin while simultaneously protecting skin from free radical damage.

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