We talk to the founder of Hyper Skin to learn how to deal with dark spots.&nbsp;

Whether it's from spending time in the sun, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/how-to-treat-prevent-maskne-acne-from-wearing-masks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acne</a> scarring, or hormonal changes, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-brightening-serum-skincare-glow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dark spots</a> can form on the skin. Known commonly as hyperpigmentation, this condition occurs when patches of skin receive more melanin deposits than normal, leading to a darkened, uneven appearance. Although it can affect people of all skin types and tones, darker-skinned people tend to be more impacted by hyperpigmentation because they already have more melanin.&nbsp;
As someone who struggled with acne-born hyperpigmentation and saw a lack of diversity in the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/women-owned-skincare-brands-to-shop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skincare</a> world, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/desiree.verdejo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Desiree Verdejo</a> set out to create a skincare brand that specifically addresses the condition. Verdejo's line, <a href="https://gethyperskin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyper Skin,</a>&nbsp;has become a best-seller for its ability to clear dark spots. Here, L'OFFICIEL speaks with the founder to better understand how to treat hyperpigmentation and for her expert-approved tips for achieving an even skintone.&nbsp;

How can you protect your skin from hyperpigmentation?

In order to prevent dark spots from appearing in the first place, make sure to add plenty of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/broad-spectrum-sunscreen-beauty-skincare-travel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sunscreen</a> to your skincare routine. "Using SPF daily is a major form of protection," Verdejo says. "I wish that I could say that with a bull horn because I don't think that this point is stressed enough to folks with darker skin. I've also found that our <a href="https://gethyperskin.com/products/hyper-clear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyper Clear serum</a>, which is packed with ingredients like kojic acid and alpha-arbutin, not only treats existing dark spots but minimizes the occurrence of future dark spots. These are my daily go-to&rsquo;s to keep my complexion even."
Aside from suncare, treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema with the help of a dermatologist can prevent skin scarring which leads to dark spots. Avoid picking at acne, as causing damage to your skin can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.&nbsp;

The easiest and least expensive way to treating darks spots is to use topical products, such as the aforementioned Hyper Clear Vitamin C Serum, <a href="https://www.target.com/p/la-roche-posay-mela-d-pigment-control-face-serum-1oz/-/A-14225604" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector</a>, and <a href="https://www.ulta.com/p/alpha-arbutin-2-ha-pimprod2007108?sku=2551165&amp;cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&amp;cagpspn=pla&amp;CATCI=pla-1290694115924&amp;CAAGID=122272354242&amp;CAWELAID=330000200001794793&amp;CATARGETID=330000200002762493&amp;CADevice=c&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj46UjIC78QIVwfezCh1bxAlQEAQYASABEgJclvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ordinary Alpha-Arbutin 2%</a>. "Ingredients like Kojic Acid and Alpha-Arbutin treat existing dark spots while minimizing the likeliness of future dark spots from forming," says Verdejo,&nbsp;
For alternative fixes, talk to a dermatologist about a clinical treatment that might be right for you. "I'm obsessed with in-office treatments and have had great results for treating older dark spots with both <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/chemical-peel-skincare-dermatologist-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemical peels</a> and micro-needling," says Verdejo. "Sometimes our skin needs the combination of a beauty treatment and great skincare to balance things out."

How long does it take to treat hyperpigmentation?

When it comes to treating dark spots, patience is key. "Treating hyperpigmentation is not as quick and easy as some other skin concerns," says Verdejo. "A newer dark spot might disappear in as little as two weeks, but older scars can take even longer. I love to tell the Hyper community to wait 30 days before measuring if their dark spots have lightened, and to be even more patient when dealing with older scars that are deeper within the skin."

So, without further ado, L'OFFICIEL has rounded up some of the best products to help fight your frustrating hyperpigmentation.

