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How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Black Skin
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How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Black Skin

11 February 2025


How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Black Skin




Dark Spots On Black Skin



The appearance of dark spots on black skin is a common concern among patients with darker skin types. These dark spots can look like a “black rash” after scratching. These dark spots on black skin are caused by skin inflammation.




There are many face creams and serums to treat these spots, but do they work? All products will work best when combined together in a skin care routine to treat hyperpigmentation in which every step helps the other products work better.



and can be the result of a number of factors, such as sun exposure and inflammation.




If you have dark spots on the skin, your skin pigment is not dispersed evenly. This leads to an uneven skin tone.



Here are some of our expert dermatologist’s top tips to get rid of discoloration and unevenness on Fitzpatrick 4, 5 and 6 Skin Types. To read more about skincare products for darker skin types, click here.




There are a number of treatments to remove hyperpigmentation and dark spots on black skin and other dark skin types, but your best bet is to take the Skin Type Quiz to find the best skin care routine to match your Baumann Skin Type. Here is some general advice, but we can give you more specific advice once you take the quiz.



Laser Treatments for Dark Spots on Black Skin




Lasers used to remove dark spots on the skin target the pigment melanin. Because darker skin types have more melanin in the skin, the laser is not a good choice to treat hyperpigmented spots. Using laser on dark skin can result in burns and scarring. It is best to stick to skincare or see a Skin of Color Dermatology specialist who can use chemical peels. It is critical to see an doctor experienced in treating Fitzpatrick Skin Types 4,5,and 6. Look for a doctor at the Skin of Color Society web site. If you do not have a skin of color dermatology specialist, don’t worry- most dark spots are best treated with skin care. Topical skincare treatments for dark spots are the safest way to treat dyspigmentation on dark skin.



Why Do I Get Dark Spots on Black Skin?




The skin’s natural pigment is called melanin, which is made by cells called melanocytes deep in the surface of the skin. While everyone has the same number of melanocytes, some people make more melanin than others . This can be due to genetics, hormones, sun exposure or inflammation. This increased melanin production can cause dark spots on black skin.



To learn more about what causes skin color click here.




The main causes of the increase in melanin production are sun exposure and inflammation. Inflammation is caused when the blood vessels dilate, making the skin look pink or red in lighter skin tones. However, brown and black skin tones often cannot see this redness on the skin and do not realize their skin is inflamed or sun-damaged.



This inflammation – whether the result of sun exposure, rosacea, sensitive skin, or using the wrong skin care products – triggers the melanocytes to create more melanin, leading to dark spots on the skin.




How Does Treating Dark Spots on Black Skin Differ To Light Skin?



Skin lightening ingredients in your skin care routine can turn off the production of melanin, but in black skin, it is imperative not to use them all over your face or they will lighten the skin color of your entire face. The goal is to even skin tone by only lightening the darkened areas.




You should only use a dark spot corrector for black skin directly on the dark spot by applying with your finger or a cotton swab. Try not to get the product on the surrounding skin as this can cause an undesirable halo effect. which is a light area around the dark spot.



The Best Skin Care Routine For Dark Spots on Black Skin




We generally recommend the following skin care routine to treat dark spots on black skin, though it’s best to take our Skin Type Quiz to get a personalized routine based on your Baumann Skin Type.



You should always start your skin care routine with an exfoliating cleanser or face scrub to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This paves the way for the skin-lightening products in your routine, allowing them to better penetrate the skin. Do not over exfoliate as this will lead to inflammation and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. How often to exfoliate and what exfoliators to use depends upon your Baumann Skin Type.




Once your face is cleansed, you should apply a suitable eye cream to protect the delicate eye area from any skin-lightening treatments you may apply, which will follow. However, remember not to apply the hyperpigmentation cream or serum to your entire face – it should only be applied to the dark spots to lighten them to match the rest of your skin and give you an even skin tone.



You should top off your skin care routine with a moisturizer and always wear an SPF during the day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While it is true that darker skin tones can take longer to burn, it is often the case that you are unable to see the redness that the sun causes, which stimulates the excess production of melanin and leads to dark spots on black skin.




At nighttime, we recommend using a retinoid (vitamin A), which helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin.



