The struggle of removing dark spots on the face, left behind by unwanted blemishes and acne scarring, will leave anyone feeling the opposite of #blessed. There are few things more annoying than dealing with hyperpigmentation, and we totally feel your pain. The key to eliminating these pesky discolorations once and for all is to first understand what causes dark spots in the first place and which ingredients work to prevent and treat them.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of how to remove dark spots with our favorite fast-acting ingredients that *actually* work wonders for your skin.

What Causes Dark Spots On The Face

At surface level, the appearance of dark spots on your skin may seem pretty easy to explain. They’re quite simply spots that appear darker than the rest of your skin. But what you may not realize is that discolorations are caused by a whole range of hormonal, genetic and environmental factors. Because no two dark spots are the same, the appropriate treatment will depend on how the spots got there in the first place.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are three primary types of skin discolorations.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This type of common skin damage results in dark spots that stem from sunburn and injury, as well as acne, skin irritations, certain health conditions, and even some medications.

Melasma & Chloasma Spots

These types of skin discolorations are the result of hormonal fluctuations caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, or health-related hormonal changes. 

Age Spots

Age spots, or liver spots, are actually freckles that appear from exposure to the sun over time. You’ll typically find these on your face, hands and neck. They are actually the result of sun damage you received as a young kid or adolescent, only they appear later in life.

In addition to these main types of skin discolorations, you can also get dark spots from a variety of other factors including waxing, body scrubs, chronic acne, scarring, and other skin irritations. 

The Best Ingredients For Removing Dark Spots

At August + Monroe we make it our mission to choose natural, plant-derived, non-toxic ingredients that soothe, treat and heal your skin. Here are some of our favorite go-to ingredients for lessening and eliminating the appearance of dark spots on the face.

Vitamin C

This powerhouse ingredient helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. In our bestselling Blemish Camouflage we utilize a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that allows the skin to absorb its benefits faster.

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

We love this ingredient so much that it’s actually one of the key ingredients in our Blemish Camouflage. Not only does it prevent pimples from forming, but it also treats blackheads, whiteheads and acne in one fell swoop. 

Bakuchiol

Derived from the plant Psoralea Corylifolia, this ingredient acts as a natural alternative to retinol without the sensitive after-effects. Bakuchiol has the incredible ability to restore your skin and improve texture and discolorations.

Aloe Leaf Extract

This soothing miracle ingredient acts as an anti-inflammatory that works to heal wounds and scars.

Soybean Oil

Derived from soybean amino acids, this moisturizing ingredient is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins that help to firm and hydrate the skin over time.

Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine

We love this plant-derived ingredient for its effectiveness in reducing signs of acne while slowing the growth of microorganisms on the skin. It also helps reduce redness caused by inflammation.

Remove Dark Spots Fast

If you’ve tried and tested dozens, or hundreds, of dark spot treatment products with poor results, Blemish Camouflage could be your saving grace. Named the #1 fast-acting treatment for mask acne, Blemish Camouflage is a 3-in-1 treatment formula that primes, conceals and heals skin blemishes at once. 

Formulated with color-bursting technology and plant-based ingredients, Blemish Camouflage works with your skin by utilizing pigment-bursting beads to best match the pigment of your skin; hiding unsightly pimples, blackheads, acne scars, discolorations, and other skin imperfections on the spot. With a roster of clean, skin-loving ingredients; like Vitamin C, Squalane Oil, Aloe and Arnica, Blemish Camouflage aims to hydrate, nourish and heal your skin for a radiant, blemish-free appearance. Our customers see results after just one use. Learn more here.

Prevention (a.k.a. SUNSCREEN) is key.

While treatment options are a god-send, the best way to ensure dark spots stay away is to regularly use an SPF30 or higher sunscreen. Anytime you’re out in the sun (yes, even if you’re wearing makeup) there is a risk of absorbing harmful sun rays into the skin. Practice smart skincare by protecting your face and body with sunscreen, especially if you’ll be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.