Bhanusali also encourages patients to use physical/mineral sunscreen if discoloration is a concern, noting that chemical sunscreens can sometimes make melasma worse. These are the best anti-aging products, including creams, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, sunscreens and more, according to dermatology experts. Dr. Fusco recommends looking for eye creams with retinal, another vitamin A derivative that promotes cell regeneration to keep your skin looking younger. "[It's] another favorite antioxidant serum for the morning that can help improve both uneven skin tone and redness, so I especially love this for those with sensitive skin and rosacea," she says. 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. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. The above-listed skin lightening creams, gels, and serums are among the best you can find on the market. The easiest way to revive a dull complexion is by using a skin brightening serum. 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. Sale Bestseller No. Often made with the same active ingredients that dermatologists use in prescription compounds, these serums and creams have helped many people see more even skin and lessened hyperpigmentation with consistent use — and dermatologists themselves are impressed enough to recommend them. Their exclusive range has made people dream of healthy-looking skin. "Willow bark extract is also known to lighten dark spots in a very gentle way. Melé's products are made with darker skin tones in mind, and its Even Dark Spot Control Serum takes special care to thoughtfully address discoloration in melanin-rich complexions. “I start with Physiological cleansing gel by La Roche Posay, which cleanses my pores thoroughly, but doesn’t dry my skin. Retinoids: "Retinoic acid creams should be used very cautiously to help slough the darkly pigmented skin," warns Dr. Bae. "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. Its licorice root also has antioxidant and brightening properties, and as the name suggests, it also contains an encapsulated retinol. 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. This every-other-night treatment also incorporates licorice extract for extra help brightening up dark spots. Eye Anatomy 101 . "Soy is a natural lightener, so this is a good base for any hyperpigmentation treatment." The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Keep in mind, this product contains 18% salicylic acid. This cream is the ideal solution for hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone. But there is something else dermatologists recommend across the board to get dark spots under control: sunscreen. Because of its essential oil, botanicals … "Containing niacinamide, an effective but gentle pigment lightener, this light serum is great for skin of all types.". Packed with 20% L-Ascorbic Acid (the most potent form of vitamin C), moisturizing squalane, an active compound from green tea, and tartaric acid, this gel-cream evens tone and texture, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and gives your complexion a lit-from-within glow. Despite the giant splurge, Palep says this one is the most effective. Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum just so happens to have several of those ingredients (tranexamic and kojic acids, as well as licorice root) and then some. "And it's great for anti aging as well—a welcome added benefit! "This is also a silky textured cream that will immediately penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue. The following section will tell you what to consider before buying any. 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. Top 10 Makari Skin Lightening Products; 1. The good news? This product has done a great job at getting 10 different actives that lighten and brighten the skin into the formulation, but it is not irritating,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD: Cosmetic Dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. 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. The cream is also infused with antioxidants and vitamin E which are great for softer skin. That's where these over-the-counter options come in. "Many people call it a 'bleaching cream,' but I consider it a 'color blender.'" Facebook. 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. 500. Oral supplements of vitamin C and medications such as polypodium leukotomies or astaxanthin act as oral sunscreens and are commonly prescribed by dermatologists. © 2020 Condé Nast. The lightweight serum from expert esthetician Shani Darden delivers a healthy dose of encapsulated retinol (which is a gentler version), as well as lactic acid and fruit extracts to increase cell turnover, generate collagen, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, so your complexion is smoother and more radiant. Demelan cream is indicated for treating dark discolouration caused by the sun, facial marks due to acne/pimples or eczema and light or dark brown … 0. And gentle is key.". That means its slow release makes it more tolerable. Clinique’s Moisture Surge skin care line features a moisturizer, mask, CC cream and face mist. How do I choose a face moisturizer? "Concentrations that are too high can cause irritation, which can paradoxically lead to additional hyperpigmentation.". To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. Created by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this overachiever does it all—which is exactly why we're giving it a glowing review. His dermatologist used laser therapy and prescription-strength hydroquinone cream to clear the spots of color in 8 weeks. TanyaRow via Getty Images Exfoliators such as glycolic acids, retinols and retinoids can help even out skin tone and fade dark spots. "Hydroquinone is the gold standard for hyperpigmentation, as it works on the cells that make melanin to block further production," Del Campo tells Allure. "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. 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. It comes in the form of cream as well as in the form of a serum. Hydroquinone is the gold standard ingredient in many skin lightening creams. We polled dermatologists for the best moisturizers in different budgets for dry skin, including options for extremely dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, seasonally dry skin, and more. "The L’Oreal Derm Intensives vitamin C Serum is a great option if you have sensitive skin. "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. "Otherwise you are literally throwing your money away investing in other skin-care products.". Some creams contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, and salicylic acid to improve pigmentation, some block the key enzyme responsible for pigment production, and others exfoliate and indirectly lighten the skin, explains Upper East Side dermatologist Estee Williams, MD. Here, the best shaving cream, according to dermatologists, from brands including Aveeno, Dove, eos, and Neutrogena. Here's the lowdown on how to subscribe to Allure's print edition for more beauty routines, recommendations, and features. diligently attending to your skin regimen, shell out thousands of dollars on pricey laser treatments, Dermatologist-Approved Moisturizers With SPF. Fenton