Have a dark spot or two? Hey, that’s totally normal. “Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that can affect all skin types and all ages,” explains Anita Sturnham, GP, dermatologist, and founder of Nuriss Skincare & Wellness Clinics. If your initial reaction is that you want to help alleviate them, you’re in luck. We’ve tapped renowned skin pros for their picks—read on to learn more.

Galderma Tri-Luma Cream (prescription only)

“This prescription cream specifically treats melasma. It works by exfoliating, blocking pigment production, and minimizing redness,” says dermatologist Estee Williams, MD.

Senté Dermal Repair

This dermal repair cream contains heparan sulfate, an ingredient that works at the cellular level to rejuvenate the skin and reverse pigmentation. “It doesn’t cause skin irritation, and has the advantage of other anti-aging ingredients to help with overall skin radiance,” says David Shafer, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.

SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum

Apply this SkinMedica product at night after you cleanse. “It contains tranexamic acid, a powerful ingredient to reduce hyperpigmentation,” says Michelle Henry, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Henry recommends tranexamic acid for its rapid and sustained elimination of skin discoloration.

Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads

These pads—containing 5 percent glycolic acid—are safe for pregnancy. “They are intended to safely exfoliate the top layers of the skin for a clearer, more radiant, and even-toned appearance. Rub the pads on your skin in a circular motion, going around your face two to three times, then rinse,” Dendy Engelman, MD, says.

Monastery Gold Botanical Healing Serum

“Getting rid of melanin isn’t always the answer, which is why using a natural beta-carotene, like Gold Botanical Healing Serum, with the occasional glycolic application is better, in my opinion,” says Athena Hewett, facialist and owner of Athena Ellen skincare + apothecary. Use this serum during the day for added sun protection.

Amarte Aqua Cream

Finally, retinol you can use during the day that won’t irritate your skin. “This product combines natural arbutin, purified elemental sulfur, brightening botanical extracts, and a revolutionary 1 percent nano-encapsulated retinol, which work to improve hyperpigmentation in a safe, non-irritating, natural way,” says board-certified dermatologist Craig A. Kraffert (who is also the brand’s president.)

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a patch of skin that has become darker than the skin around it. It’s caused by an overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

There are many causes of hyperpigmentation, but two of the most common are acne and the sun. “Melanin—what gives our hair and skin color—goes into overproduction in the sun to protect us from harmful rays, causing our skin to look darker than its natural tone,” Dendy Engelman, MD, tells us. In addition to acne and sunspots, melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that appears as discolored splotches on your face, primarily your cheeks, bridge of your nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Dealing with acne and brown spots can be frustrating. But if you have the right products and hyperpigmentation creams, you can even out your skin tone.

How do you treat and prevent hyperpigmentation?

The best way to prevent future hyperpigmentation is by wearing sunblock. As for alleviating any discoloration you already have, you can try over-the-counter creams, prescription creams, chemical peels, and in-office lasers (for when the hyperpigmentation is not new and requires something stronger). Some creams contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, and salicylic acid to improve pigmentation; some block the key enzyme responsible for pigment production, and others exfoliate and indirectly lighten the skin, explains Upper East Side dermatologist Estee Williams, MD.

Whether you prefer a hyperpigmentation cream, serum, or toner, there are numerous at-home options for tackling dark spots. “Fortunately, the options for treatment are expanding and becoming increasingly effective,” says Craig Kraffert, a board-certified dermatologist and president of Amarte.

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