Dealing with dark spots on your face can be a real bummer! In fact, it is the number 1 most common problem that we here at myeppo get asked about.
But don’t worry, friend!
In this post, we’ll give you the lowdown on how to tackle hyperpigmentation head-on. First, we’ll define what dark spots are and talk about what causes them. Then, we’ll share our top picks for skincare products that can help fade and prevent dark spots on your face. Let’s get started!
What are Dark Spots on the Face?
Dark spots on the face are those pesky patches of hyperpigmentation that can be caused by all sorts of things. Maybe you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun, or your hormones are changing. Whatever the cause, these spots can really cramp your style and make you feel down.
Types of Dark Spots on the Face
There are a few different types of dark spots you might see on your face. Age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and sun spots are the most common. No matter what type of dark spot you’re dealing with, though, we’ve got some tips to help you fade them away!
What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?
There are a few things that can contribute to the development of dark spots on your face.
- Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun can trigger the production of melanin, leading to the development of dark spots on the face. This is especially true for tropical countries such as Malaysia ☀️?.
- Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or with the use of hormonal birth control, can lead to the development of dark spots on the face.
- Aging: As we age, our skin becomes less able to repair itself, and the production of melanin can become irregular, leading to the development of dark spots on the face.
- Inflammation: Injuries, acne, and other forms of inflammation can trigger the production of melanin, leading to the development of dark spots on the face.
Best Skincare Products to Help Fade and Prevent Dark Spots on the Face
Here are some of our favourite skincare products that can help you fade and prevent dark spots on your face:
Chemical exfoliants
Get rid of dead skin cells and fade dark spots with chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs. Start slowly and gradually build up to higher strengths. AHA and BHA toners are great ways to incorporate chemical exfoliants to brighten your skin.
- Sale Product on saleBeauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA (150ml)
RM74.90Original price was: RM74.90.RM55.00Current price is: RM55.00. - Sale Product on saleCOSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner (150ml)
RM70.00Original price was: RM70.00.RM47.00Current price is: RM47.00.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Apply it every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours if you’re outside.
- Sale Product on saleBeauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) (50ml)
RM69.90Original price was: RM69.90.RM65.00Current price is: RM65.00. - Sale Product on saleIsntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream (50ml)
RM95.00Original price was: RM95.00.RM75.00Current price is: RM75.00. - Sale Product on saleCOSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ (50ml)
RM65.00Original price was: RM65.00.RM45.00Current price is: RM45.00. - Sale Product on saleAXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen
RM85.00Original price was: RM85.00.RM65.00Current price is: RM65.00.
Confused about how to wear sunscreen? We’ve covered more here.
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten and even out your skin tone. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, and also helps neutralize free radicals that can damage your skin. Apply your vitamin C serum after cleansing and toning your skin, and before applying your moisturizer. And don’t forget to always wear sunscreen when using Vitamin C as it can cause hypersensitivity to skin!
- Sale Product on saleJumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum (30ml)
RM93.00Original price was: RM93.00.RM49.00Current price is: RM49.00. - Sale Product on saleSOME BY MI Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Serum (50ml)
RM99.00Original price was: RM99.00.RM59.00Current price is: RM59.00. - Sale Product on saleHolika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C+ Serum
RM129.90Original price was: RM129.90.RM87.90Current price is: RM87.90.
Curious to know some of our top picks for Vitamin C serums? Check our guide here.
Retinol
Reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines with a retinol product that gradually builds up to higher strengths. Start with a low concentration and be sure to use sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Sale Product on saleCOSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil (20ml)
RM112.00Original price was: RM112.00.RM75.00Current price is: RM75.00. - Sale Product on saleCOSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream (20ml)
RM86.00Original price was: RM86.00.RM80.00Current price is: RM80.00. - Sale Product on saleThe Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (30ml)
RM70.00Original price was: RM70.00.RM57.00Current price is: RM57.00.
Niacinamide
This versatile skincare ingredient can help reduce inflammation, brighten skin, and even out skin tone. Look for products that contain niacinamide to help prevent the formation of dark spots. And don’t forget about the other added benefits of this super ingredient that can reduce oiliness and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Sale Product on saleAXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
RM79.00Original price was: RM79.00.RM60.00Current price is: RM60.00.
Alpha Arbutin
This is a popular skincare ingredient that is known to help with reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is a natural derivative of hydroquinone and works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives color to the skin.
- Sale Product on saleBeauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum : Rice + Alpha Arbutin (30ml)
RM66.90Original price was: RM66.90.RM56.00Current price is: RM56.00. - The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum (30ml)RM70.00
Conclusion
There you have it, friend! With these tips and products, you’ll be able to fade and prevent those pesky dark spots on your face.
If you’re still unsure what would work well for your skin, remember that you can always take the myeppo skin quiz. Just answer 13 questions and the quiz will recommend products for you based on your personal skin type and skin concerns!
Cheers to healthy, happy skin!