Hassle free healthcare with instant advice & prescription medicine with our virtual GP*
FIND OUT MORE
Here’s our guide to understanding everything about them – from some of the key causes to the ingredients to look out for on your skincare labels
It’s no secret that natural skin should be celebrated. In recent years, the beauty industry has moved away from the need for ‘perfection’. Instead, we’re removing filters and airbrushing in a bid to honour the quirks that make us who we are. And when everything from blemishes and texture to pigmentation and dark spots are part of the skin’s natural function and healing process, we should seek to normalise them as part of what makes us human.
That said, just because it’s normal, it doesn’t mean you should feel unequipped to improve something if you'd like to. It’s OK to want to minimise the look of dark spots and enhance the skin you’re in. We believe that looking and feeling beautiful is very much a ‘you do you’ situation – and we’re here to support that.
With this in mind, here’s everything you might want to know about dark spots on your face, as well as the sorts of ingredients, products and techniques you might like to consider adding to your routine. We speak to skincare experts Dr Emma Wedgeworth, La Roche-Posay consultant dermatologist, and Dr Pamela Benito, aesthetic medicine specialist, about everything there is to know.
What are hyperpigmentation & dark spots?
“Hyperpigmentation is a common condition where an area appears darker in colour than the surrounding skin,” explains Dr Benito. “It can cover small patches or affect the entire body.”
It will come as a comfort to know that it’s totally harmless – only occurring when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.
What causes hyperpigmentation & dark spots?
Dr Wedgeworth explains that dark spots may occur on the skin for a number of reasons, including sun damage, ageing, acne marks or hormonal changes.
Who is most commonly affected?
“Dark spots are a particular issue for darker skin tones,” says Dr Wedgeworth. “This is due to the increased melanin production, and it’s common to see post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after blemishes.”
What are the key ingredients that can help at home?
But how can you help dial down dark spots caused by pimples and other types of pigmentation? “For the best results, I advise using niacinamide in combination with other actives chosen according to the underlying reason for your pigmentation,” says Dr Wedgeworth. “If ageing is your concern, retinol is ideal – and niacinamide may actually help with tolerance by supporting skin barrier function. Vitamin C is another key ingredient to help with brightening.”
Where do you typically fit these actives into your skincare routine?
“Always use a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen,” advises Dr Wedgeworth. “Then add one active, slowly adding others over time. I always layer products according to consistency; with lighter textures first, and those that are heavier on top. Sunscreen should be the last step before any make-up.”
Still feeling unsure? It could be worth speaking to a dermatologist.
“With so many skincare products available in the market, it can be overwhelming,” agrees Dr Benito. “I find patients often overuse or combine products, which can worsen the skin. The best way to choose your skincare regime is to discuss things with a dermatologist or skin specialist who has the knowledge and expertise to tailor your skincare products to your individual needs.”
The importance of prevention
“Prevention is always better than cure,” clarifies Dr Benito. “It’s essential when it comes to avoiding pigmentation issues – and if you already have dark spots, sunscreen may reduce the likelihood of them darkening. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of SPF30 or greater.”
Dr Wedgeworth agrees, stating: “Pigmentation can take a while to fade once it has developed, so it’s important to try and prevent it where possible by seeking shade, wearing hats and applying daily sun protection.”
It’s also worth noting that sun protection should be topped up every two hours ideally throughout the day and especially just after swimming, even when wearing water-resistant sunscreen.
If you do want to cover your pigmentation, what can help?
“Concealing pigmentation can actually be helpful, particularly because the iron oxides in some foundations and concealers may help to reduce visible light exposure, particularly for darker skin tones,” says Dr Wedgeworth. “I advise using cosmetics with more pigment.” Dr Benito agrees, adding: “Products with a highly saturated coverage and a natural finish work well.”
Without further ado, here are the skincare products to add to your daily routine that can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots. From vitamin C serums to suncreams that offer high protection, as well as top-rated must-buys, hidden gems and new launches, there's something for every skin type.
