Lighten Up! Dark Spot Removal & Hyperpigmentation 101

Sun damage, acne scars, pregnancy, and even certain medicines—they can all be causes of hyperpigmentation, more commonly referred to as dark spots. This darkening of the skin is caused by an increased production of melanin, the substance in the body that’s responsible for producing color in the skin, eyes, and hair. People with darker skin tones, like those of Asian, Mediterranean, and African descent, are more prone to hyperpigmentation because their skin already produces more melanin than that of someone with fair skin.

This darkening of the skin can appear as freckles, melasma (common with pregnancy), age spots, and liver spots; for some, it can be very bothersome. There are several ways to rid yourself of hyperpigmentation, ranging from expensive medical spa laser services or chemical peels to at-home treatments like topical skin lightening, brightening, and whitening products.

If, like me, you’ve spent a little too much time sun-worshipping over the years (whether naturally or artificially tanning), your skin, whether or not it shows, is damaged. Thankfully, the damage can be reversed with the right products. Over the last year I’ve tried and tested a handful of products claiming to lighten and brighten my skin and get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. While many did nothing but moisturize, here’s my list of four products that effectively and permanently removed my hyperpigmentation:

Eminence Organics Bright Skin Collection – “Nature’s answer to your uneven complexion,” Eminence Organics Bright Skin Collection includes a cleanser, masque, and moisturizer with SPF 30, which I’ve found best work together to tackle hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discoloration. The products use a power-player blend of bearberry extract (a lightening antioxidant), GigaWhite™ (a signature antioxidant that restores luminosity to the skin), licorice root, and a natural hydroquinone alternative (made with African potato and Tara tree, this is a natural alternative to the commonly used chemical brightening agent).

Bright Skin Cleanser, $38; Bright Skin Masque, $54; Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 30, $58; click here to find a spa retailer near you.

Repêchage Biolight^™ Collection–Using its signature marine bio-technology and the latest skin-brightening science, Repêchage’s Biolight™ Collection erases hyperpigmentation and helps stop it from happening in the future. I’ve become a fast fan of the Biolight™ Brightening Skin Correct Serum, thanks to its incredible brightening properties. The serum uses three unique peptides, an exclusive Laminaria complex (that contains two select EcoCert seaweeds), willow bark, goto kola, and licorice extracts in order to speed up cell renewal. Plus, watermelon extract helps to protect against DNA damage, which results in discoloration of the skin.

Biolight™ Brightening Skin Correct Serum, $70; repechage.com

Somme Institute’s MDT5™–Somme Institute uses Molecular Dispersion Technology (MDT5), a compound of five engineered vitamins (A, B3, B5, C, and E) attached to proteins that target skin-cell receptors, allowing the vitamins to penetrate deep beyond the skin’s surface. Use the seven products in a step-by-step process, which eventually becomes second nature. The results are amazing, and I will let the photos speak for themselves, but years of sun damage can be reversed, all while improving skin tone, texture, and clarity.

Somme Institute’s MDT5™ Intro Kit, $28; sommeinstitute.com

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub – Acure Organics products are some of my very favorite; totally affordable, fair trade, natural, and certified organic…it’s no wonder I fell in love with the Brightening Facial Scrub. The scrub, which is a deep, dark green, uses organic sea kelp to gently exfoliate skin, French green clay, along with organic lemon peel, to un-clog pores, and organic chlorella factor with argan stem cells to stimulate new cell growth and brighten your complexion.

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub, $14; acureorganics.com

More often than not hyperpigmentation is harmless, but it can also be a serious red flag. Please see your doctor if you are concerned about the possibility of melanoma.

Have a product you swear by for dark spot removal? Let us know in the comments!

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