Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, post acne inflammation or whatever you want to call it, it can be annoying and tricky to get rid of. Lucky for you, I’ve nailed down a routine that’s helped fade my dark spots almost completely in about 3 weeks. I recently got a pretty deep pimple on my cheek that caused some inflammation and eventually led to a darkened spot. I tried to document the process of lightening it in the pictures below with no makeup on. The photo on the far left was taken on 12/15, the middle photo was taken on 12/19, and the far right photo was taken on 12/29.
Disclaimer: I have slightly combination skin that doesn’t get irritated easily but make sure you’re mindful of mixing products and ingredients since everyone’s skin and sensitivity can differ. Here’s a breakdown of the products that have worked well for me, when I use them, and how often. Give them a shot and hopefully they’ll work for you too!
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Frequency: 3-4x a week
Order in routine: after cleansing
They have glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate skin more deeply which allows for new, more even pigmented skin cells to form. I also notice how smooth my skin feels right after using these which is a bonus.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Night Serum
Frequency: 1-2x a week
Order in routine: after toning
This also has AHAs but work in serum form overnight. I like to pair this with the FAB Radiance Pads to really get deep into my skin. Disclaimer: If you have sensitive skin, you might not need both AHA treatments.
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Frequency: daily/nightly
Order in routine: after toning
This serum has tranexamic acid which is a primary ingredient for fading discoloration and hyperpigmentation. This is a super gentle formula so it should be safe for all skin types.
Peace Out Skincare Dark Spot Dots
Frequency: daily/nightly
Order in routine: before moisturizer
These are like my security blanket when it comes to treating dark spots. What I like most about these is that they use microneedles in the patch to deliver ingredients like niacinamide and tranexamic acid directly into the affected area. Don’t worry, you can’t really feel the “needles.”
Youth To The People Vitamin C Serum
Frequency: daily
Order in routine: after cleansing
Vitamin C is a proven ingredient to brighten skin so I always include it in my morning routine to help expedite the process of lightening my dark spots. It also has the ability to inhibit melanin production (which is what causes hyperpigmentation to begin with).
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Frequency: daily
Order in routine: after moisturizer
What’s the point of doing all the other things if you don’t wear sunscreen? This is my favorite of all time. It’ll prevent those dark spots from getting darker and has a silicone like texture that mimics a pore blurring primer.
