Everyone’s skincare routine is different. Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and sunscreen are the basic components of most skin care routines (be sure to wear SPF each and every day to prevent wrinkles and sunspots!). But when you’re ready to upgrade your skincare routine, serums are the powerful boosters that help get you to a new place. There are many different kinds of serums and each one has its own unique purpose. Some serums have ingredients that help to brighten your skin or fight the signs of aging, while others fight skin blemishes, like dark spots.
To learn more about dark spots and the serums to make them disappear we spoke with Harman Awal, a beauty and skincare expert, and Dr. Alberto de la Fuente Garcia, a board-certified dermatologist at VIDA Wellness and Beauty. They said vitamin C and niacinamide serums because they inhibit melanin production. Find out more below!
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Niacinamide
Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color. Dark spots on the skin are caused by acne scars, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal changes (many pregnant women experience an uptick in dark spots during and after their pregnancy).
"Dark spots can vary in size and shape. While these spots are typically harmless, some may indicate a more serious underlying problem, such as skin cancer. If you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of your dark spots, make sure to see a dermatologist for an evaluation," Dr. De la Fuente Garcia says. They're not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. But, before you go the surgery route, try some serums first. One serum that does wonders for dark spots, is Niacinamide.
Awal explains, "Niacinamide lightens dark areas, fades discoloration, and works as an anti-inflammatory–to create a unique and incredible combination for the perfect complexion. I am a huge fan of The Ordinary Niacinamide serum. This powerful serum is filled with high-grade ingredients, so you can trust it won't harm your skin." Noted!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vitamin found in fruits, mainly citrus, and vegetables, like bell peppers. It's sold as a dietary supplement and used to strengthen gut health and treat scurvy! But, when it comes to blemishes, vitamin C is also an ingredient commonly found in topical serums that make dark spots disappear.
"Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation. It can also help protect against UV damage and free radicals while boosting collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles," Dr. De La Fuente Garcia says. And, if you are struggling with wrinkles, there are three serum ingredients that can help smooth out lines and creases.
Bottom line
While applying serums daily can help reduce dark spots, the foods you eat are also important for the skin. A diet full of nutrient-rich nuts, vegetables, and fruit may help fend off age-related damage like wrinkles, inflammation, and dark spots. Awal emphasizes the power of de-aging superfoods, "If the dark spots on your skin have been bothering you, there are a few simple ways to get them under control. One way is to look closely at your diet and choose foods that help reduce dark spots. Eating fresh fruits like apples, mangoes, and oranges, plus veggies like broccoli and tomatoes, can do wonders for your skin!"
There you have it, two fundamental serums that are designed to make dark spots disappear–all expert and dermatologist-approved. Add these serums to your daily skincare routine and you're bound to see results soon!
