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Skin
Are You Looking For A Serum To Deal With Dark Spots?
We’ve got you. Here are 10 potent serums to help brighten your complexion.
Text Ebru Kabacık
We can all agree that dark spots can be annoying. Especially if/when they get more visible post-sunny season. But don’t let those spots get you down—there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and it will illuminate your complexion. Although the increase in the skin’s melanin levels is related to sun damage, there are several other causes of discoloration, including acne scars, hormonal imbalances, and skincare mishaps. So, how do we fight the good fight against discoloration at home? The key is to use serums with brightening ingredients such as AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), BHA (beta hydroxy acid), niacinamide, Vitamin C, ferulic acid, and retinol. A potent sunscreen is also essential. You can also opt for professional treatments like microneedling and laser for an extra professional boost. It’s also sound to consult a dermatologist if you have serious pigmentation issues. Wonderflaw has carefully selected 10 effective dark spot serums to help combat dark spots.
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Serum, $108
Skinceuticals is specifically renowned for its antioxidant-rich serum formulations. With its effective list of ingredients, this serum promises to get the job done effectively. It has niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid, which help even out discoloration of the complexion. The serum also soothes inflammation while treating existing spots and acne scars. Plus, it’s free of essential oils and fragrances.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, $90
Here’s a potent serum that targets dark spots, pores, and fine lines. Its formulation gently exfoliates the skin with a blend of AHAs (including glycolic, lactic, and citric acid) and salicylic acid, the most popular BHA. Also worth mentioning is the soothing raspberry extract with anti-inflammatory properties.
Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum, $55
This result-oriented serum is enriched with niacinamide, the antioxidant bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), and tranexamic acid to help brighten the complexion without causing any sensitivity. Furthermore, the hydrating and moisture-retaining tocopherol and glycerin have skin-nourishing effects. The result? Improved skin texture and a radiant complexion.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, $8,55
This serum has long been a part of my skincare routine. Alpha arbutin, an ingredient that brightens the skin, targets dark spots and acne scars. Along with hydrating hyaluronic acid, the serum also features lactic acid to help diminish the look of dark spots.
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, $69
Retinol lives up to its hype. But how about the retinal? The mighty ingredient is a more effective Vitamin A derivative than retinol, helping reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Alongside retinal, the serum’s ingredient list has niacinamide, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, arginine, and shea butter to help strengthen the barrier and moisturize skin.
Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum, $99
Dermalogica’s efficient dark spot fighter contains a powerful brightening complex and moisturizing ingredients, squalane, and sweet almond oil. The adaptogen-rich serum helps promote a radiant complexion with consistent use. If you are not a big fan of exfoliating acids, this one's for you.
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum, $83
Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum, $88, available at Sephora
Shani Darden, one of the most popular facialists in Hollywood, shares her expertise with everyone with her eponymous brand. This serum addresses uneven skin tone with AHAs and PHAs while delivering an instant glow. Panthenol, aloe vera, white tea, and green tea help alleviate redness and soothe the skin. It’s even suitable for those new to acids.
Institut Esthederm Esthe-White Brightening Youth Anti-Dark Spots Serum, $116
Institut Esthederm’s serum is packed with an intensive blend of antioxidants to brighten and even out skin tone. It features Vitamin C derivative ascorbyl glucoside and tocopherol. The formulation’s exfoliating citric acid works alongside moisture-locking mineral oil to deliver a radiant complexion.
Augustinus Bader The Serum, $390
I’ve had my eyes on this serum for a long time. The serum’s headliner TFC8 technology, a unique combination of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules, offers targeted solutions for the skin. The Serum aims to repair the skin and fight hyperpigmentation with antioxidant ingredients like resveratrol, green tea, and rice bran oil. Arginine, squalane, and glycerin are also there for intense hydration.
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