Best Face Wash for Dark Spots + Hyperpigmentation for 2024
In this article, The Best Face Wash for Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation, I’ve curated a list of the best face washes and cleansers for dark spots or age spots, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation issues.
If you are struggling with dark spots or age spots and skin hyperpigmentation, you’re not alone.
Many people suffer from these conditions, which can be caused by various factors such as sun exposure, aging, hormones, and genetics.
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The Causes of Dark Spots and Skin Hyperpigmentation
Several factors can cause dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation.
Sun exposure
Sun exposure is a common cause of dark spots; Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color.
On skin with years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
Acne Scars
Dark Spots can be caused by acne. As blemishes heal, the body can sometimes produce cells with too much melanin to replace the damaged skin. This results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or a dark spot.
Hormonal Changes
Hormone imbalances caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy can cause melasma or skin hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Aging
Age spots, also called sunspots, liver spots, and solar lentigines, are prevalent in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.
Genetics
Genetics can also contribute to developing dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin.
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Treatments for Dark Spots and Skin Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation treatments include laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, exfoliating acids, prescribed lightening creams, and over-the-counter products.
Laser treatments and Light Therapies
Several laser treatments and light therapies (IPL) are available to treat dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation.
Here are a couple of resources if you are interested in learning more.
- Dermatologists love these laser treatments for dark spots (The Zoe Report)
- Laser Treatments for dark spots (Baylor College of Medicine)
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is done in a dermatologist’s office.
Cryotherapy freezes the dark spot by applying liquid nitrogen to the area for a few seconds. This eventually kills the pigmented cells.
The spot will look lighter as the skin heals.
Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is an in-office procedure typically performed by a licensed skin care professional or dermatologist.
Microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related concerns and conditions.
Chemical peels.
Chemical peels can target hyperpigmentation by removing the skin’s top layer (or the epidermis).
Some chemical peels penetrate more profoundly than others. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic the results.
Related Article: The Benefits of Chemical Peels
Exfoliating Acids
Using alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate skin helps even out your skin tone and makes it smoother overall.
These acids are available over the counter and can be found in skincare treatments such as face wash, toner, moisturizers, and serums.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) include glycolic, citric, malic, tartaric, and lactic acid.
Beta-Hydroxy Acid Or Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid. It’s well-known for reducing acne and dark spots by exfoliating the skin and keeping the skin’s pores clean and clear.
Other Acids for Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
Azelaic Acid-Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that helps exfoliate the skin and is very effective in treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
It has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm down irritated skin (redness and rosacea) and treat acne.
Kojic acid– Kojic acid is a naturally occurring hydrophilic fungal product.
This hard-working acid reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of free tyrosinase and is also a potent antioxidant. (source)
Prescription skin-lightening cream
Hydroquinone is a prescribed leaching cream used to treat areas of dyschromia, such as melasma, chloasma, solar lentigines, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (source)
Over-the-counter products
To help slough off dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new ones, look for a cream or serum that contains retinol or alpha hydroxy acid and brightening ingredients such as vitamin c and azelaic acid.
Home remedies
Many home remedies claim to lighten dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation. These remedies include lemon, buttermilk, tomatoes, papaya, and more.
Here are a few resources if you want to learn more about home remedies for dark spots.
The Best Formulas for Dark Spots and Skin Hyperpigmentation
Several types of face cleansers can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation.
To understand the most effective face washes for dark spots, it’s essential to know the active ingredients that target dark spots and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Active Ingredients For Dark Spots + Skin Hyperpigmentation
When choosing a face wash for dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation, look for products with active ingredients that can help reduce their appearance.
The Best face washes on the market for dark spots contain these ingredients:
Retinoids
Retinoids penetrate deep into the skin’s layer to treat below the epidermis.
Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are one of the most effective and well-trusted skincare ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) And Beta Hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of natural exfoliating agents that help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. They can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also helps to brighten and treat uneven skin tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Kojic Acid
kojic acid is a natural ingredient derived from fungi. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin in your skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid helps exfoliate the skin and targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
It also treats, redness and acne It has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Hyaluronic acid
Although it contains the word acid, hyaluronic acid is not an AHA or a BHA. Instead, it is a natural humectant.
Hyaluronic acid is used in skincare and cosmetics to restore skin moisture, firmness, and plumpness.
It works by locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier on your skin, keeping it soft and supple.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a phenomenal ingredient for preventing and treating skin inflammation and sensitivity.
Ceramides.
Ceramides are fats or lipids that are found in skin cells.
They keep the fluid in the skin and protect it from allergens and external aggressors. Therefore, ceramides are not only important for a healthy appearance but also for healthy functioning skin.
Related article: The Best Moisturizers for mature skin
The Right Face Wash for Your Skin Type
When choosing a face wash for dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation, consider your skin type and your individual needs and goals.
Sensitive Skin Types
If you have sensitive skin, look for a gentle cleanser like Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Facial Cleanser that is brightening and moisturizing and won’t strip the surface of the skin that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Dry Skin and aging skin Types
If you have dry or aging skin, opt for a cream-based face wash formulated for dry skin.
