How To Remove Dark Spots On Your Face: Skincare Tips That Really Work

If you ask us, there’s nothing quite as frustrating as finally getting rid of a stubborn pimple only to discover an even more stubborn dark spot has taken up residence on your face. Unfortunately, dark spots on the face are a very common concern and can affect anyone regardless of age, skin type, or skin tone. These brownish blemishes can make your skin look mottled or uneven, and frustratingly, they don’t often fade on their own. But if you’re hoping to learn how to remove dark spots on your face, there are options—and it all starts with building the right skincare routine.

To learn more about dark spots on the skin and, most importantly, what you can do about them, we tapped Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant. Keep reading to learn more about what dark spots are, what causes them, and how to lighten dark spots on the face to promote a clearer-looking complexion.

What Are Dark Spots?

Dark spots are quite literally what they sound like—small patches of discoloration that are darker than your regular skin tone. They occur when the pigment that gives skin its color, melanin, goes into overdrive. While dark spots can appear on anyone, people with medium to deep skin tones are especially prone to developing them.

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t always quite the same thing. “All hyperpigmentation is dark by definition, but not all hyperpigmentation is a spot,” says Dr. Henry. Generally, dark spots are small, less than a half inch in diameter. Larger patches of discoloration may point to a different concern, such as melasma.

Common types of skin discolorations and their causes

Discoloration can manifest in a number of ways, but the most common include:

• Age spots (a.k.a. sunspots or liver spots): These dark spots result from cumulative sun damage and typically develop on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as your face, hands, and shoulders. Most commonly, they’re seen in those over 50 (though they can develop earlier). In most cases, targeted skin products for dark spots can help lighten their appearance.
• Freckles: These small, dark brown spots are primarily tied to genetics. They can appear anywhere on the body (though they tend to be most noticeable on the face, chest, and arms), and can’t be lightened with skincare products. However, proper sun protection can help prevent new freckles from forming.
• Melasma: This is a type of discoloration caused by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause. As Dr. Henry mentioned, melasma typically manifests as large dark patches, rather than isolated spots. In some cases, melasma can be managed with over-the-counter products; in others, professional treatment with prescription medication or in-office treatments is warranted.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a.k.a post-acne marks): These small dark spotsdevelop after injury or irritation to the skin (acne and bug bites are common causes). The discoloration occurs only where the original irritation was, resulting in a small, localized dark spot that slowly fades over time. A targeted skincare routine can help accelerate the process.

Can Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Dark Spots?

While most dark spots are caused by sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, or injury to the skin, some dark spots on the face can be linked to deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folic acid (folate). These vitamins play a crucial role in skin health and cell regeneration, and a lack of them can lead to hyperpigmentation. If you’ve noticed an uptick in the number of dark spots you have or can’t find a reasonable explanation for your skin concerns (such as excessive sun exposure), consult a dermatologist. They can help you identify the cause of your dark spots and develop a treatment plan, if necessary.

Things To Know Before Treating Dark Spots

In many cases, dark spots can be managed with a dedicated skincare routine. However, there are a few important things you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Fading dark spots takes time: Even with a dedicated skincare routine, don’t expect overnight results. Making dark spots disappear completely could take weeks or longer. If you want to get rid of dark marks quickly—for a special event, say—you may want to consider visiting your dermatologist.
• Sun protection is essential: No matter the cause, all dark spots on the face can become darker and more pronounced when they’re exposed to the sun. Keeping your skin protected from the sun is one of the best ways to help minimize the appearance of dark spots (and prevent future spots from developing).
• More isn’t always better: Many treatments for dark marks on the face contain chemical exfoliants to help accelerate cellular turnover. Overusing these products can lead to irritation or, in some cases, trigger rebound discoloration. Always follow the product instructions to ensure the best results.
• Dark spots and acne scars are not the same thing: People often use the terms “dark spots” and “acne scars” interchangeably, but they’re completely different concerns. Dark spots are a type of discoloration, while true acne scars are permanent divots in the skin and cannot be eliminated with skincare alone. If you’re concerned about acne scars, visit a dermatologist.

The Best Skincare Ingredients for Dark Spots

If you’re wondering how to clear dark spots on your skin, building a targeted skincare routine is an excellent starting point. When shopping for products, keep an eye out for these ingredients—all are proven to help promote clear, even-toned skin.

1. Niacinamide

Best for: All skin types, including sensitive

If you’re wondering how to treat dark spots on the face and promote a more even skin tone, consider adding niacinamide to your skincare routine. Studies have found that this naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 can help lighten dark spots and other types of discolorations on the face and body when used topically. You can find niacinamide in a wide range of products, from cleansers and toners to serums, including the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skincare Serum Le Duo—one of our favorite anti-aging facial serums.

