It's a fact that melanin-blessed skin tones are susceptible to hyperpigmentation, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to support your skin barrier for visibly brighter, more even-toned skin. Over the past few years, I've noticed dark spots around my eyes, forehead, and chin, perhaps evidence of inadequate skincare routines of the past. Since becoming a beauty editor, I've learned a thing or two about the products to employ to prevent future hyperpigmentation and address what has already made itself visible on my complexion.
My skin has grown noticeably more even in tone and texture, and I owe it all to a few key additions to my skincare routine since I've reached my mid-20s. Scroll to discover 12 of my favorite serums, exfoliants, masks, creams, and toners to help combat the appearance of dark spots, acne scaring, and more in deep skin tones!
Lately, I've been on an aquatic-based skincare kick. Enriched with bioactive micro-algae, silica, and sea water derived from the Iceland's Blue Lagoon, this facial does wonders for boosting natural skin glow and a smooth, youthful complexion. Customer review: "I love this algae mask! I'm recently experienced it at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and was happy to find a travel size version of it online...My face looks instantly brighter and feels good after using it."
I swear by this water-activated powder exfoliant for even, radiant-looking skin. Formulated with 50% vitamin C, fermented pomegranate enzyme, and rice flour, it works to gently remove surface buildup, debris, and dead skin cells. Customer review: "I notice a lot of brightening and smoothing after using this. I normally can’t handle stronger exfoliants so this is perfect and gentle for my dry skin. I use it 1-2 times a week and it keeps my skin fresh and smooth."
Every now and then, I also use this this gentle enzyme-peel mask for an at-home facial. Glycolic acid, Viniferine, and natural AHA work to visibly brighten and smooth the complexion without striping the skin barrier of its natural oils. Customer review: "I love this mask! I’ve used it during pregnancy and postpartum and it’s the only mask that is gentle yet effective. I’m currently using medical grade skincare and honestly it didn’t change my skin until I added this back into my routine 2-3x a week. Highly recommend for acne prone and scarred skin!"
Since incorporating the Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel into my skincare routine two months ago, I've noticed a major change in the appearance of my most noticeable dark spots. This one is safe to use morning and night, fading hyperpigmentation without irritation. Customer review: "I have only used this one week but I can tell a little difference. I have sunspots that are from aging and they are very stubborn. I am even putting this on top of my hands along with Versed sunscreen. I think it’s already making a difference. I’m hoping in a month to see an even bigger improvement. I also use the Vitamin C serum and brightening toner."
For larger areas of hyperpigmentation, I like to go in with Topicals' best-selling Faded Serum to brighten the skin tone and improve texture. Ideal for all ethnicities and skin shades, the serum can also be used to address post-blemish marks, scars, and spots. Customer review: "As a darker skin woman I’ve always suffered from discoloration all of my life. I used to be so insecure about my skin until finding out about Topicals. The faded serum has done so more for me with clearing my dark spots to boosting my confidence. It feels good to actually have a company created from woman of color so to the CEO—thank you!"
While I've yet to get my hands on it, I've heard nothing but good things about this Kiehl's correcting serum. Its unique formula includes white birch extract to even skin tone, peony extract for protection against oxidative damage, and activated C to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Customer review: "I have been using this product for about two weeks and I have noticed a difference in my complexion. My acne spots and scars are starting to fade. I have a huge dark spot on my face that nothing seems to help so I am hoping with time this product will work for it too."
Not all skin types react to vitamin C. Luckily, there are spot-correcting serums available like this one by Caudalié that employ an alternative ingredient. It's formulated with the brand's patented vitamin sap Viniferine to promote visibly even-toned skin. Customer review: "A staple in my routine. it is singularly the only product i have found that has visibly lightened my dark spots and evened out my complexion. I went through several samples before buying the full size bottle. I can’t tolerate most derivatives of vitamin C and this works so well for my skin!"
The Elemis Superfood Facial Oil uses a nourishing blend of rice bran oil, omega-rich broccoli, flaxseed, and daikon radish to brighten and smooth the skin. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and easily, making it easy to add to your skincare routine. Customer review: "I absolutely love, love this product! I've tried many serums/oils and nothing compares. It has really improved the texture and look of my skin. It's softened my fine lines and gives my skin a dewy feel."
One of the newest additions to my tireless crusade against hyperpigmentation, Oak Essentials' Ritual Oil employs blue-tansy extract to sooth the skin while clarifying tone and texture. For added hydration, I apply the oil to damp skin after a spritz of the brand's Balancing Mist. Customer review: "I’ve been using this oil for nearly two years. This oil is amazing. Corrects imbalance within a day or two, and I have absolutely no break outs, stinging, itching or redness. It’s part of my routine for life."
Seaweed-infused products have been another holy-grail ingredient for brightening and evening my complexion. Designed for dry, sensitive skin, the Dayglow Face Oil combines seaweed and mineral-rich Undaria algae to support a healthy moisture barrier. Customer review: "I've been using this oil for a few weeks now and it is really nice. Gives my skin a nice glow. It does not irritate or break me out. I use 1-2 pumps for my face and neck. Light and pleasant scent."
Thousands of glowing reviews led me to try The Ordinary's Exfoliating Toning Solution for improved radiance and clarity. It deserves all the hype it gets with a powerful formula featuring 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, and more. Customer review: "I been using this for the pass few weeks and I am really starting to see a difference In my face. I have uneven skin color around my lips and neck and it does wonders. I can't wait to see results in the next couple of weeks."
Have you every heard of cell phone neck? With all the time we spend looking down at our phones, visible lines can form. For the melanin-bless like me, they're even more noticeable. I've been using Caudalié's retinol alternative serum to smooth the away while also targeting the fine lines around my mouth and under-eyes. Customer review: "I bought this serum with my own money (not gifted) and was a little nervous because it’s so expensive but it did not disappoint! I’ve been using for almost two months and can 100% see a difference, especially under my eyes. So smooth! My skin is so much happier and healthier looking! Love!"