Paula’s Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is a terrific choice as it contains hyaluronic acid and aloe, which help to moisturize and soothe the skin.
Combination skin
Combination skin type is characterized by dry and oily skin (usually in the t-zone). Therefore, it’s a good idea to look for gentle, oil-free products, such as CeraVe Cream-to-Foam face wash.
Oily Skin or acne-prone skin
For oily skin, I love La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser because it removes excess oil while maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier & pH!
It contains prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide & glycerin and is suitable for oily and sensitive skin types.
If you have acne-prone skin, CeraVe Acne Foaming Acne Treatment Face Wash is the bomb! It contains 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides!
The Best Face Wash for Dark spots and Hyperpigmentation:
Now that I’ve gone over what dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation are and how to treat them, let’s dive into the best face washes to help you target dark spots and dark skin patches at home.
As promised, here is my personally curated list of the best face wash for dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
CeraVe SA Cleanser | Salicylic Acid Cleanser
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser exfoliates and detoxifies to remove dirt & oil while softening and smoothing skin without feeling dry.
This salicylic acid foaming gel cleanser is suitable for the face, body, and acne-prone skin.
With Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin d, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, you cannot go wrong with this face wash!
It’s Non-comedogenic and Fragrance-free.
More Noteworthy CeraVe Face Cleansers
Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash
Revision Skincare offers professional-grade skincare products that are highly regarded by skincare pros and physicians alike.
This brightening face wash has Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids and brightening botanicals and removes the day’s impurities, leaving skin clean and hydrated without drying.
It also contains white tea extract and Vitamin E for antioxidant benefits.
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Face Cleanser
This Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser is formulated to help with visible dark spots, uneven tone, and texture.
It contains micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), a salicylic acid derivative to exfoliate the skin’s surface, revealing a brightener and healthier skin.
It contains glycerin to help hydrate skin and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Face Wash
This vitamin C cleanser refines skin tone and texture, hydrates and decreases the appearance of pores, and helps reduce and prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines.
It’s packed with vitamin C and extracts such as green tea, chamomile, sugar cane, coconut water, and aloe, leaving the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
This is a lovely exfoliating facial cleanser packed full of amazing ingredients!
Natural Jojoba wax beads gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin, excess dirt, and oil buildup.
Formulated with Kojic Acid, which helps brighten and even skin tone, along with a blend of natural oils, including olive and rosehip, to nourish and moisturize skin.
Contains Natural and Organic Ingredients: Aloe, jojoba, rosehip oil, olive oil, cucumber, and willow bark.
DERMA E Vitamin C Cleanser
DERMA E Brightening Cleanser brightens skin while gently washing away dirt, oil, and makeup.
This moisturizing facial cleanser is ideal for discolored skin, age spots, and dark spots!
Just look at these ingredients!:
-Licorice Extract and Vitamin C bring brightness back and banish dullness,
-Pro-Vitamin B5 helps to combat dehydration, and Glycolic Acid helps remove dead skin
100% vegan and cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, lanolin, gluten, or GMOs.
TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Cleanser, Brightening Anti-Aging Face Wash
TruSkin facial cleanser with vitamin C and aloe promotes skin’s natural health and is suitable for all skin types.
With ingredients that target breakouts and minimize the appearance of sun damage and dark spots for healthier-looking skin.
CRUELTY-FREE & MANUFACTURED IN THE USA!
The Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Face Wash
This exfoliating face cleanser is formulated with 10% glycolic & salicylic acid, significantly reducing acne and dark spots while improving the skin’s overall texture.
It contains bamboo, shea Butter, and tea tree extract and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
Suggested use: 2-3 X’s per week.
Shop Face Washes for Dark Spots
Dark Spot Prevention
There are a few things people can do to decrease the chances of dark spots and prevent them from getting darker, though it is not always possible to prevent them:
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 days, even on cloudy days.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your skin further.
- Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest.
My Favorite Sunscreens
Conclusion: The Best Face Wash for Dark Spots and Skin Pigmentation
Dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors, including sun exposure, hormones, aging, and genetics.
Fortunately, several treatments can reduce the appearance of dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation.
Using a good face wash with the correct active ingredients can effectively reduce the appearance of dark spots and skin hyperpigmentation.
I’ve outlined some fantastic face washes on the market that should help that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Which one will you try?
Leave me a comment below!
And as always, Thanks for stopping by!
XO, Christine
I’ve been keeping it real since 1963. 🙂
I’m a child of God, a wifey, mama, grandma, full-time creative, domestic engineer, and self-care enthusiast.
I am obsessed with all things makeup and skincare and love getting my hands dirty out in the garden, my art room, or in the kitchen, whipping up something yummy for the fam.
I’m always down to chat and love collaborating with other creatives and brands alike!
Feel free to reach out anytime!
Thanks for all the suggestions, I will take a look for different ones when I go to Sephora, I have used the Derma C – very helpful. Thanks for the informative article !