Replenix Retinol 2X Regenerate Dry Serum




$71.00



Add to Cart


Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream

$54.40

Add to Cart

SENTE Bio Complete Serum

$118.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining + Anti-Aging Night Cream

$80.00

Out of Stock

Medature Encapsulated Retinol Serum

$49.50

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Treatment Intensive

$54.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

$44.99

Out of Stock

Murad Youth Renewal Retinol Trial Kit

$59.00

Add to Cart

Neocutis NOUVELLE+ Retinol Correction Cream

$158.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin

$119.00

Add to Cart

Replenix Retinol 2X Regenerate Dry Serum

$71.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream

$54.40

Add to Cart

SENTE Bio Complete Serum

$118.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining + Anti-Aging Night Cream

$80.00

Out of Stock

Medature Encapsulated Retinol Serum

$49.50

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Treatment Intensive

$54.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

$44.99

Out of Stock

Murad Youth Renewal Retinol Trial Kit

$59.00

Add to Cart

Neocutis NOUVELLE+ Retinol Correction Cream

$158.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin

$119.00

Add to Cart

Replenix Retinol 2X Regenerate Dry Serum

$71.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream

$54.40

Add to Cart

SENTE Bio Complete Serum

$118.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining + Anti-Aging Night Cream

$80.00

Out of Stock

Medature Encapsulated Retinol Serum

$49.50

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Treatment Intensive

$54.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

$44.99

Out of Stock

Murad Youth Renewal Retinol Trial Kit

$59.00

Add to Cart

Neocutis NOUVELLE+ Retinol Correction Cream

$158.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin

$119.00

Add to Cart

Types of Skin Lightening Ingredients To Treat Dark Spots on Black Skin

There are many categories of skin lighteners. Whether you are treating melasma, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark spots from acne, you need a combination of these types of ingredients for the best results.

Exfoliants

PAR-2 Blockers

Retinoids

Tyrosinase inhibitors

Vitamin C Serums

The Best Hyperpigmentation Creams for Dark Spots on Black Skin

Hyperpigmentation creams to treat dark spots contain combinations of ingredients listed above. The problem with skin lightening ingredients is they can get easily inactivated by other skincare products. This is why every product in the regimen matters. Cleansers and moisturizers affect the efficacy of skin lightening creams as do retinoids.

Here are the Best Skin Lightening for Dark Dry Skin

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment is an excellent hyperpigmentation cream for dry or oily skin. We like it because it is not as expensive as many skin lightening products. This dark spot remover contains hexylresorcinol, a skin brightener that helps to repair dark spots on the skin, as well as prevent the formation of new discoloration. In addition, niacinamide further treats hyperpigmentation, protects against sun damage, and supports the skin barrier, while chamomile soothes and calms the skin to reduce inflammation. It is one of our favorites. We also like these:

PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

$128.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$95.00

Add to Cart

Replenix Pigment Correcting Brightening Cream

$41.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

$81.60

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Let There Be Light Powerful Lightening Serum

$110.00

Add to Cart

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment

$33.75

Add to Cart

ISDIN Pigment Expert

$48.00

Out of Stock

Neocutis PERLE Skin Brightening Cream

$121.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Blend Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

$128.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$95.00

Add to Cart

Replenix Pigment Correcting Brightening Cream

$41.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

$81.60

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Let There Be Light Powerful Lightening Serum

$110.00

Add to Cart

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment

$33.75

Add to Cart

ISDIN Pigment Expert

$48.00

Out of Stock

Neocutis PERLE Skin Brightening Cream

$121.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Blend Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

$128.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$95.00

Add to Cart

Replenix Pigment Correcting Brightening Cream

$41.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%

$81.60

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Let There Be Light Powerful Lightening Serum

$110.00

Add to Cart

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment

$33.75

Add to Cart

ISDIN Pigment Expert

$48.00

Out of Stock

Neocutis PERLE Skin Brightening Cream

$121.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Blend Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Here are The Best Skin Lightening Treatments for Dark Oily Skin

Obagi Nu-Derm FX Starter System – Normal to Oily

$470.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

$128.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$95.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel PRO

$128.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Let There Be Light Powerful Lightening Serum

$110.00

Add to Cart

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment

$33.75

Add to Cart

ISDIN Pigment Expert

$48.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

$44.99

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm FX Starter System – Normal to Oily

