Skincare — Tone guide
How to get rid of dark spots.
What causes dark spots, which ingredients can help them fade, and why daily sunscreen matters more than anything else.
6 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Causes
Where dark spots come from
Sun exposure
UV light triggers extra pigment; sun spots often appear on the face and hands.
After breakouts
Marks left after spots or irritation, especially common in deeper skin tones.
Hormonal changes
Melasma can appear with pregnancy or hormonal treatments and needs professional care.
Picking
Squeezing or picking spots makes marks darker and longer-lasting.
Step one
Sunscreen every day
Without daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even the best treatments struggle; sunlight darkens existing spots and creates new ones. Apply generously and reapply when you are outdoors.
Ingredients
What can help them fade
Vitamin C
An antioxidant used in the morning that can help brighten over time.
Niacinamide
Well tolerated and can help even out tone.
Azelaic acid
Useful for post-breakout marks and gentle on many skin types.
Retinoids
Speed up cell turnover; start slowly, at night only.
AHAs
Exfoliating acids like glycolic acid can help surface marks; avoid overuse.
One at a time
Introduce a single active and give it 8–12 weeks before judging.
Expectations
Be patient and gentle
Most marks fade gradually over several months. Irritation can create new pigmentation, so a gentle, consistent routine works better than strong products used aggressively.
When to get help
See a dermatologist when
A spot changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds or itches, or pigmentation is widespread or does not respond. A dermatologist can rule out other conditions and offer prescription or in-clinic treatments.
