Your COMPLETE Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine! | Fix Dark Spots | Skincare Made Simple
Building a Skincare Routine to Fade Dark Spots
In this video, Dr. Maren Locke, a Board Certified Dermatologist, shares her complete skincare routine for fading dark spots. She provides details on the exact products to use, how to use them in the morning and night, and what to expect as you start this routine.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
- Many skincare products claim to brighten the skin but it's important to be an educated shopper when picking out a product for dark spots.
- Check the ingredients label! Look for quality ingredients and formulations.
- Top 9 ingredients that are studied and proven to fade dark spots:
- Retinoid such as Retinol or prescription strength tretinoin
- Topical Vitamin C
- Topical Acids like glycolic acids, salicylic acid, kojic acid, lactic acid, and azelaic acid
- Tranexamic Acid
- Hydroquinone
- Niacinamide
Morning Skincare Routine
- Cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Apply Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
- Apply La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum with Salicylic Acid
- Moisturize with CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Nighttime Skincare Routine
- Double cleanse with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil followed by CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Apply CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Apply Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid Booster
- Moisturize with CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Additional Tips
- Use sunscreen daily to prevent further dark spots and protect your skin from the sun.
- Be patient! It takes time for dark spots to fade, so stick with the routine for at least 3 months.
- Don't forget to check out Dr. Locke's first video in her series on hyperpigmentation for more information on fixing dark spots.
Nine Ingredients for Dark Spots
In this section, the speaker discusses nine ingredients that are effective in treating dark spots.
Key Ingredients
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream is a great moisturizing cream to apply alongside a retinoid at night.
- Licorice Root Extract is a great ingredient to look for when choosing other products as it boosts their effectiveness.
- Arbutin is a natural plant-derived hydroquinone derivative that prevents the production of melanin and is less irritating than hydroquinone. The Ordinary 2% Arbutin and Hyaluronic Acid is an affordable product that incorporates this ingredient.
- Choose one or two treatment products with a combination of these ingredients for your routine.
Building Your Routine
Morning Routine
- Step 1: Cleanse the skin using La Roche-Posay Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, which has niacinamide in it.
- Step 2: Use Naturium Tranexamic Acid if you have melasma as your main concern. It's an affordable option with multiple carefully chosen ingredients that work together to fade out dark spots.
- If you have ongoing acne problems, use Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid Booster with salicylic acid instead of Naturium Tranexamic Acid.
- If age spots or uneven skin tone are your main concern, grab Vitamin C with salicylic acid by La Roche-Posay.
Evening Routine
- Apply Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream alongside a retinoid at night.
Ingredient Combinations
- Many of these nine ingredients play nice together and can work synergistically to boost effectiveness.
- Choose products that pair hydroquinone and kojic acid together into one formulation or tranexamic acid with kojic acid.
- Many of the products also have niacinamide and licorice root extract in their ingredients list.
Conclusion
- Choosing just one or two treatment products with a combination of these nine ingredients keeps your routine simple, effective, and affordable.
How to Fade Dark Spots on Your Skin
In this video, the speaker shares a simple routine that can help fade dark spots on your skin. She recommends using products with specific ingredients and following a consistent morning and night routine.
Morning Routine
- Cleanse face with gentle cleanser
- Apply Vitamin C serum to brighten skin
- Moisturize with niacinamide moisturizer to maximize benefits
- Apply mineral sunscreen with iron oxides to protect skin from sun damage
Night Routine
- Cleanse face with gentle cleanser
- Apply retinoid containing licorice root extract and niacinamide to fade dark spots and anti-age skin
- Moisturize with soy complex moisturizer to keep skin barrier strong
Additional Products
- Alternate two treatment products in the morning for added benefit
- Consider prescription strength hydroquinone if over-the-counter routine is not clearing up dark spots
- Incorporate Arbutin into routine by layering it both morning and night
Conclusion
The speaker emphasizes the importance of being strategic about skincare ingredients and pairing them correctly. She advises gradually adding in one product at a time to ensure skin tolerates it. Prescription strength products may not be necessary for everyone, but they are an option if needed.