Skincare

How To Remove Dark Spots On Face Fast

Megan Alphonso

Freckles are cute and all, but those big dark spots and clumps of pigmentation are a big NO, NO!

If there’s anything we detest more, it’s definitely gnarly dark spots A.K.A. hyperpigmentation. And if you are someone who is dealing with hyperpigmentation, you must know how we feel - Completely and utterly frustrated! They are difficult to hide even with makeup and fade away at a leisurely pace. But the good news is that we can blot them out with a spesh cocktail of ingredients and products. To help you out, we are answering all your questions and revealing all those secret ingredients so that you can serve your skin that delicious cocktail. Keep scrolling for everything you truly need to know on how to remove dark spots on the face fast.

Before we get to the recipe for magic, let’s understand what causes dark spots in the first place.

 

What causes dark spots on the face?

Causes of dark spots
What causes dark spots on the face?

Not all dark spots A.K.A. Hyperpigmentation is caused due to the same reason. They can be a result of scars caused due to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation from old breakouts, Photo Damage due to sun exposure and, thirdly, Melasma that hormones can trigger- this is most often seen in pregnant women.

 

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation due to inflammation from breakouts is discolouration caused by the skin’s natural response to inflammation. As the skin heals from acne, it naturally produces excess melanin, which darkens the skin, leaving behind dark spots, ranging from pink to red, purple, brown, or black. The worse the inflammation, the bigger and darker the spot can be. Also, the famous saying, never pop a pimple is there for a reason, peeps. Which is precisely why popping pimples can increase the likelihood of developing dark spots.

 

2. Photo Damage

A common cause of dark spots is sun damage. When exposed to the sun’s harmful U.V. rays, the skin releases melanin which acts as a natural sunscreen. Melanin absorbs the energy from U.V. rays and redistributes it. But, the sun can trigger the production of too much melanin, leading to dark patches on the skin. These brown or black spots tend to dot the face, hands, back, feet and shoulders as they are usually exposed to the sun.

 

3. Melasma

When hormone levels spiral up and down, a common side effect is a change in pigmentation called Melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation generally develops during pregnancy, on the nose, cheeks, jawline, forehead or chin, creating a pattern called “mask of pregnancy” or “chloasma.” Hormonal therapies and extra hormones stimulate the production of melanin. This type of hyperpigmentation typically lasts until the pregnancy ends or hormonal levels return to a balanced state.

Okay, now you know where the dark spots come from, it’s time to get a handle on them.

We’ve jotted down the best treatment for dark spots on the face along with some super ingredients.

 

Ingredients for the Dark Spot Disperse Cocktail

 

1. Squeeze some fresh Vitamin C 

Brighten up with Vitamin C
Squeeze some fresh Vitamin C

If you aren’t already using this W.Y.D.?? It’s time you give your skin a fresh squeeze of this potent antioxidant. It’ll block free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin- which can lead to wrinkles and a dull complexion. Vitamin C also inhibits enzymes that produce melanin in the skin, reducing discolouration of the skin. Learn how to get rid of dark spots with the best Vitamin C products.

 

Ways to level up your Vitamin C game

a) Biotique Advanced Organics Vitamin C Dark Spot Solution

Biotique Advanced Organics Vitamin C Dark Spot Solution (30 ml)
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Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Net Volume: 30ml

This spot solution removes skin discolouration, evens skin tone, brightens skin from within, and leaves the skin hydrated and healthy.

How to use:

  1. Take a few drops on your palm
  2. Massage it onto cleansed skin
  3. Use twice daily

Explore: Amazing face serum by Biotique

 

b) Vit Citrus Vitamin C & Vitamin B3 Skin Glow Serum with Orange Extract

Best Treatment for dark spots Vitamin C
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Customer Rating: 3.9 / 5

Net Volume: 10ml

This face serum makes sure to give you radiant skin. Infused with Orange Peel, it is filled with Vitamin C that fights free radicals and damage caused by U.V. radiation. While vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) in it is another ingredient that works well against dark spots and smoothes skin texture.

How to use:

  1. Take a few drops on your palm
  2. Massage it onto cleansed skin
  3. Use twice daily

Explore: Top rated products by Vit Citrus

 

2. Drop some Salicylic Acid

Exfoliate Dark spots with Salicylic Acid

Exfoliate away those dark spots with Salicylic Acid, a chemical exfoliant that you might also know as Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). Dark spots from acne benefit the most from using Salicylic Acid.

It gently exfoliates the upper layers of dead skin and speeds up the formation of new skin cells. This reduces the appearance of dark spots. Salicylic Acid is the best treatment for dark spots on the face.

 

Take sight of these Salicylic Acid maestros

 

c) The Derma co.2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne & Acne Marks

Treat Dark Spots with Salicylic Acid Serum
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Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 30ml

This oil-soluble serum clears dead skin cells, fades dark spots quickly and easily penetrates deep within the pores to clear sebum clogs.

How to use:

  1. Take a few drops on your palm
  2. Massage it onto cleansed skin
  3. Use twice daily

Explore: Amazing face serum by Derma co.

 

3. Blend in the sweet Papaya

Papaya is one of the best natural treatment for dark spots

This fruit will definitely have your skin shouting out loud- PAPA-YEAH! It works as a natural exfoliant that’ll brighten your overall skin tone. Papaya has fruit acids known as A.H.A.s (alpha-hydroxy acids), which gently exfoliates the upper layers of the skin, removing dull and dead skin cells

 

Wondering how to remove black marks on the face quickly? Join this Papaya party

 

d) Good Vibes Papaya Brightening Face Wash

Papaya Face wash for bright skin
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Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Net Volume: 120ml

This gentle face wash detoxifies the skin of excess oil, fades away dark spots, exfoliates and brightens the skin, leaving it soft, smooth and glowing.

