How To Get Rid Of Facial Dark Spots

A common side effect of aging and environmental damage, dark spots can make skin look uneven – but what are dark spots exactly, what causes them and how do you reduce the appearance of facial dark spots? We answer all of your questions and explain how to help lighten, brighten and diminish the appearance of dark spots with 5 skincare essentials.

What are dark spots?

Also known as hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots or freckles, dark spots refer to the darkening or discoloration of the skin that occurs when melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) is overproduced.

What causes dark spots on face?

There are multiple factors that can cause dark spots to appear on the face, including hormones, age, genetics, sun exposure, pollution, and skin injury or inflammation (cuts, burns or acne).

The more skin is exposed to environmental aggressors without protection, the more likely hyperpigmentation is to occur and the darker these spots can appear.

How to help get rid of facial dark spots

Once developed, dark spots can linger for years if left untreated. However, with the right skin treatments, reducing the appearance of dark spots is possible.

Use a dark spot corrector

Designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spot correctors are often the easiest way to even out skin tone. Opt for a formula infused with lightening ingredients, like Vitamin C, to make dark spots look visibly smaller.

Formulated with brightening Vitamin C, Emblica and Sophora, No7 LABS Dark Spot Correcting Booster Serum works overtime to improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation. Apply directly to the desired area morning and night after cleansing to make dark spots appear faded in just 2 weeks.

Apply Vitamin C

Among its many benefits, Vitamin C helps to visibly brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots, lending the complexion a vibrant and healthy glow. It also works to reduce the appearance of future hyperpigmentation, while making skin tone look more even.

No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum helps to improve the appearance of discoloration and dark spots, even out skin’s tone and texture, and visibly transform dull-looking skin. Apply 3-4 drops onto the face and neck after cleansing to instantly and dramatically brighten the skin.

Use retinol once a week

Retinol supports surface skins natural renewal process, helping to smooth skin’s texture, make pores appear less visible, and brighten the skin. It also works to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate combines age-defying Matrixyl 3000+™ peptide technology with a next-generation retinol complex to help even out skin tone overnight. Apply once a week to wake up to brighter and more radiant-looking skin, with fewer signs of hyperpigmentation.

Try glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that supports the skin’s natural renewal process and helps to buff away dead surface cells. Used 2-3 times a week, it works to clarify, refine and even skin tone, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots.

No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Peel 15% Glycolic Acid is a gentle yet powerful 5-minute wash-off treatment that helps to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface and even out skin tone. Once a week, apply at night after cleansing and toning to reveal a renewed, youthful-looking complexion with fewer dark spots.

Expert Tip: Glycolic acid shouldn’t be used alongside retinol or other exfoliating skincare products, including manual face scrubs.

Always wear SPF

As dark spots are often the result of environmental damage, applying an SPF moisturizer every day can help to prevent sun damage by protecting the skin from UV rays and environmental stressors.

No7 Protect & Perfect, Lift & Luminate and Restore & Renew face creams are formulated with No7’s Double Defense technology and broad spectrum SPF 30 to help protect the skin. Apply every morning as the last step of your skincare routine.