Dark spots and melasma are pigmentation abnormalities that are benign but can often cause a lot of distress on the bearer. Even though it’s complicated to manage pigmentation, there are a few ingredients that can help you to control the chronic tendency to develop dark spots. Please keep in mind that no cosmetic product will permanently get rid of dark spots–that is just not how it works.
The first thing to keep in mind is to always wear a suitable sunscreen for dark spots, and then use some depigmenting actives in your routine also. To that end, we’ve selected a few ingredients for dark spots that have been proven to work on pigmentation and one iconic product for each of them.
Azelaic Acid
Sesderma Azelac RU Liposomal Depigmenting Serum
Azelaic acid is a competitive inhibitor for tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for converting tyrosine into melanin. This is important because melanin is the pigment that accumulates and forms the dark spots. So, basically, azelaic is able to bind to places where otherwise there would be the tyrosinase enzyme causing more pigmentation. Azelaic acid is perfect for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation such as post-acne dark spots, post-rashes, or anything related to a previous inflammation.
Thiamidol™
Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
Thiamidol™ is a newly discovered resorcinol that is currently patented by Beiersdorf. Scientists have discovered that if used four times a day on a routine (from different products on the range), it improves the intensity of dark spots comparable to the golden standard of pigmentation treatment, hydroquinone. Additionally, it has almost no side effects, which makes it perfect for those who have sensitive skin.
Vitamin C
Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate
Vitamin C shouldn’t be used by itself when addressing dark spots, but it’s an amazing addition to an already existing treatment. Given that sunscreens can’t fight free radicals, this is the perfect serum to be used while treating dark spots or as prevention of relapses.
Kojic Acid
Bella Aurora Bio10 Forte M-lasma Depigmenting Treatment
Kojic acid has been going around for a few years and its efficacy grants that it continues to be available in formulas. If you’re in the market for a strong depigmenting gel to help reduce dark spots of hormonal origin, such as melasma, this is a perfect solution.
Tranexamic Acid
Neoretin Discrom Control Ultra Emulsion Pigment Lightener
Tranexamic acid has been recently discovered as being active on dark spots. What’s more, it even is suitable for those suffering from rosacea, as it helps to reduce the redness from vascularization. Therefore, if you’re long suffered from rosacea and cannot tolerate other pigmentation treatments, this is one to consider.
Retinol
Esthederm Intensive Retinol Oil Serum
We all love our retinol, don’t we? It’s just the perfect ingredient, with anti-aging action and action on so many different things. Retinol works on dark spots by both boosting cellular turnover and decreasing the melanin transfer. Additionally, it helps to enhance the penetration of other actives.
Niacinamide
SVR Clairial Night Peel
Niacinamide is one of those wonder ingredients. It not only helps to fight acne, but also has anti-aging action and combats dark spots. It has recently been under a spotlight for its efficacy on inhibiting UV photocarcinogenesis. So, if you’re looking for a solution for dark spots induced by sun exposure, this is definitely one to check out.
We hope you are able to find the perfect fit for you among our selection. However, if you want to dive deeper into the available products for hyperpigmentation, we suggest you take a look at our selection of products for dark spots.
