Dark spots. Sunspots. Post-acne marks. No matter what you call them, hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns – and one of the most persistent. The good news? With the right knowledge and skin care strategy, these stubborn spots are absolutely something you can treat (and in some cases, prevent). 

This expert guide walks you through the science behind dark spots, the most common causes, and the clinical and at-home tools that can actually make a difference. 

Q: What are dark spots? 

Hyperpigmentation forms when areas of your skin produce excess melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin tone. This increase in pigment can be triggered by a number of factors (we’ll get to those next), but the result is the same: discoloration, uneven skin tone and unwanted dark spots. 

While not harmful, they can linger long after the initial trigger, especially if the cause isn’t addressed. 

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Q: What are the causes of dark spots? 

UV exposure 

The most common culprit. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces melanin to protect itself. Over time, this can lead to uneven pigment, commonly known as sunspots or age spots.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) 

When your skin heals from a breakout, scrape or irritation, it can sometimes overproduce melanin in the healing process. This results in dark spots or scar-like marks in the affected areas. 

Hormones + medications

Melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation often linked to hormone fluctuations from pregnancy, birth control or other medications. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can increase melanin production, causing dark patches to form, most commonly on the face. 

Pollution

Pollution exposes the skin to free radicals, damaging skin cells and triggering an inflammatory response. This type of exposure is most common in urban environments where your skin is exposed to daily smog, smoke and debris.
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Q: Can you prevent dark spots from forming? 

Absolutely – and it starts with sun protection every day, no matter the weather or your skin tone. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps block the UV rays that kickstart melanin production in the first place. 

Other skin smart moves: 

• Avoid picking at breakouts or bites (easier said than done, we know) 

• Wear protective clothing when exposed to the sun 

• Incorporate antioxidants like vitamin C into your daily routine to help neutralize free radical damage before it leads to visible pigmentation.

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Q: Can you get rid of dark spots? 

If you’re past the point of prevention (welcome to the majority) and have a few pesky spots you’re looking to fade, you may be asking, “Is it too late?” 

The answer: Definitely not! While consistency and patience are key, you can gradually reduce the look of dark spots with at-home and professional ingredients + treatments like these: 

At-home dark spot treatment options 

1. Daily use of vitamin C

Vitamin C is a gold-standard ingredient when it comes to addressing hyperpigmentation, thanks to its multi-functioning benefits: 

Antioxidant protection

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays and free radicals. 

Brightening

Vitamin C inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, helping to fade existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming. 

Skin firmness + elasticity

Vitamin C encourages collagen and elastin production, keeping skin firm, plump, smooth and free of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Hydration + barrier support

Vitamin C helps improve skin hydration by attracting moisture and, when combined with other hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, helps amplify their effectiveness, contributing to more nourished skin and a resilient skin barrier. 

2. Incorporate tranexamic acid into your routine 

Derived from lysine, an amino acid, tranexamic acid is used to improve uneven skin tone and works by decreasing the production of melanin in the skin. Some if its benefits include: 

• Helps decrease dark patches on the skin that are associated with melasma, sun damage, and acne. 

• Offers anti-inflammatory benefits, crucial for preventing hyperpigmentation from recurring. 

• Pairs well with other brightening agents, like niacinamide. 

Professional dark spot treatment options

If you’re looking for faster, more targeted results, professional treatments like these can accelerate progress: 

1. Chemical peels 

Chemical peels use acids (like lactic and glycolic) to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin and stimulate cellular turnover. By encouraging new skin to surface, they help diminish the appearance of dark spots and smooth out uneven tone. 

2. Clinical skin brightening treatments 

Clinical skin brightening treatments can help target dark spots, dullness, discoloration and uneven tone. In addition to the exfoliation you receive from a typical chemical peel, these treatments take it one step further with added brightening benefits to truly target stubborn spots. 

Dark spots are complex but treatable. Whether caused by the sun, inflammation or hormones, hyperpigmentation can be reduced with the right mix of prevention, daily care and targeted treatments. Over time, with the proper strategy, brighter, more even-toned skin is absolutely achievable.