As if it’s not enough to deal with wrinkles, dark spots are another factor of aging that can make us look older than our years. They often make a complexion look dull and mottled, robbing it of its radiance.
The Cause of Dark Spots
The main culprit in the battle against dark spots is tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin. As you may already know, melanin is the pigment that gives our hair and skin its color and its role is to protect the skin. It is often heightened in the skin by tanning and general sun exposure. Though it’s necessary, too much melanin is basically what causes dark spots and discoloration on the face and body.
Dark spots can be a result of hyperpigmentation due to acne scarring, or a product of spending too much time in the sun. Other causes include hormonal issues, liver damage, genetics and various skin disorders.
Where Dark Spots Occur
Dark spots can occur anywhere on the body, though they’re mostly found on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, or around the mouth. They can also appear on the neck, hands and legs. But keep in mind: dark spots can pretty much happen anywhere, especially areas of your body that are more often exposed to the sun.
Popular Ingredients in the Best Dark Spot Correctors
Thank nature (and science!) for all of the ingredients available to halt or inhibit tyrosinase. Ingredients like hydroquinone, vitamin C, niacinamide and mulberry root all have the power to stop tyrosinase in its tracks. Other ingredients you’ll encounter on this list are exfoliators like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Both of these acids work hard to “unglue” the skin cells that bind together and cause dullness. Once those offending cells are sloughed away, radiant, glowing and even-toned skin can emerge.
Best Dark Spot Correctors of 2020
Let’s dive in and look at some of the best dark spot correctors on the market, all of which are full of effective and oftentimes very potent ingredients to give you back the youthful, even-toned, glowing complexion of your youth.
The best dark spot corrector is Formulyst Luminous Skin Serum.
TDR Original review: May 21, 2018.
In your attempt to get rid of dark spots, it’s important to avoid unsightly, and sometimes permanent, side effects. As already mentioned, the use of dark spot corrector products with hydroquinone can lead to skin cancer and permanent skin discolorations, which is why the use of this ingredient is heavily regulated throughout the world. Facial exfoliators can also cause problems, and may cause swelling and irritation if the cream is used too often, or the concentration of the active acids is too strong in the dark spot corrector.