How To Effectively Get Rid Of Dark Spots

How to effectively get rid of dark spots.

“Trying to treat dark spots can seem like a vicious cycle. As soon as one fades, another pops up,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adriane Pompa. Sometimes, one that faded is suddenly more prominent, seemingly out of nowhere, but with the right skincare routine, you can successfully reduce the appearance of dark spots and age spots on your own. Here's everything you need to know.

What causes dark spots?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin (the pigment that gives skin colour) is overproduced, creating dark spots on skin that vary in size, colour, and quantity. When a skin cell is attacked by an aggressor, like UV rays, for example, it automatically starts to produce an excessive amount of melanin as a means of self-defence, which can lead to the emergence of dark spots.

Break the dark spot cycle.

“In the office, I use a variety of treatments like chemical peels and lasers, but there’s a way to break the dark spot cycle at home,” says Dr. Pompa. Read on to discover the best product for age spots and dark spots.

Step 1: Powerful correcting.

Apply Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter morning and night. “I call it the damage eraser,” says Dr. Pompa. The superpower in this targeted serum: CL302 Brightening Complex™. Inspired by border silver, a botanical known in Chinese medicine to have brightening benefits, this innovative formula also contains salicylic acid, vitamin C and soothing gyokuro green tea extract to tackle dark spots from all directions. “It exfoliates to help fade dark spots, age spots and sun spots, and helps to prevent new ones forming, making your skin tone look more even,” explains Dr. Pompa.

Step 2: Hydrate, soothe + improve.

Follow your serum with a targeted brightening moisturiser for more luminous, even-looking skin. Our NEW Even Better Clinical™ Brightening Moisturizer hydrates and helps to reduce the look of dark spots and discolouration. Like our supercharged serum, this lightweight moisturiser is powered by Clinique's exclusive CL302 Brightening Complex™, a unique combination of dark spot-targeting ingredients like salicylic acid and vitamin C, alongside moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and soothing Japanese gyokuro green tea extract. Use it morning and night on clean skin, and always follow with an SPF in the daytime.

Step 3: Conceal, protect + prevent.

For instantly more even-looking skin and additional correcting benefits, try Even Better™ Makeup SPF 15. This foundation is powered by skincare ingredients to not only give you a natural-looking complexion, but with daily use, it also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. Another bonus: it has SPF 15. “I can’t stress this enough; SPF is a daily must-have. It’s the best way to prevent future dark spots from forming,” Dr. Pompa explains. For added protection, apply an additional high-level SPF before makeup application – this one with mineral and chemical SPF 50 is our holy grail.

Last but not least, if you’re prone to breakouts, resist the temptation to pick spots, as this can lead to scarring and discolouration. Instead, look to our Anti-Blemish Solutions range to help banish breakouts, without damaging the skin.

Need more help creating your Clinique makeup look? Book in for a complimentary bespoke Skin School consultation with one of our own beauty experts. Following your initial consultation, we'll also offer you 15% off* your next online order.

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Updated by Shona Wallace, August 2023

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