For all skin types, this hyperpigmentation treatment and vitamin C serum targets the look of dark spots for a more even complexion. Containing vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and kojic acid this formula drastically reduces both dark spots and signs of aging. This vegan and cruelty-free product is also formulated with anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric and salicylic acid which works to heal and prevent future breakouts. 
Hyper Skin&nbsp;Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum, $58, <a href="https://fave.co/3WJBLcW">Sephora</a>

Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum. Courtesy of Sephora.

Hyper Skin

This lightweight glycolic acid serum is made for all skin types and helps reduce the look of dark spots and discoloration, revealing brighter and more even looking skin. This serum combines concentrated 10% pure glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid, and vitamin B5 for prime effectiveness while also effective for sensitive skin.&nbsp;
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum, $44.99, <a href="https://fave.co/3Wo7ijk">La Roche-Posay</a>

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector. Courtesy of La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay

Made from vitamin C and enzymes from green tea, this brightening serum helps fade dark spots and post-breakout marks for a more even complexion. Formulated for all skin types, this lightweight serum is free of parabens, formaldehydes, and phthalates while also being gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. Its one of a kind floating capsules of vitamin C easily absorbed into skin to brighten and target dark spots including sun spots and post-breakout marks.
Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $32, <a href="https://fave.co/3YzRHjc">Sephora</a>

Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Courtesy of Sephora.

Innisfree

This water-based serum is designed to target uneven skin tones and visibly improve pigmentation. Combining a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin with hyaluronic acid, it works to target dark spots and uneven skin tone while helping to support product absorption into the skin.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, $11.50, <a href="https://fave.co/3WLIZgt">The Ordinary</a>

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. Courtesy of Sephora.

The Ordinary

A brightening serum that combats dark spots caused by sun, acne, or pregnancy, visibly evens skin tone and makes your skin glow. For all skin types, this formula is made with a sun-safe alternative to vitamin C and is shown to reduce the look of dark spots after using as little as one bottle.&nbsp;
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative, $82, <a href="https://fave.co/4caNyp6">Sephora</a>

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative. Courtesy of Sephora.

Caudalie

This silky, serum-gel supports the skin&rsquo;s natural barrier and promotes skin recovery. Created for all skin types, this vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free product, is clinically tested to minimize the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation. This serum-gel made with Gransense&reg; mimics the natural skin barrier and helps your skin recover.
Luna Daily The Repair Treatment &ndash; For Scars &amp; Hyperpigmentation - Best For Acne and Post-Surgery - Silicone Free, $56, <a href="https://fave.co/3SzxkPv">Sephora</a>

Luna Daily The Repair Treatment. Courtesy of Sephora.

Luna Daily

A lightweight, brightening serum that fades the look of dark spots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation is made for all skin types and formulated with alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and niacinamide. These ingredients improve the look of uneven skin tones and support the skin&rsquo;s moisture barrier.
Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum Dark Spot Treatment, $68, <a href="https://fave.co/4dosQDk">Sephora</a>

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum Dark Spot Treatment. Courtesy of Sephora.

Dr. Idriss

A hyperpigmentation-safe serum made for all skin types, this product visibly reduces stubborn discoloration, post-blemish marks, scars, and spots suitable for all ethnicities and skin tones. Its formula contains tranexamic acid which minimizes spots and marks, niacinamide which reduces discoloration, and azelaic acid which brightens skin. This product is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty free.
Topicals Mini Faded Serum for Dark Spots &amp; Discoloration, $18, <a href="https://fave.co/46xbCkN">Sephora</a>

Topicals Mini Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration. Courtesy of Sephora.

Topicals

Formulated with an unmatched combination of skin brightening and tone evening niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, and azelaic acid, this serum fixes the appearance of existing skin discolorations and fights the formation of new dark spots. It is also safe for all skin types, including acne-prone, mature, and sensitive skin.
Fig. 1&nbsp;Even Tone Serum, $36, <a href="https://fave.co/3A8asAk">Fig. 1</a>

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation

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