Often a side effect of aging and environmental damage, dark spots are a common skin condition that can make the complexion look uneven and dull. But what are dark spots exactly, what causes them and how do you reduce their appearance?
Discover our top tips for how to get rid of dark spots on the face and achieve a brighter, more refined complexion.
What Are Dark Spots on Skin?
Also known as , the term ‘dark spots’, refers to age spots or sunspots formed through an overproduction of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color), resulting in discoloration or darker areas.
What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?
There are multiple factors that can cause dark spots to appear on the face, these might include:
- Hormones
- Age
- Genetics
- Skin Injury
- Inflammation (cuts, burns or acne)
- Environmental aggressors:
- Sun Exposure
- Pollution
What to use for Dark Spots on the Face?
When it comes to reducing dark spots on the face, there are plenty of remedies that can help to minimize or improve their appearance, here are our recommendations:
1. Use a Dark Spot Corrector
Designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spot correctors are often one of the most effective methods to use. This is because their precision applicator allows you to focus the product on the targeted area, providing the best results.H3 title: 2. Apply Vitamin C to Dark Spots on Skin
Known as a skincare superfood, vitamin C has a plethora of benefits – especially when it comes to treating dark spots. This nutrient is very effective when it comes to smoothing skin texture, evening tone and reducing the appearance of dark spots, as well as lending the complexion a vibrant and healthy glow.
Our Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum has a beautifully lightweight formula that packs a punch. A high concentration of the nutrient means that the serum should deliver more effective results and could work to improve the appearance of discoloration and dark spots to transform dull-looking skin.
How to use: Gently dab the serum evenly over cleansed face and neck after cleansing to get your glow back.
3. Does Retinol Help Dark Spots?
Retinol supports the skin’s natural renewal process, helping to smooth texture, make pores appear less visible and brighten the skin. It also works to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Our Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate combines age-defying Matrixyl 3000+™ peptide technology with a next-generation retinol complex could start to help the skin from the very first night.
How to use: Apply two pumps to a cleansed face, avoiding the eye, outer eye and lip areas. Initially, only use once or twice a week on non-consecutive nights, and increase to every other night, then every night as tolerated.
New Retinol User? If you are new to using retinol, apply a thin layer of moisturizer, like our Pure Retinol Night Cream over the top. This night cream blends 1.5% pure retinol with shea butter, bisabolol and our famous Matrixyl 3000+ anti-aging peptide technology to treat uneven tone while ensuring the skin remains nourished and comfortable.
Remember, when using retinol, to always apply an SPF when going about your day-today, as it may cause increased skin sensitivity.
4. Try Reducing Dark Spots on Face with Glycolic Acid
If retinol products aren't for you, why not opt for glycolic acid. A chemical exfoliant, this ingredient works well to supports the skin’s natural renewal process and helps to buff away dead surface cells.
Most effective when used two to three times a week, glycolic acid clarifies and refines the complexion, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Our Laboratories Resurfacing Peel 15% Glycolic Acid is a gentle, yet powerful, five-minute wash-off treatment that helps to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface to even out skin tone.
How to use: At night, apply after cleansing and toning two to three times a week to reveal a more revitalized complexion.
Remember: Glycolic acid shouldn’t be used alongside retinol or other exfoliating skincare products - including manual face scrubs.
5. Always Wear SPF
Sun damage and environmental aggressors are some of the leading causes of dark spots on the skin, but applying an SPF could help to prevent them from developing in the first place.
The No7 Protect & Perfect, Lift & Luminate and Restore & Renew face creams are all formulated with our Double Defense technology and broad-spectrum SPF 30 to help provide some protection against harmful UV rays.
How to use: Apply every morning as the last step of your skincare routine.
And that is everything you need to know about how to get rid of dark spots on the face. With our advice, hopefully you now feel a little more knowledgeable about the root causes of your dark spots so you can choose which treatments are best suited to your skin.
For additional skincare advice and recommendations, discover more on our blog.