$470.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

$128.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$95.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel PRO

$128.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Let There Be Light Powerful Lightening Serum

$110.00

Add to Cart

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment

$33.75

Add to Cart

ISDIN Pigment Expert

$48.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

$44.99

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm FX Starter System – Normal to Oily

$470.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum

$128.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

$95.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Pigment Gel PRO

$128.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Let There Be Light Powerful Lightening Serum

$110.00

Add to Cart

Medature Hydro Bright Treatment

$33.75

Add to Cart

ISDIN Pigment Expert

$48.00

Out of Stock

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

$44.99

Add to Cart

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Fx (Hydroquinone Free)

$119.00

Add to Cart

Taking a Break From Skin Lighteners Will Help Them Work Better

The skin lightening treatments above work well for 12-16 weeks but then your skin gets used to them. We recommend taking a 4 week break from skin lighteners and using Vitamin C serums instead. Then when you restart the skin lighteners they will work better.

The Best Hyperpigmentation Vitamin C Serums for Dark Spots on Black Skin

It is normal for Vitamin C serums to sting a bit when applied because they are a low pH to help the ascorbic acid penetrate into the skin. Once you open a Vitamin C product you need to use it in 4- 6 weeks because it goes bad quickly. One way to tell if your Vitamin C needs to be replaced is it turns dark. Make sure you keep it out of bright light or sun exposure and that you replace the lid after each use. This will help prolong the life of your Vitamin C serum. You can also keep your ascorbic acid serum in the refrigerator if you are going to go a few days without using it. Vitamin C serums are expensive so take care to get the most out of it by using it up as fast as you can before it goes bad. How you order it in the skincare routine is critical. Follow the order of steps as we recommend in your customized regimen to make sure you are getting the most from your Vitamin C serum.

These are our favorite dermatologist recommended Vitamin C Serums:

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

$44.99

Out of Stock

Obagi-C FX System C-Clarifying Serum

$140.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Force Field Kit with Professional-C Serum 20%

$189.00

Out of Stock

Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex

$125.00

Add to Cart

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

$26.99

Out of Stock

ISDIN Flavo-C

$100.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampules

$46.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster 10 Ampoules

$46.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Melatonik® Restorative Melatonin Night Serum

$160.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Cream

$54.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

$44.99

Out of Stock

Obagi-C FX System C-Clarifying Serum

$140.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Force Field Kit with Professional-C Serum 20%

$189.00

Out of Stock

Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex

$125.00

Add to Cart

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

$26.99

Out of Stock

ISDIN Flavo-C

$100.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampules

$46.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster 10 Ampoules

$46.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Melatonik® Restorative Melatonin Night Serum

$160.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Cream

$54.99

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum

$44.99

Out of Stock

Obagi-C FX System C-Clarifying Serum

$140.00

Add to Cart

Obagi Force Field Kit with Professional-C Serum 20%

$189.00

Out of Stock

Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex

$125.00

Add to Cart

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

$26.99

Out of Stock

ISDIN Flavo-C

$100.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampules

$46.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster 10 Ampoules

$46.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Melatonik® Restorative Melatonin Night Serum

$160.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Cream

$54.99

Add to Cart

How To Treat Dark Spots on the Face With Supplements and Diet

Read about how Vitamins, Supplements and Diet can affect melasma and dyspigmentation on the face. Reducing stress and eating anti-inflammatory foods can help even the skin tone.

In Summary

Dark spots on black skin are a common concern among those with darker skin types; however, there is a range of hyperpigmentation treatments for black skin available suitable for your unique skin type. The best way to remove dark spots on black skin is with a personalized skin care routine that you use consistently. DO NOT forget daily sunscreen. The light from your computer and phone can be making your dark spots worse. Look for a tinted sunscreen with iron oxides that will look better on your skin and help block light from your mobile phone and computer.

DRPW 15 – Essentials Bundle

$115.00

Out of Stock

DRPT 13 – Essentials Bundle

$117.00

Add to Cart

DRNT 14 – Essentials Bundle

$98.00

Add to Cart

DRNW 16 – Essentials Bundle

$115.00

Out of Stock

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

$42.00

Out of Stock

Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte SPF 45

$68.80

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Original Intellishade SPF 45 Tinted Moisturizer

$68.80

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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