recommended using a targeted dark spot lightening cream when the pimple is at its peak — before the discoloration starts. It's not every day that a dermatologist calls … "It should be applied to any hyperpigmented spots daily, morning or night and can be used under sunscreen.". Dr. Jennifer M. Segal, a dermatologist at the Metropolitan Dermatology Institute, says, "This contains both azaleic and glycolic acids, promoting exfoliation, and is therefore great for treating and preventing not only acne breakouts but also the dark marks that can result. Although some patients choose to undergo laser treatments for their dark spots to address their hyperpigmentation with customized prescription compounds — Bhanusali often blends a high-dose of hydroquinone with kojic acid and vitamin C for his patients — there are ways to combat discoloration without often-expensive in-office procedures and medications. Our selection of dermatologist-approved skin care products. This can burn, so I don’t recommend using it every day. "I recommend it to my patients because it goes on smoothly and can be used under additional sunscreen and makeup. "Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum is a great option if you're starting to notice dark spots and fine lines," says Zeichner. "This ingredient is known to help not only lighten [hyperpigmentation] but decrease recurrence, which is crucial. Equally important: Make sure to continue applying a daily sunscreen—the key to avoiding further sun spots and hyperpigmentation, says aesthetician Leila Aalam. Our selection of dermatologist-approved skin care products. There are anti-aging serums, skin brightening and lightening serums, hydrating serums (though a hydrating serum is not the same thing as a moisturizer! Before you ask for a prescription and or make a laser appointment, try treating hyperpigmentation with one of these potent serums. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Tenafly, NJ dermatologist Ana Cristina Laureano, MD says this lightweight eye gel contains niacinamide, an effective skin-lightening compound. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. "Percentage is important, but higher doesn't always mean better," she tells Allure. “This product is outstanding, blends in … What is the best face moisturize for oily acne-prone skin? Mad Hippie's Microdermabrasion Facial takes the exfoliating abilities of a half-dozen AHAs — lactic, glycolic, mandelic, citric, tartaric, and malic — and combines it with physical exfoliation (from mineral-rich volcanic ash, as a matter of fact) for a can't-fail discoloration-reducing treatment. Shaving cream is designed to moisturize, protect, and soften, while enhancing the glide of your razor blade against the skin. Whether caused by sun damage, pregnancy, hormones, inflammation, or breakouts (hello, acne scars), skin discoloration can be a frustrating thing to treat, to say the least. "The key to avoiding sun spots and further hyperpigmentation is being diligent about applying a daily SPF. Another added benefit is that vitamin C lightens only targets problem pigmentation areas, not the rest of your skin, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D., dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of … With a boost of brightening benefits from niacinamide, this formula promises to fade dark spots (especially ones that resulted from inflammation). Recommended usage is two times per day to affected areas. It’s often a lifelong battle! Hermann echoes his recommendation. Typically sold and used only in medical spas, dermatologist offices or skin clinics, these items offer a higher concentration of grade-A ingredients. Top 5 Skin Whitening Ingredients Dermatologists’ Recommend. "I recommend Bioderma Sensibio Micellar H20 to patients with all skin types. Effective treatment begins with understanding why you get this discoloration. The simplest way to revive dull, lackluster skin is by using a brightening serum. Dermatologists spend all day caring for their patients' skin, but how do they treat their own complexions? Product Description: Nur76 Skin Lightening Cream is considered to be the No.1 Skin Whitening Product of UK. 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. Lemon thyme is smoothing and conditioning to help strengthen skin, essentially helping it fight degradation. Ingredients to choose include propylene glycol, urea, petrolatum, dimethicone, lanolin and allantoin. There are some amazing creams that many have found to be effective in lightening the skin and making it appear more bright and beautiful. That is why dermatologists recommend patients apply a sunscreen every day — regardless of weather conditions — to protect their skin from premature wrinkling, skin rashes, and skin cancer. Dermatologists can write prescriptions for lighteners that contain 4%-6% hydroquinone. 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. "Plus, it’s well tolerated and helps to brighten the complexion overall.". 1. The struggle to find a face moisturizer (bonus if it has SPF) that seemingly does everything at once—like, turning back the clock without clogging your pores—is real. You can spend years diligently attending to your skin regimen—the right cleansers! 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 most reliable body lotions is CeraVe," says Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist for the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Skin Beauty Pro Strength Skin Lightening Serum – Skin Bleaching, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, Acne Spot (2 oz / 60 ml) Shop now at Amazon If you have tried your share of creams and want a straightforward, strong product with no fuss, this Lightening Serum could be perfect. "For over the counter treatment options, this contains 2% hydroquinone, and is a great option for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Melissa K. Levin of Entiere Dermatology in NYC. "Using the combined power of skin brighteners niacinamide and tranexamic acid, this fades discoloration," says Dr. Morgan Rabach of LM Medical in NYC. "It's a new ingredient for skin darkening," Miami dermatologist Roberta Del Campo tells Allure. For those of you who are interested in using a skin bleaching cream, but are on a tight budget while shopping, a reliable option is the Black and White Bleaching Cream. Massage the cream to penetrate the skin and encourage the production of collagen. Meladerm skin lightening cream was developed by Civant Skin Care as a powerful skin brightening solution, backed by medical research. Both injuries and inflammatory skin conditions cause scars. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel For All Skin Types, 50g . Currently, only two percent hydroquinone is available without a prescription. To fade a scar at home, try one of these doctor-recommended best scar creams. Skin care creams offer greater protection to aging skin than moisturizing lotions due to their higher oil content. Got your sunscreen? 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? Golite is the best dermatologist recommended skin lightening cream. Typically sold and used only in medical spas, dermatologist offices or skin clinics, these items offer a higher concentration of grade-A ingredients. 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