Six dermatologists share the formulas (and ingredients a la caffeine, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E) that work wonders on eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness. One of the main reasons we use these skin lightening creams is because we want to prevent and reverse the damage done by environmental pollutants. The easiest way to revive a dull complexion is by using a skin brightening serum. This over the counter strength bleaching cream, may not be as effective as the higher strength lightening creams which the best dermatologists, like Dr. Michele Green, can prescribe. The formula is packaged in an opaque bottle with a pump, which not only protects the precious vitamin C from air, light and bacteria, but it also ensures that the perfect amount of product gets dispensed every time. And thanks to the best skin whitening cream treatments out there, that is no longer just a dream, but also a possible reality. "Containing niacinamide, an effective but gentle pigment lightener, this light serum is great for skin of all types.". Good. "[It's] my favorite brightening serum to help improve brown discoloration, whether from melasma or sun damage, and it also doesn't contain potential irritating bleaching agents," she says. Top 10 Makari Skin Lightening Products; 1. Hydroquinone is the gold standard ingredient in many skin lightening creams. Tenafly, NJ dermatologist Ana Cristina Laureano, MD says this lightweight eye gel contains niacinamide, an effective skin-lightening compound. the right moisturizers! To make sure you pick the best (and most effective) product for removing dark spots, look for cream or serum that contains ingredients like vitamin C (an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and brightens skin), niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that slows pigment production), hydroquinone (a lightening agent that inhibits the pigment-forming enzyme tyrosinase), retinol (a vitamin A derivative that evens tone and texture), or glycolic or lactic acid (which are alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate dead skin cells). Active ingredients in the moisturizer include squalane, sodium hyaluronate, olive … Whether you're dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, or hormone-induced melasma, these typically unwanted changes in the skin all fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. Retinoids: "Retinoic acid creams should be used very cautiously to help slough the darkly pigmented skin," warns Dr. Bae. 1. I’d also recommend using a moisturiser with SPF every day - even in winter.” Dr Stefanie Williams Clinical Dermatologist What is your morning skincare routine? Before you ask for a prescription and or make a laser appointment, try treating hyperpigmentation with one of these potent serums. "I combine this with a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinoid at night time.". "Percentage is important, but higher doesn't always mean better," she tells Allure. Currently, only two percent hydroquinone is available without a prescription. TanyaRow via Getty Images Exfoliators such as glycolic acids, retinols and retinoids can help even out skin tone and fade dark spots. "Its anhydrous formula maintains potency of the vitamin C. Plus it contains bakuchiol oil (a natural form of retinol) which enhances cell turnover and strengthens the skin's foundation to fight off lines and wrinkles.". Dr. Fusco recommends looking for eye creams with retinal, another vitamin A derivative that promotes cell regeneration to keep your skin looking younger. Here's the lowdown on how to subscribe to Allure's print edition for more beauty routines, recommendations, and features. EltaMD Renew Eye Gel ($56). Its licorice root also has antioxidant and brightening properties, and as the name suggests, it also contains an encapsulated retinol. Fenton recommended using a targeted dark spot lightening cream when the pimple is at its peak — before the discoloration starts. "Soy is a natural lightener, so this is a good base for any hyperpigmentation treatment." Shaving cream is designed to moisturize, protect, and soften, while enhancing the glide of your razor blade against the skin. SkinBetter Interfuse Treatment Cream Eye. There are a few ways that active ingredients in hyperpigmentation creams work. In addition to kojic acid and niacinamide, the dermatologist-celebrated SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum contains tranexamic acid. Manufactured and brought forth by the Civant Skin Care Products, Meladerm tops the list of the best skin whitening creams 2020. Because of their potent nature, these formulas deliver quicker and more impactful transformations and results. Skin-Care Tips Food and Nutrition Just like Meladerm is aggressive with the skin pores and actively tries to clean them, Revitol, on the other hand, is very soft and caring. "And it's great for anti aging as well—a welcome added benefit! Every day, they receive a visit from a patient — who in their eyes — is already naturally beautiful. Oral supplements of vitamin C and medications such as polypodium leukotomies or astaxanthin act as oral sunscreens and are commonly prescribed by dermatologists. Derm tip: Usually dermatologists recommend three to six treatments (possibly more) spaced out by two to four weeks. "For those with melasma, ingredients that block pigment synthesis — hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, soy, licorice — are best," according to board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann. It is effective in lightening and whitening skins of all the types. This every-other-night treatment also incorporates licorice extract for extra help brightening up dark spots. "The key to avoiding sun spots and further hyperpigmentation is being diligent about applying a daily SPF. Our selection of dermatologist-approved skin care products. Facebook. You may want to slather on the concealer and buy every lightening and brightening cream and serum out there, but before you do, it's important to … “It … "Tranexamic acid is a new topical that's been shown to help in hyperpigmentation and is found in SkinMedica's Lytera 2.0," he tells Allure, noting that it's also available in oral form by prescription. The Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment has one of the most popular and productive of the AHA family, glycolic acid. The good news? Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream The de-aging blend of lemon thyme, centella and bocoa extracts in Clarins’ Extra-Firming Body Cream target wrinkles and sagging for a more youthful-looking and refined appearance of skin. The result is clear and radiant complexion. Fenton recommended using a targeted dark spot lightening cream when the pimple is at its peak — before the discoloration starts. "Before you spend your money on antioxidant serums and retinoids to improve the tone and texture of your skin, the most important first step is diligent daily sun protection, which is key to reducing the appearance of brown spots," says board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, also based in New York City. Examples include those that slow the growth of, remove or lighten unwanted facial hair; products to grow hair in scalp areas lacking hair; and exfoliants that contain certain alpha-hydroxy acid products. If youve tried over-the-counter hydroquinone with no success, you may require a higher strength prescription pr… There's nothing worse than those dreaded dark spots (aka hyperpigmentation) popping up on your skin. Sale Bestseller No. The cream and the serum are to be used together and they will lighten the color of the skin naturally. Here, they explain the potential causes of dark circles, offer helpful lifestyle shifts and healthy habits that can minimize the unsightly appearance, and tell us how to find the best hydroquinone eye creams. Midnight Recovery Concentrate from Kiehl’s is a cult product, but you might not know they also make an eye cream that includes similar soothing and hydrating ingredients. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. There are anti-aging serums, skin brightening and lightening serums, hydrating serums (though a hydrating serum is not the same thing as a moisturizer! All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. “Hyperpigmentation is something that so many people suffer with and they don’t know what to reach for in order to combat that. That is A LOT. There are a wide variety of dark spot correctors that really work—and are available over the counter, at every price point. The simplest way to revive dull, lackluster skin is by using a brightening serum. It allows you to do almost a mini chemical peel without any downtime and can be used on a daily basis after you build up tolerance," says Palep. Check Price. Alpha-arbutin and Kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation, while Giycolic acid renews cells. "For pigmentation caused by chronic sun damage, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help both lift pigment and dull damaged skin," says Hermann. 9. Both injuries and inflammatory skin conditions cause scars. Why dark spots and patches appear. See spots run with this powerhouse serum, which is formulated with 15% vitamin C, kojic acid, turmeric, vitamin E, and fruit enzymes—all of which work together to brighten skin, even texture, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne scars, and prevent future breakouts. Marchbein also loves that the SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum combines vitamin C and vitamin E with antioxidant powerhouses like licorice root extract and ubiquinone (also known as coenzyme Q10). Serums focus on skin’s problem areas, so make sure to look for a serum that works well for your skin type and whatever concerns you have. It comes in the form of cream as well as in the form of a serum. Best Dark Spot Corrector with Niacinamide, Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer, Enhance Brightening Complex with Azelaic & Glycolic Acids, Hands To Heart Anti-Aging + Brightening Hand Treatment, Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. This ingredient works similarly to hydroquinone — blocking the production of melanin — but is safer and can be used for longer periods of time with no risk of irritation," Del Campo tells Allure. The main ingredient is hydroquinone (2%), but the cream also includes mineral oil, sodium sulfite, ascorbic acid, stearate, water glycerin, methyl paraben and fragrance. ), and the list goes on and on. "In general, hyperpigmentation is tough to treat and a chronic condition," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali tells Allure, noting that he explains to his patients that it must be taken seriously because it's so easy for it to recur. Created by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this overachiever does it all—which is exactly why we're giving it a glowing review. Another reliable spot-fading ingredient, licorice, boosts the formula's effects, while vegan squalane and hyaluronic acid ensure skin is as hydrated as it is brightened. "Alpharet is a retinoid that's gentle on your skin.". This over the counter strength bleaching cream, may not be as effective as the higher strength lightening creams which the best dermatologists, like Dr. Michele Green, can prescribe. Here are the hyperpigmentation-fighting products to pair with it. With a boost of brightening benefits from niacinamide, this formula promises to fade dark spots (especially ones that resulted from inflammation). Sure, we can get away with being … Continue reading "Best Firming Creams and Skin-Tightening Creams 2020" "Plus, it’s well tolerated and helps to brighten the complexion overall.". "One of the most reliable body lotions is CeraVe," says Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist for the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Their exclusive range has made people dream of healthy-looking skin. Golite is the best dermatologist recommended skin lightening cream. The Porcelain Skin Whitening Serum is formulated using several ingredients that blend to create a wholesome cure for freckles, age spots, sun spots, and acne scars. “This product is outstanding, blends in … You also get a 45-day money-back guarantee that lets you try the product without any hesitation. I have compiled a list of top rated skin bleaching creams on the market today and have reviewed each product with their pros and cons. Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum contains 2 percent hydroquinone — the highest level available in over-the-counter products — as well as a skin-brightening peptide and glycolic acid, which helps the hydroquinone penetrate more effectively. It’s one of the, if not the best skin lightening cream for private and extra sensitive areas such as the nipples and the vagina. "I recommend it to my patients because it goes on smoothly and can be used under additional sunscreen and makeup. Caused by the cells responsible for skin's color, melanocytes, depositing excess pigment into deeper levels of the skin, these forms of discoloration can be incredibly frustrating for those who strive for an even-toned complexion — especially since it can be tough to reverse. (It's worth noting that hydroquinone is currently banned in Europe; however, many dermatologists are comfortable recommending it for limited topical use for areas of discoloration.). 2  Dr. Engelman adds, "For thin skin, a retinol can stimulate collagen production." The best eye creams that actually work for wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. "Hydroquinone is the gold standard for hyperpigmentation, as it works on the cells that make melanin to block further production," Del Campo tells Allure. You would have to use hydroquinone cream over your entire face and body, plus wear sunscreen over all exposed skin as well, to see even a little difference after quite a while. That means its slow release makes it more tolerable. Keep in mind, this product contains 18% salicylic acid. Dr. Buka says this cream is perfect for normal or oily skin. Bhanusali also encourages patients to use physical/mineral sunscreen if discoloration is a concern, noting that chemical sunscreens can sometimes make melasma worse.