2. Vitamin C

Best for: Oily and combination skin

Vitamin C (a.k.a. ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid) is also known for helping to improve the appearance of dark spots. This powerful antioxidant helps protect your skin from free radicals and sun damage, which can accelerate skin aging and cause dark spots to develop. When used consistently, products with vitamin C may help fade dark spots while making your skin look brighter, smoother, and more radiant overall. We recommend incorporating it into your routine with a targeted vitamin C serum, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum.

3. Melasyl^TM

Best for: All skin types, including sensitive skin

It took L’Oréal chemists nearly 20 years to develop this powerful compound, which holds 23 patents worldwide. This powerful molecule helps inhibit the synthesis of melanin—skin’s natural pigment—to both prevent and lighten existing dark spots. Our extensive research shows that Melasyl^TM is gentle and suitable for all skin types and tones, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to fade dark spots and secure a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

You can find Melasyl^TM in the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. This non-greasy facial serum helps visibly improve the appearance of spots—including age spots and post-acne marks—in as little as one week of daily use. Use it on your face, décolletage, or hands to help brighten dark marks and support a more even-toned complexion.

4. Retinol

Best for: Oily or mature skin

Retinol may be best known for its anti-aging benefits, but it can also be a powerful tool in your quest for more even-looking skin. When used topically, retinol helps exfoliate the skin, which contributes to a brighter, more even-looking appearance over time. By exfoliating the skin, retinol may also help to keep clogged pores (and, by extension, breakouts) to a minimum, as well—so it can be used to both treat dark spots and help prevent them.

When incorporating retinol into your routine, it’s best to start slow, as the ingredient can be drying for some. Look for a serum with a low percentage of retinol or opt for a retinol moisturizer, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide, instead. We suggest applying it two times per week to start—as your skin acclimates, you can gradually work your way up to nightly usage.

5. Glycolic acid

Best for: Dry, dull, and mature skin

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that can be found in a wide array of toners, serums, and moisturizers. It helps exfoliate the skin and can help improve dullness, brighten the skin, and gradually fade the appearance of dark spots. Plus, unlike some other alpha-hydroxy acids, it’s hydrating—making it an ideal pick for those with drier skin. If you’re interested in adding it to your routine, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum, which is suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for daily use.

6. Sunscreen

Best for: All skin types

As we mentioned earlier, sun exposure can both cause and worsen the appearance of existing dark spots. As such, wearing sunscreen every day—rain or shine—is one of the best ways to maintain clear, even-toned skin. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends opting for a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 15 (and reapplying it, at a minimum, every two hours). To streamline your morning routine, consider reaching for an SPF moisturizer, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30. It’s loaded with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and pro-retinol and helps firm, smooth, and brighten the skin while shielding against damaging UV rays.

Ingredients and Treatments Dermatologists Use for Stubborn Dark Spots

At-home treatments can go a long way in improving the look of dark spots, but if you’re hoping to learn how to clear dark spots on your face quickly, a visit to the dermatologist may be in order. Board-certified dermatologists often have access to ingredients and treatments not available over the counter that can deliver more rapid results, including:

• Hydroquinone: According to the Cleveland Clinic, this topical medication decreases the amount of melanin in your skin, leading to a visible reduction in dark spots and other skin discolorations. It’s often used to treat age spots as well as larger patches of discoloration, such as melasma.
• High-strength acids: High-strength acids, often administered in the form of chemical peels, can quickly and effectively resurface the skin to minimize the look of dark spots and other discolorations. However, professional peels must be administered by a dermatologist to minimize the risk of side effects such as redness, dryness, or excessive irritation.
• Lasers: Laser treatments are typically the fastest way to fade stubborn dark spots. They generally work by breaking up melanin deposits within the skin and can provide visible results in a single treatment. There are many different types of lasers available; your dermatologist can help you decide which is best for you based on your skin type, concerns, habits, and skin tone.

How Can You Minimize the Appearance of Dark Spots?

Dark spots may be frustrating, but they can usually be managed at home with the right routine. Here are a few tips to help you lighten existing dark spots and achieve clearer, more even-looking skin.

Exfoliate regularly

If you’re prone to dark spots, Dr. Henry recommends incorporating an exfoliant like glycolic acid into your regular skincare routine. As mentioned earlier, glycolic acid and other chemical exfoliants help speed up skin surface turnover, which can help to fade dark spots and discolorations and promote more even-looking skin.

