Skincare for Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation)

Q: What causes dark spots on the skin?

Dark spots, also called hyperpigmentation, form when inflammation, UV rays, heat, or skin trauma trigger excess melanin production. Breakouts, sun exposure, and even over-exfoliation can all lead to discoloration that varies from light brown to deep gray or red, depending on skin tone and cause.

Q: How can I fade dark spots fast?

The best way to fade dark spots is by combining brightening ingredients and daily sun protection. Look for serums withVitamin C,Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, or Licorice Root Extract to lighten discoloration and even tone. Consistent use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+is essential to prevent new spots from forming.

Q: What ingredients help with hyperpigmentation?

Powerful brightening and pigment-inhibiting ingredients include Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid

Q: Can exfoliating help reduce dark spots?

Yes —gentle exfoliation is key to fading dark spots and restoring radiance. Instead of harsh scrubs or overuse of acids, choose enzyme-based exfoliants made from ingredients like papaya, pineapple, or pumpkin. Enzymes naturally dissolve dead skin cells without irritating or damaging the skin barrier, allowing brightening serums to absorb more effectively. Regular use reveals smoother, more even-toned skin while minimizing inflammation that can worsen pigmentation. Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Kojic Acid, and Arbutin. For added repair, look for products that include growth factors, peptides, or antioxidants to support healthy skin turnover and barrier function.

Q: Are dark spots permanent?

Most dark spots will fade over time with a consistent brightening skincare routine and UV protection. However, deeper pigmentation, such as melasma, may require ongoing management and the support of an AOS esthetician to achieve and maintain visible results.

Q: How can I prevent new dark spots from forming?

Prevention starts with daily sunscreen, even indoors. Protect your skin from UV rays, blue light, and heat exposure, and use antioxidant-rich serums to neutralize free radicals. Keeping inflammation under control with gentle, barrier-supportive skincare also helps minimize pigment triggers.

Q: What’s the best product for dark spots?

Our estheticians recommend starting with a Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid serum, combined with a hydrating moisturizer and SPF 30+ for protection. Explore our curated brightening skincare collection for professional-grade solutions to fade existing spots and prevent new ones.

Fade Discoloration + Prevent New Spots

Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) form when excess pigment is triggered by inflammation, UV exposure, heat, or skin trauma—often after breakouts or sun damage.

At Art of Skin Care, we focus on three essentials: calm inflammation, control pigment, and protect daily. Brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, and Licorice Root help even tone and fade discoloration over time.

Daily sunscreen is key for preventing new spots—especially for stubborn pigmentation and melasma-prone skin.

Shop brightening essentials below, or work with an AOS esthetician for a personalized pigment-control routine.

What causes dark spots on the skin?

Dark spots, also called hyperpigmentation, form when inflammation, UV rays, heat, or skin trauma trigger excess melanin production. Breakouts, sun exposure, and even over-exfoliation can all lead to discoloration that varies from light brown to deep gray or red, depending on skin tone and cause.

How can I fade dark spots fast?

The best way to fade dark spots is by combining brightening ingredients and daily sun protection. Look for serums withVitamin C,Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, or Licorice Root Extract to lighten discoloration and even tone. Consistent use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+is essential to prevent new spots from forming.

What ingredients help with hyperpigmentation?

Powerful brightening and pigment-inhibiting ingredients include Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid

Can exfoliating help reduce dark spots?

Yes —gentle exfoliation is key to fading dark spots and restoring radiance. Instead of harsh scrubs or overuse of acids, choose enzyme-based exfoliants made from ingredients like papaya, pineapple, or pumpkin. Enzymes naturally dissolve dead skin cells without irritating or damaging the skin barrier, allowing brightening serums to absorb more effectively. Regular use reveals smoother, more even-toned skin while minimizing inflammation that can worsen pigmentation. Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Kojic Acid, and Arbutin. For added repair, look for products that include growth factors, peptides, or antioxidants to support healthy skin turnover and barrier function.

Are dark spots permanent?

Most dark spots will fade over time with a consistent brightening skincare routine and UV protection. However, deeper pigmentation, such as melasma, may require ongoing management and the support of an AOS esthetician to achieve and maintain visible results.

How can I prevent new dark spots from forming?

Prevention starts with daily sunscreen, even indoors. Protect your skin from UV rays, blue light, and heat exposure, and use antioxidant-rich serums to neutralize free radicals. Keeping inflammation under control with gentle, barrier-supportive skincare also helps minimize pigment triggers.

What’s the best product for dark spots?

Our estheticians recommend starting with a Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid serum, combined with a hydrating moisturizer and SPF 30+ for protection. Explore our curated brightening skincare collection for professional-grade solutions to fade existing spots and prevent new ones.