Our pick of the best products for dark spots & pigmentation
Best brightening serum
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Suitable for sensitive skin
It’s time to say “bye bye” to dark spots. Formulated with 4% niacinamide and 1% ethyl vitamin C, make this your new go-to for helping reduce the appearance of dark spots, age spots and discolouration, while also helping to improve the look of your skin’s clarity.
Best new launch
L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum 10% Niacinamide + Amino-Sulfonic Acid
• Size: 30ml
• Formulated for all skin types & tones, even sensitive skin
• Non-sticky
• Non-oily
• Non-comedogenic
• Compatible with make-up
Powered by potent anti-dark spot actives, 10% niacinamide + amino-sulfonic acid, this breakthrough formula visibly corrects hyperpigmentation, revealing a clearer, brighter and more even-looking skin tone. It’s game over for dark spots!
Best serum
Fenty Skin Watch Ya Tone Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Fragrance free
• Refillable
A serum that’s not playing around. This lightweight, non-sticky formula features an all-star team of niacinamide, vitamin C, liquorice root extract and Barbados cherry to fade the appearance of dark spots and discolouration whilst bringing on brighter-looking skin.
Best toner
Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner
• Size: 190ml
• Lemon sugar scent
This powerhouse face toner targets the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles whilst brightening and smoothing the look of skin texture. Tone post-cleansing and you’ll be perfectly prepped for serum and moisturiser. We’re sure you’ll love its lightweight formula from the very first swipe.
Best SPF for sensitive skin
Eucerin Sun Pigment Control Anti Dark-Spot Facial Sun Fluid SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Light texture
With SPF50+ and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, this fast-absorbing formula helps guard against sun-induced hyperpigmentation. It’s also packed with thiamidol to help reduce the look of dark spots and prevent their reappearance.
Best luxury option
Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
Pricey, yes, but those five-star reviews don’t lie. Bursting with ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this dreamy serum is designed to help smooth and even skin’s appearance with continued use, as well as help improve firmness and overall glow.
Best hydrating SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• SPF50
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, this broad-spectrum sunscreen hydrates and helps give the appearance of plumped-up, beautiful skin. The SPF50 provides strong protection from the sun’s rays, while the niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of any existing damage.
Best day cream
Nivea Cellular Luminous 630 Anti-Dark Spot Day Cream Face Moisturiser SPF50
• Size: 40ml
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Just a pea-sized amount distributed across the complexion leaves behind a beautiful sheen that looks both even and luminous. It’s dermatologically approved and rated SPF50, making it a pigmentation hero in our eyes.
Best night cream
Bioderma Pigmentbio Brightening Night Face Cream Anti-Dark Spot
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
Enriched with vitamins C and E, plus niacinamide and salicylic acid, this fresh and lightweight cream works overnight to provide long-lasting hydration and renew skin. All whilst reducing the look of dark spots and helping prevent their reappearance – win-win!
Best SPF for oily skin
Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
• Size: 40ml
• Non-comedogenic
Anticipating some sunshine? Don’t forget the importance of an effective SPF. This pick offers very high protection, and is ultralight and hydrating, too – a sunscreen you can look forward to applying and reapplying throughout the day.
Best hydrating serum
Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Face Serum for Pigmentation & Dark Spots with Thiamidol & Hyaluronic Acid
• Size: 30ml
This luxurious serum absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy – ideal for warm, humid weather. Containing skin-beautifying thiamidol and hyaluronic acid, it’s a must for helping to support the skin's natural moisture levels.
Best multifunctional SPF
Ultrasun Face Anti Pigmentation SPF50+ Sun Protection
• Size: 50ml
• SPF50
This multifunctional sun protectant is designed to work as a primer, moisturiser and sunscreen all in one. Formulated without oil, its lightweight texture leaves skin feeling soft, while its matte finish shields skin against UV rays, making it particularly well-suited to shine-prone and sensitive skin types on hot days.
…and for more fabulous pigmentation products, check out our full range.
