Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD
If you’ve got dark spots on your face, whether from acne, melasma, a rash or aging skin, you’ve probably wondered what the best treatments for dark spots are. When choosing a product to treat your dark spots, it’s important that you choose a product that has been backed by science. You want to know that there is real scientific evidence that a dark spot treatment does what it claims it will do!
Best Treatments for Dark Spots
Topical hydroquinone has been around for decades, and as a dermatologist, I recommend it almost everyday. Ambi fade cream can be very effective for treating dark spots, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. We also use it to help fade scars. Ambi fade cream also has an affordable price point.
Unfortunately, hydroquinone is not perfect. It has been the subject of some controversy. It was banned in Europe and parts of Asia due to concerns about cancer risk from the drug. You can read more on that in this post. Hydroquinone can also be irritating for some people and can potentially cause a side effect called ochronosis, where the skin develops a discoloration that can be permanent.
Other Treatments for Dark Spots
Since our existing fade creams and treatments for dark spots are not perfect, scientists are constantly looking for better options for treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Topical tranexamic acid, and ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide can also work to help treat dark spots.
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
One of my favorite dark spot treatments, and one of the best treatments for dark spots that’s sold over-the-counter, is Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense. You don’t need a prescription for it, and it can be very helpful for fading dark spots, brightening your complexion and giving you an even skin tone. One study found that Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense helped improve dark spots, melasma, skin texture and skin tone starting after only 2 weeks of use. Melasma and hyperpigmentation (dark spots) improved an average of 60%, while post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots after acne) decreased an average of 81%!
Tranexamic Acid for Dark Spots
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a key ingredient in the Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense. It helps to decrease the inflammation that can lead to the development of dark spots on your skin. Besides TXA, Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense also contains kojic acid and niacinamide. Both of these ingredients have been shown in scientific studies to help treat dark spots too.
Choose Dark Spot Treatments that Work
Although Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense is not the cheapest product out there, a little bit goes a long way. Prescription strength hydroquinone is no longer covered by most insurance plans and can run over $50 dollars a pop, so Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense is therefore a more attractive option, especially for those of you that are wary of hydroquinone.
Need a lower price point? Another more affordable option, that also contains kojic acid, hydroquinone and wrinkle fighting retinol is Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Night Treatment. This product also has ingredients proven to be a treatment for dark spots.
Got Dark Spots? Wear Sunscreen!
It’s important to note that the women in the study wore sunscreen, SPF 70, at least daily. Even if you are using the best dark spot treatment that money can buy, you won’t get your best results if you’re not also wearing a great sunscreen. Choosing the right sunscreen for darker skin is important. Check out this post for advice on finding the sunscreen that is best for you!
