How To Prevent & Treat Dark Spots, According To Research

UV exposure is the most common trigger for dark spots (that's why they're often called sun spots as a nickname). The UV radiation triggers inflammation in the skin, which sets off a reaction in the melanocytes, the skin's pigment-producing cells.

These pigment-producers then overproduce in certain areas, creating dark spots. 

Now that I've covered how it happens, I want to spend the rest of this article explaining how to make sure it doesn't. Because rest assured: Dark spots are 100% avoidable and treatable.

"Textural aging—like wrinkles and fine lines—is something you expect when people age, but pigment is optional," celebrity esthetician Candace Marino (known as "The L.A. Facialist") told me on my podcast. "If you protect and care for your skin, you don't have to have the discoloration."

But sun care extends far beyond SPF. It's also about how you spend your time in the sun. Wear protective clothing and accessories, such as UPF fabrics, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses when outdoors.

Avoid peak sun hours to avoid the worst of the direct light. And never use SPF application as an excuse to sunbathe for sport. 

Antioxidants help stop the cascade of free radical damage triggered by UV radiation. Free radicals play a pivotal role in the formation of dark spots2, so by neutralizing these molecules, you can help avoid dark spots altogether.

Essentially they effectively stop the chain reaction that goes from sun damage to dark spots. 

Not only do they halt the free radical rampage of damage, but they can also improve sunscreen efficacy. In fact, research has shown that using antioxidants alongside SPF can help improve the protective qualities of sunscreen3, especially of UVA and visible light.

Antioxidants can help internally as well. Research shows that ingesting certain nutrients can bolster your skin's ability to deal with UV radiation.

Certain ingredients have been shown to help manage the pigment production process so that melanocytes aren't overproducing in certain areas, resulting in dark spots.

These ingredients are often found in dark spot-correcting serums and creams, and they can be very beneficial for those dealing with sun spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layers of the stratum corneum, which is made up of dead skin cells. This can help reveal brighter, softer skin underneath. However, it's very important to not overdo it—these layers of dead skin cells serve a very important purpose as a shield and buffer against environmental stressors. 

It's also important to note that while exfoliation doesn't stop dark spots from forming, it can help fade existing spots and even out overall tone. So exfoliation should be paired with other preventive steps (such as SPF and antioxidants) to help avoid dark spots altogether. 

Opt for chemical exfoliators alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) in a strength your skin is able to tolerate. For those with more sensitive skin, mandelic or lactic acids are the way to go.

Retinol is the wunderkind of skin concerns: It can upregulate the collagen production process, speed up skin cell turnover, reduce excess oil production, manage acne, and yes, even help fade dark spots.

As we age, our skin life cycle slows down—so the surface isn't overturned as often. This can result in dark spots sticking around longer, accumulating more, and appearing more severe. Retinol's ability to brighten dark spots and even tone14 is largely thanks to the fact that it speeds up cell turnover. 

Like many skin concerns, inflammation plays a big role in dark spot development. That's why tools that manage the inflammatory response can be a helpful treatment. 

Red light and infrared therapy have also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body15. As a downstream effect of this, research also notes that LED light therapy improves skin tone16 and decreases dullness (which can likely be attributed to a reduction of inflammation).

And of course, visiting a professional is always a worthwhile endeavor if you have access to and can afford it. Estheticians and dermatologists have a host of tools that can help fade dark spots quickly and effectively, from lasers to microdermabrasion to chemical peels.