How to use:

  1. Apply a pea-sized amount onto your face
  2. Massage with your fingertips in circular motions 
  3. Rinse off with water and pat dry

Explore: Top selling face wash by Good Vibes

 

e) VLCC Papaya Fruit Facial Kit

VLCC Papaya Fruit Facial Kit (60 g)
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Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 60g

VLCC Papaya Fruit Facial lightens blemishes, minimizes enlarged pores and fades superficial pigmentation. It provides an even skin tone and fairer complexion.

How to use:

  1. Apply the Cleanser cum Toner onto the face, massage it for 2-3 minutes and wipe off with a moist cotton
  2. Mix the Scrub with water, apply the paste onto your face, massage for 5-7 minutes and rinse off with cold water
  3. Apply the Lotion and gently massage with your fingertips
  4. Using your fingertips, apply the Massage Cream and massage for 10-15 minutes
  5. Apply the Tan Mask evenly onto your face, relax for 10-15 minutes, wipe off with a wet tissue and gently rinse off with lukewarm water. 
  6. Take the moisturizing gel onto your fingertips and gently massage it all over your face

Explore: Genuine Facial kit by VLCC

 

4. Sprinkle the age-old fav- Turmeric

Turmeric for Dark Spots

This little spice is a wizard at fading dark spots. Turmeric has been used for centuries now, due to its healing properties. Turmeric has been shown to inhibit the skin's melanin production, which results in spots due to hyperpigmentation. Turmeric being the best treatment for dark spots on the face makes it our favourite. You can check out these simple home remedies for hyperpigmentation!

 

Meet the M.V.P. products

f) Mamaearth Ubtan Natural Face Wash With Turmeric & Saffron

Mama Earth Ubtan Face wash for fading away hyperpigmentation
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Customer Rating: 4.4/ 5

Net Volume: 100ml

Loaded with antioxidants, rich in Turmeric and enriched with Saffron, this face wash cleanses skin impurities, protects the skin from free-radical damage, and lightens skin tone.

How to use:

  1. Apply a pea-sized amount onto your face
  2. Massage with your fingertips in circular motions 
  3. Rinse off with water and pat dry

Explore: Best selling faces washes by mamaearth

 

g) Alps Goodness Powder - Wild Turmeric

Wild Turmeric Powder Face Mask for dark spot treatment
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Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Net Volume: 150g

Give those dark spots a powdery shot with Alps Goodness Wild Turmeric powder. It enhances skin complexion by fading away blemishes and hyperpigmentation for an even skin tone. This powder imparts a radiant glow with every use.

How to use:

  1. Take 20 gm of the powder and add 100 ml water to it
  2. Using your fingers, apply the paste onto your skin
  3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes
  4. Rinse with water and pat dry

Explore: Top selling Alps Goodness product

 

And… lastly but most importantly, prevention with SUNSCREEN is KEY!

Prevent Dark Spots with Sunscreen

There is one rule we live by, and that’s dousing our skin in sunscreen. Whether indoors or outdoors, sunscreen is one thing we NEVER and when we say, we literally mean it, ever miss out on. We hope you are much like us, and if not, it’s never too late to start.

Regularly using sunblock is your best bet against those nasty dark spots. It shields your skin from the biggest culprits: U.V. Rays. Why leave your skin to fend off those harmful rays? Give it a helping hand with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

 

Follow these shady heroes

h) Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin)

Neutrogena Sunblock - 80ml
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Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Net Volume: 80ml

This sunblock is a mineral sunscreen formulated with pure screen technology that uses zinc oxide to provide a superior photostable physical screen barrier on the skin to absorb, reflect and scatter UVA/UVB rays effectively.

How to use:

  1. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure
  2. Wait for 15 minutes to let it absorb
  3. Re-apply every 2 hours

Explore: Genuine Face sunscreen by Neutrogena

 

i) Plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++

Green Tea Infused Sunscreen to keep dark spots at bay
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Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Net Volume: 50ml

It is created with love, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. The sheer light-wear comfort of this non-comedogenic SPF 35 plus UVA sunscreen gel puts the fun back into being in the sun.

How to use:

  1. Cleanse your face and pat dry
  2. Massage the gel onto your face
  3. Let it absorb for 10 minutes
  4. Re-apply after 2-3 hours

There you have it! The Dark Spot Disperse Cocktail is ready to be served.

But remember, the time it takes to get rid of these dark spots varies from person to person or the type of hyperpigmentation. It can take up to two weeks to a month, mainly if the spot is a few shades darker than one's skin colour.

Now that you know how to remove dark spots on face fast, add these goodies to your skincare routine and kiss those dark spots goodbye!

And before we leave, we advise you to do a patch test before applying anything to your face. If the dark spots are itchy, bleed or change in colour or size it is a must to see a doctor.

 

Read More: 
- End dark spot drama with Kojic Acid
- Top 5 Hacks To Remove Dark Spots With Home Remedies 

#Skincare

About Megan Alphonso

A copy and content writer with five years of experience, creating engaging content disseminated across various channels. As a Senior Writer for Purplle.com, she covers all things all things beauty, skincare and fashion. As a writer, she is passionate about feeding the world with the latest skincare and makeup tips and tricks alongside with what's in with the new and out with the old. You'll find her whipping up some delicious baked goods or watching a heartfelt K-drama when she isn't writing.