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Dark spot corrector

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Find the cause first

The AAD says dark spots often appear when a pimple or psoriasis patch clears, after an injury such as a bite, cut or burn, with certain medications, when a skin or hair product irritates the skin, or with hormonal changes such as pregnancy. If you can eliminate the cause, many spots clear on their own and new ones stop forming.

• Acne, eczema or psoriasis: treat the condition first; see our acne spot treatment guide.
• Irritating products: switch to gentler ones labeled for sensitive skin or fragrance-free.
• Medications: do not stop a medicine on your own; ask the prescriber whether discoloration is a side effect.

Sunscreen comes first

The AAD says effective treatment for dark spots begins with sunscreen, and suggests a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide, which helps protect skin from visible light, a cause of dark spots. It should also be SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water resistant, and non-comedogenic if your skin is oily.

Iron oxide appears in the inactive ingredients, not the active ones, because it protects against visible light rather than UV rays. CeraVe's Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint, for example, lists iron oxides on its Drug Facts label. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating, and add a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. See our mineral sunscreen guide.

Fading ingredients compared

The ingredient list is from the AAD, which also names kojic acid. The AAD says these ingredients can fade existing dark spots and, in some cases, slow melanin production. Product details are from The Ordinary's page and the Differin Drug Facts label.

How to use a dark spot product

• Patch test. The Ordinary advises patch testing before use.
• Apply as directed. The Ordinary says a small amount morning and evening for its azelaic acid; the Differin label says once daily over the whole affected area, no more.
• Protect from the sun every day, since retinoids and acids can raise sun sensitivity.
• Stop if it burns or stings, or if irritation occurs; irritation can itself cause dark spots, the AAD notes.
• Be patient. Fading takes months, not days.

For more on these ingredients, see our vitamin C serum guide, retinol serum guide and niacinamide serum guide.

Products to avoid

The AAD warns that researchers have found unlisted steroids or mercury in some skin care products imported from other countries. Steroids can cause pimples and rashes, and long-term use can leave skin thin, fragile or permanently discolored. It recommends buying products made in the United States or recommended by your dermatologist, and says never to apply liquid bleach to your skin.

Treat big promises cautiously, and check that a product lists its active ingredient clearly.

Age spots and when to see a dermatologist

Age spots appear where the sun often hits, such as the face and hands. The AAD recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist before treating them, because other spots, including skin cancer, can look similar, and fading a skin cancer gives it time to grow. Creams take discipline: once or twice a day for weeks or months.

Spots that lie deep in the skin, often slate blue to gray, can take years to fade. A dermatologist can offer prescription creams, laser treatment, cryosurgery or chemical peels when over-the-counter products are not enough.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What ingredients fade dark spots?

The AAD lists azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, retinoids and vitamin C.

How long does it take for dark spots to fade?

Spots a few shades darker than your skin usually fade within 6 to 12 months, per the AAD; deep spots can take years.

Why does sunscreen matter for dark spots?

The AAD says treatment begins with sunscreen, ideally tinted with iron oxide to block visible light.

Are imported skin lightening creams safe?

The AAD warns some contain unlisted steroids or mercury.

Should I see a doctor for age spots?

The AAD recommends a dermatologist check first, since skin cancer can look similar.

Sources

• How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
• What can get rid of age spots? (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (theordinary.com), The Ordinary
• Differin Gel (adapalene gel, 0.1%) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Light Sheer Tint label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Sources checked 2026-10-15.