Best Dark / Age / Sun Spot Correcting Creams Over The Counter (No Doctor Visit)
What’s the best way to remove dark spots?
Also called sun spots, age spots, or hyperpigmentation, dark spots can pop up on your face, hands, and décolletage as a result of sun exposure, genetics, hormones, and inflammation, says Howard Murad, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare. You've likely noticed freckle-like spots after a day at the beach or week-long vacation. These are sunspots or post-acne marks darkened by UV exposure, he explains. But they can also be age spots or melasma, which often occurs with pregnancy. Instead of just covering them with concealer, shop for dark spot correctors that can help lighten hyperpigmentation for good.
Once a common ingredient used in many topical skin lightening treatments, hydroquinone is now restricted by the FDA due to safety concerns. Some countries have even banned the use of hydroquinone completely due to cases of exogenous ochronosis and leukoderma.
Choose a product that is hydroquinone free!
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
What ingredients are most effective (AND SAFE) at diminishing dark spots?
- Azelaic Acid Is the Hero Ingredient You Should Be Using for Acne and Dark Spots. Not only does it keep acne at bay, but it also helps fade dark marks and evens out skin tone, including discoloration caused by hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and melasma.
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Products containing Kojic Acid are known to lighten the skin, which can improve the appearance of age spots and sun damage. The reduction of dark spots can have an anti-aging effect
- Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Treats hyperpigmentation. Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks.
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Glycolic acid is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all. It's very effective at exfoliating skin and reducing fine lines, preventing acne, fading dark spots, increasing skin thickness, and evening out skin tone and texture. So it's no surprise that you'll find it in many cult skin care products.
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Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid does so much. It boosts hydration, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, repairs your skin's tissue, and, in my particular case, kicks dark spots' behinds.
Good news: Dark spots aren’t permanent! Here's how to zap every spot and fade hyperpigmentation, whether at home or heading to the dermatologist for a professional treatment.
Here, the best over the counter dark spot remover products, treatments, and creams on the market that really work to remove dark spots on the body, according to my research
Our Sources:
#1. Hygieia Dark Spot Diminisher
Pros
- Hydroquinone free!
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Contains 5% Azelaic Acid
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Contains Kojic Acid
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Contains Niacinamide
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Contains Glycolic Acid
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid
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30-day Money-back Guarantee
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No Surprise Automatic Rebilling
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US Customer Support
Cons
- Not Available On Amazon
The Bottom Line
Hygieia Skin Care is an up and coming brand who is well known for their Crepey Skin Repair Cream that features cutting edge Liposomal absorption technology. All of their creams are based on brand new, proven science.
Their Dark Spot Diminisher cream, I had to try it. It contains all the key ingredients that are well known for being effective and diminishing and even erasing dark spots.
This company also offers a 60 day money back guarantee on all their creams, which I have tried many - they really are amazing.
After having done all the research on the ingredients and their efficacy for this use case, I picked them #1 in my rankings for completeness of formulation, fast shipping (I got mine in 2 days) and excellent customer service. As a matter of fact the founder actually responds to all the emails himself, that says alot about how much they care about their customers.
As a reader of my site you can click the link below and save up to 20% now, which is always helpful since age spots can take several months to resolve and you can save money with this offer.
This cream also comes in a 2oz jar which is double the size of most other competitors for a similar price, one jar goes a long way depending on how many areas you use it on of course.
I used this cream, here are the results...pretty amazing if you ask me!
#2 - Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum (1 fl. oz.)
Pros
- Popular Brand
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Well Known Doctor
Cons
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No Azelaic Acid
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No Kojic Acid
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No Niacinamide
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No Sodium Hyaluronate
About the product:
Dr. Murad's next generation of powerhouse brightening ingredients take on the look of the most stubborn dark spots while treating your skin with the same care that a dermatologist would. This transformative, daily use serum goes one step beyond correction with antioxidant resorcinol that helps prevent the look of dark spots for more even skintone in the future. Glycolic acid, one of the first and most sought-after exfoliants in Dr. Murad’s dermatology practice, removes dulling surface cells to quickly enhance natural radiance, penetration and performance of ingredients for better results.
Overall this is a well known brand that I have bought from in the past, I just happen to think its missing a few key ingredients.
3.Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum
Pros
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Nice package
Cons
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No Azelaic Acid
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No Kojic Acid
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No Niacinamide
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No Sodium Hyaluronate
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Expensive
The Bottom Line
What it is: A highly concentrated, oil-free serum to visibly combat dark spots, even skin tone, and boost radiance. This new-and-improved brightening serum is now more effective, cleaner, and comes in new sustainable packaging.
Suggested Usage:
-Apply morning and evening to face, neck, and décolleté.
-Follow with Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer (sold separately) for better results.
At $79 for only 1oz, this seems like an expensive product to me, especially since it does not contain any of the well known ingredients thought to be effective for treating dark spots
Studies I Referenced:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100180
https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(18)31362-9/fulltext
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On our page you may find affiliate links for which we could be compensated by clicking on them. The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Results are based on the Best Beets Review Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.