Dark spots sticking around long after the blemish has gone? From post-acne marks to sun-induced pigmentation, uneven skin tone can have a number of causes - but the right skincare routine can help.

From vitamin C and niacinamide to azelaic and kojic acid, ingredients that target excess pigment, support skin renewal and brighten uneven tone can help fade the appearance of dark spots over time. We’re breaking down how they work and how to build them into your routine.

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation happen when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. This can cause certain areas to appear darker than the surrounding skin, from small marks left after blemishes to larger patches of uneven tone.

Hyperpigmentation is the broader term for areas of increased pigmentation and can include post-acne marks, sun or age spots, melasma and isolated dark spots.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Sun exposure - UV exposure can trigger excess melanin production and make existing pigmentation appear darker.
• Acne and blemishes - inflammation can leave behind flat dark marks known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Hormonal changes - hormonal fluctuations can contribute to pigmentation such as melasma.
• Skin irritation and inflammation - eczema, picking blemishes and over-exfoliating can trigger excess pigment as the skin heals.
• Cumulative sun exposure - repeated UV exposure over time can make sun and age spots more noticeable.

Flat dark marks left after a breakout are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than true acne scars. They may appear brown, grey or darker than your natural skin tone.

Acne scars involve a change in skin texture, such as indents or raised areas, so they may require a different approach.

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for any area of skin that becomes darker due to increased melanin.

Melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that usually appears as larger, symmetrical patches, commonly across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Hormones, sun exposure and genetics can all play a role, and melasma can be more persistent than post-acne marks or individual dark spots.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be particularly noticeable and persistent on medium to deeper skin tones because the skin naturally contains more melanin.

The key is to target pigmentation without triggering additional irritation, which can create further dark marks. Ingredients such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid and vitamin C can be useful options, while stronger exfoliating acids and retinoids should be introduced gradually.

Daily SPF is also important across all skin tones, as UV exposure can make existing pigmentation appear darker.

Fading pigmentation takes time, so focus on a consistent routine rather than layering lots of strong actives at once.

Morning

1. Cleanser - gently cleanse the skin.
2. Brightening serum - try vitamin C, niacinamide or another pigmentation-targeting ingredient.
3. Moisturiser - support hydration and the skin barrier.
4. SPF - finish with broad-spectrum SPF50.

Evening

1. Cleanser - remove make-up, SPF and daily build-up.
2. Targeted treatment - choose an ingredient such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinol, alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid.
3. Moisturiser - finish with a hydrating formula to support the skin barrier.

For a dedicated treatment, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum 30ml can be worked into your routine.

Hydration is an important part of any dark spot routine. While moisturiser will not fade pigmentation on its own, keeping the skin barrier supported can help reduce dryness and irritation, which is especially important when you are using active ingredients such as vitamin C, acids or retinol. A comfortable, well-hydrated skin barrier is also better placed to recover from blemishes without unnecessary inflammation.

For a simple hydration duo, start with the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream. Its lightweight gel-cream texture helps keep skin hydrated and soothed, while niacinamide helps support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

Then keep the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist on hand to top up moisture throughout the day. The lightweight mist is an easy way to refresh dry or tight-feeling skin between skincare routines, helping keep hydration levels topped up without feeling heavy.

How quickly hyperpigmentation fades depends on what caused it, how deep the pigmentation sits and how consistent you are with your routine. Some post-blemish marks may start to look lighter after several weeks, while more stubborn pigmentation can take a few months or longer to noticeably improve.

The biggest difference usually comes from consistency - stick with your chosen brightening ingredients, avoid overloading the skin with too many actives and wear SPF every day to help stop existing marks from becoming darker.

Can Hyperpigmentation Go Away?

Some forms of hyperpigmentation can gradually fade, particularly marks caused by acne or inflammation. How quickly depends on the type of pigmentation, your skincare routine and UV exposure.

Can Vitamin C Fade Dark Spots?

Vitamin C can help gradually improve the appearance of dark spots by targeting uneven pigmentation and supporting a brighter-looking complexion. Consistent use alongside daily SPF will usually be more important than using a particularly high concentration.

What Is The Fastest Way To Fade Dark Spots?

There is no instant fix. A consistent routine using ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, kojic acid, alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid alongside daily SPF can help improve their appearance over time.

Does SPF Help Hyperpigmentation?

Yes. SPF helps prevent UV exposure from making existing pigmentation appear darker and can reduce the risk of new sun-related dark spots developing.

Can Exfoliating Make Dark Spots Worse?

Yes, if you over-exfoliate. Excess irritation can trigger inflammation and potentially make post-inflammatory pigmentation more noticeable.

Which Ingredient Is Best For Hyperpigmentation?

There is no single best ingredient for everyone. Niacinamide and azelaic acid are popular for post-blemish marks, vitamin C helps brighten uneven tone, while kojic acid, alpha arbutin and tranexamic acid are commonly used for more targeted pigmentation care.

Is Melasma The Same As Hyperpigmentation?

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma. Melasma typically appears as larger, symmetrical patches and can be influenced by hormones, genetics and UV exposure.

A quick note: If a dark spot is new, changing in shape or colour, bleeding, itching or otherwise unusual, speak to your GP or a dermatologist rather than treating it as hyperpigmentation.

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can take time to improve, but a consistent routine can make a noticeable difference. Choose targeted ingredients that suit your skin, introduce stronger actives gradually and use SPF every day to help prevent pigmentation from becoming darker.

Ready to target dark spots? Explore our range of skincare for hyperpigmentation at Justmylook, from brightening serums and targeted treatments to everyday essentials for a more even-looking complexion.