Depending on the cause, medical and cosmetic treatments may help remove or reduce dark spots on the face. Some people use home remedies to treat dark spots due to hyperpigmentation, though research is limited.
Many dark spots are harmless. However, topical treatments may help a person reduce their appearance.
This article examines dark spots due to hyperpigmentation, including their causes and some treatment options. It will also look at approaches and ingredients people should avoid.
Dark spots on the face can occur if the skin overproduces melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This is known as hyperpigmentation.
Potential causes of hyperpigmentation include:
- aging
- hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause
- sun exposure
Skin damage can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). People may develop PIH due to:
- acne
- bites, cuts, and burns
- excessive or incorrect hair removal techniques
- ingrown hairs
- harsh skin care products
- scarring from psoriasis or other skin conditions
Hyperpigmentation is not the only cause of dark spots on the face. People should speak with a healthcare professional if they notice any changes to existing moles or dark spots — particularly changes in texture, color, and size.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) products can help fade dark spots. They will typically contain active ingredients such as:
- kojic acid
- retinoids
- chemical exfoliants
- vitamin C
- azelaic acid
These products will have instructions on how to use them on the label. However, it is best to speak with a dermatologist before trying them, as some have risks.
The following sections will look at some of the pros and cons of these products in more detail.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a popular ingredient in products for hyperpigmentation. It
Some countries have banned hydroquinone due to safety concerns. For example, a
The researchers suggest that this disruption could expose deeper skin cell layers to UV exposure, which may increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. However, further research, including trials on humans, is necessary.
Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation, especially when people use higher concentrations. It may also lighten the skin surrounding the dark spots if a person does not apply it carefully.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is another popular topical treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Kojic acid inhibits tyrosinase activity, which is an enzyme involved in melanin production. A
However, kojic acid can irritate sensitive skin and
Retinoids
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They increase the turnover of new skin cells, which can fade dark spots over time.
Healthcare professionals may prescribe a professional-strength retinoid, such as tretinoin, for severe hyperpigmentation. These products can take 3–6 months to work. The stronger the retinoid, the more likely it is to cause irritation.
Products containing retinoids are unsuitable during pregnancy, as vitamin A can
Retinoids also increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV light, so it is important to use a safe SPF on the face every day while using retinoids.
Chemical exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants are acids that dissolve the top layer of skin cells. They include alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid.
Chemical exfoliants also work by increasing the turnover of new skin cells. They can also be suitable for dry or sensitive skin. However, as with retinoids, these acids increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
If topical products do not adequately reduce hyperpigmentation, some people may wish to consider cosmetic procedures.
Some potential options include:
- Laser therapy: This involves a dermatologist using a beam of light to target areas of discoloration. There is a risk that laser treatment will make discoloration worse, so patch testing beforehand is essential.
- Chemical peels: Professional chemical peels are stronger versions of OTC acid exfoliants. Stronger peels work on deeper layers of the skin, but they also have longer recovery times.
- Microdermabrasion: This exfoliating treatment uses minuscule particles to remove dead skin cells. There is no recovery period, though it can make the skin temporarily irritated or swollen.
People who are prone to PIH or scarring or who have used isotretinoin in the past 6 months may not be able to undergo microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy.
How a person uses products for hyperpigmentation will depend on several factors.
Skin tone
People with dark skin tones may need to exercise caution when using treatments for hyperpigmentation. This is because using the wrong product or a highly concentrated product can lighten other areas of the skin.
There is also a risk that products will cause more hyperpigmentation.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following treatments for dark spots in skin of color:
- azelaic acid
- glycolic acid
- kojic acid
- retinoids, such as retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene
- vitamin C
A dermatologist with experience treating hyperpigmentation in dark skin can advise on the best approach.
Learn more about getting rid of dark spots on black skin.
Underlying conditions
People may need to address skin conditions causing hyperpigmentation to prevent dark spots from appearing.
For example, if a person has PIH as a result of acne, treatment can focus on fading discoloration as well as preventing acne and acne scarring.
Treatment may involve:
- BHAs, which can both fade discoloration over time and help treat acne
- retinoids, which people can use topically or orally
- diet or lifestyle changes
Learn more about preventing pimples here.
Sun damage
If a person has dark spots due to sun damage, they should add an effective sunscreen to their skin care routine. Sunscreen stops the darkening of existing hyperpigmentation and prevents more UV damage from occurring.
Everyone should wear sunscreen every day, regardless of their skin tone. The AAD recommends choosing one that:
- has an SPF of at least 30
- protects against UVA and UVB rays
- is water resistant
Vitamin C may be a beneficial treatment for sun damage. A
Medications
Some topical and oral medications may cause or worsen hyperpigmentation. People can check the label on any medication to see if this side effect is a possibility. If it is, a healthcare professional can advise on the best course of action.
The AAD states that once a person removes the cause of their hyperpigmentation, existing spots should fade in 6–12 months. However, very dark spots may take longer than this to fade.
Hormonal changes
Dark spots that arise due to hormonal changes are not always avoidable. However, some mild discoloration may fade over time once a person removes the cause.
For example, if a person is pregnant, the marks may start to fade when the pregnancy is over.
Melasma can be more stubborn to treat. Melasma is a deeper form of hyperpigmentation that can occur due to hormonal changes. Even when melasma fades, it can come back if a person has exposure to the sun.
If a person is pregnant or nursing, they should check with a healthcare professional that any hyperpigmentation treatments or procedures are safe to use.
Many products and online sources claim that various home remedies can fade hyperpigmentation. Some examples of these include:
- aloe vera gel
- beta carotene
- green tea
- licorice root
- pomegranate extract
- soy milk
- tea tree oil
- turmeric
- lemon juice
However, there is limited or no evidence to back up most of these claims.
Some home remedies for dark spots can be harmless, but others may cause damage to the skin.
For example, lemon juice is very acidic and too harsh to use undiluted. Similarly, people should not use undiluted essential oils on the skin.
Some skin-lightening practices can be dangerous. For example, the AAD warns against using liquid bleach on the skin. This can cause serious burns.
Some skin-lightening products can also contain unlisted ingredients, such as steroids, which people should not use without medical supervision. Others can even contain mercury, which is highly toxic.
Mercury may appear on ingredient lists as:
- mercuric
- calomel
- cinnabaris
- hydrargyri oxydum rubrum
- quicksilver
People should always purchase products for hyperpigmentation from reputable companies and online stores. Alternatively, they can obtain safe products from a dermatologist.
Even with safe products, it is important to follow the instructions on the label unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare professional. People should not use the product more often than the instructions state.
If side effects occur, people should stop using the product immediately and speak with a dermatologist.
In many cases, hyperpigmentation on the face will fade on its own with time. OTC and prescription treatments can safely fade areas of discoloration.
A dermatologist can advise a person on the best approaches depending on their skin type and tone and the underlying cause of their hyperpigmentation.
It is important that people contact a healthcare professional straight away if existing dark spots grow, change, or multiply.