“Treating dark spots can seem like a vicious cycle. As soon as one fades, another pops up,” says board-certified Miami-based dermatologist and Clinique Derm Pro Dr. Adriane Pompa. Sometimes, one that faded is suddenly more prominent, seemingly out of nowhere. If left unaddressed, pronounced hyperpigmentation can stick around for months, even years. But with the right skin care routine and a few simple lifestyle changes, you can successfully reduce the appearance of dark spots on your own. Here's everything you need to know.

What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin (the pigment that gives skin color) is overproduced, creating dark spots that vary in size, color and quantity. When a skin cell is attacked by an aggressor, it automatically starts to produce an excessive amount of melanin as a means of self-defense, which may lead to the emergence of dark spots. The most common aggressors are hard to avoid: sun exposure and free radical damage from pollution, which cause age spots; hormone fluctuations from birth control or pregnancy, which cause melasma; and skin trauma from acne breakouts (or picking them) as well as cuts, scrapes and rashes, all of which can lead to post-inflammatory scars.

Break the dark spot cycle.
“In the office, I use a variety of treatments like chemical peels and lasers, but there’s a clinically proven way to break the dark spot cycle at home,” says Dr. Pompa.

Step 1: powerful correcting
Apply Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter morning and night. “I call it the damage eraser,” says Dr. Pompa. The superpower in this targeted serum: patented CL302 Equalizer Technology, which delivers dramatic correcting results, yet is gentle enough to use daily. Inspired by Border Silver, a botanical known in Chinese medicine to have brightening benefits, this complex also contains glucosamine, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and yeast extract to tackle dark spots from all directions. “It exfoliates away dark spots, breaks up large clusters of pigment so they’re less visible, making your skin tone look more even,” explains Dr. Pompa. 

The serum also contains skin soothing ingredients, like Gyokuro Green Tea, to help interrupt future darkening. “The calmer your skin, the better it can resist future damage,” explains Pompa.

Step 2: treat + conceal
For instantly more even looking skin and additional correcting benefits, try Even Better™ Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15. This foundation formula is powered by skin care ingredients to not only give you a natural-looking complexion, but with daily use, it also helps visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots. Another bonus: it has broad-spectrum SPF 15. “I can’t stress this enough, SPF is a daily must-have. It’s the best way to prevent future dark spots from forming,” Dr. Pompa explains.

Photos: Anairam | Words: Terry Tom Brown and Hilary Presley