Dark spots are one of the many mysteries of the skin. It feels like they come out of nowhere and are nearly impossible to get rid of. A dark spot correcting serum can help even out your skin complexion once and for all.

“An ideal dark spot-correcting serum targets hyperpigmentation by regulating melanocyte activity, which, in turn, controls melanin production responsible for skin color,” medical director of RenewMD, Simran Sethi, MD, MBA, told 21Ninety.

However, the results won’t be overnight. As with most good things in life, evening out your skin complexion takes time.

“Consistent application, as directed, is key to achieving and maintaining results,” the doctor emphasized.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Overactive melanocytes cause dark spots.

“Melanocytes can overreact to stimuli like UV exposure, HEV light, heat, hormonal changes, or skin barrier damage, leading to dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Sethi explained.

In order to combat hyperpigmentation it’s important that an effective dark spot correcting serum promotes skin renewal. Still, no serum will work to its fullest ability if you don’t use sunscreen daily.

“Broad-spectrum sunscreen minimizes the risk of spots darkening or new spots forming,” Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic dermatologist, T N Rekha Singh, told 21Ninety. If you skip sunscreen your dark spots may never fade due to the continuous UV exposure.

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Photo Courtesy of Sephora

OUI the People’s Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Exfoliant Serum takes care of your dark spots from the neck down. This body serum incorporates four acids into its skin resurfacing formula. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and gluconolactone.

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Topicals’ Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration is a vegan resurfacing serum that was formulated with deep skin tones in mind. This serum uses dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate in its formula blend. It’s a Dr. Sethi-recommended ingredient to try as it brightens areas of hyperpigmentation.

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The Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum helps fade dark spots as it evens out texture. Glycolic acid is one of Dr. Sethi’s suggestions as it exfoliates the skin which promotes cell turnover.

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Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

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The Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum contains an ingredient that both experts recommend – tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. The potent form of vitamin C dispels dark spots while boosting collagen production for more radiant skin over time.

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Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum

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Beauty Pie’s Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum is a vegan serum formulated to do more than just fade dark spots. It hydrates, firms, and resurfaces skin cells for a plump appearance over time. This is also an added fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free product.

What Ingredients Should Be in a Dark Spot-Correcting Serum Deep Skin Tones?

Dr. Singh named niacinamide, licorice extract, and vitamin C as ingredients to look out for as they can brighten dark spots with little-to-no irritation. Dr. Sethi agreed that vitamin C, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD), is effective for reducing hyperpigmentation.

“It is an incredible and stable form of Vitamin C that not only provides brightening and dark spot fading, but also introduces collagen stimulation, which is responsible for healthy skin turnover, and regulating melanocyte over production,” the medical director elaborated.

Additionally, Dr. Sethi called out dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate, dimethylmethoxy chromanol, and glycolic acid as other key ingredients to look out for. These ingredients brighten hyperpigmentation, reduce oxidative stress, and exfoliate the skin, respectively.

What Ingredients Should Be Avoided in a Dark Spot-Correcting Serum Deep Skin Tones?

Deep skin tones should double check the ingredient label before applying a dark spot correcting serum. Dr. Singh mentioned high concentrations of retinoids and hydroquinone as ingredients to avoid.

“Prolonged use of hydroquinone can lead to skin irritation, ochronosis (a condition where the skin becomes dark and thick), and, in extreme cases, it has been linked to carcinogenic effects,” Dr. Sethi added.

Another ingredient to avoid is benzoyl peroxide, per Dr. Sethi’s advice.

“Commonly used in acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide is effective at killing acne-causing bacteria but can be overly drying and irritating for some people, especially those with darker skin,” the medical director confirmed. “This irritation can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” she concluded.

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