How often you should exfoliate depends on several factors, including your skin type, usual routine, and the product you’re using. Some exfoliants—like toners and serums—can be used daily, while others are best used more sparingly. If you don’t want to overhaul your entire routine to make room for daily exfoliation, consider adding the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel to your regimen a couple of times per week instead. The dermatologist-validated formula is powered by a potent combination of alpha-, beta-, and polyhydroxy acids and works quickly to resurface the skin. After a single use, your skin will appear brighter and feel smoother and softer. With continued applications—we recommend using it no more than four times per week, at night—you’ll enjoy a noticeable reduction in dark spots and a dramatically brighter, more radiant-looking complexion.

Editor’s note: Exfoliating acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s extra important to be diligent about sun protection after exfoliating. Be sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and try to avoid direct sun exposure when possible.

Use a targeted dark spot treatment

A serum, cream, or other dark spot-specific skincare treatment can help improve the appearance of dark spots over time. The aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum is a great pick for those battling existing dark spots, and it’s gentle enough for daily use.

How To Prevent Dark Spots

Knowing how to get rid of dark spots (or at least, help minimize their appearance) is helpful, but preventing them is even better. Here are some tips that can help.

1. Wear sunscreen

Whether you’re a skincare novice or a pro, we’re sure you’re familiar with this mantra: wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine. The aforementioned L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a great pick for daily use since it doesn’t leave a white cast and is suitable for all skin types. Plus, it’s formulated with vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to help brighten, firm, and smooth the skin.

2. Reapply SPF

If you’ll be outdoors for a while, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends reapplying your sunscreen every two hours or if you’ve been swimming or sweating. If you’re doing a full-body application, think about using about the same amount of SPF that would fill a shot glass (about one ounce).

3. Use other sun protection

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun, but it isn’t foolproof. For additional protection, you’ll want to take other sun protection measures. These include limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun (especially during peak hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), seeking shade, and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

4. Don’t pop pimples

We know it can be tempting to squeeze at your skin when you look in the mirror and see a big whitehead or blackhead staring back at you. But try your best to resist giving it a pop. “Not only is picking going to increase the chances of hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Henry warns, but “it could also contribute to textural changes.” In short, picking at your acne can lead to hard-to-treat dark spots or even scarring.

5. Try not to touch your face

Along the same lines, try to be more conscious about not touching your face. We know, easier said than done. (Fun fact: One study found that participants touched their faces an average of 23 times per hour!) But touching your acne can actually worsen it, making it more likely that you’ll be left with dark spots and scars.

6. See a dermatologist

When in doubt, visit a dermatologist. They can help tailor a plan for your specific skincare needs and offer recommendations on how to treat dark spots. Many also have access to in-office treatments that can effectively remove dark spots on your face.

How Do You Conceal Dark Spots With Makeup?

Skincare takes time to work, but if you need to improve the appearance of dark spots fast, makeup is the way to go. Here’s how to effectively cover dark spots to fake a clearer, more even complexion.

Step 1. Color-correct and/or prime

If you have dark spots (or other skin discolorations), consider adding a color-correcting concealer to your makeup routine. To understand the concept behind color-correcting, journey back to your elementary school days when you likely learned about the color wheel. Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel cancel each other out. Yellow, for example, can help to conceal purplish discoloration. And green can help to neutralize redness.

You can also use a skin-perfecting makeup primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser. This green-tinged formula instantly hides redness and helps improve skin tone with consistent use. Apply it to your face as the first step in your makeup routine to help even out your complexion and prep your skin for makeup.

Step 2. Apply full-coverage concealer

Once you’re done color-correcting, use a full-coverage concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage. It has a matte finish and a long-lasting formula that stays in place for up to 24 hours. Find your shade among the 25 options, then buff the concealer onto your skin using a brush, makeup blender, or finger. Imperfections such as dark spots, redness, scars, and more will be gracefully hidden.

Step 3. Layer on a full-coverage foundation

Once you’ve finished with concealer, it’s time to move on to foundation. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. This lightweight, breathable foundation is transfer-proof and offers medium to full, buildable coverage (in 40 shades). It also wears for up to 24 hours. Spread the liquid foundation onto your skin, then simply blend and buff until it's even.

Step 4. Finish with setting spray

To help your makeup stay in place and look flawless all day—and avoid midday touchups—use a setting spray. You can seal the deal with L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. Shake the can well, then hold it eight to ten inches away from your face, close your eyes, and spray it on a few times using an “X” and “T” motion for all-day makeup wear.

Next Up: All About Gommage, the French Exfoliation Technique for Soft, Smooth Skin

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris