I don’t think I’m the only one who has had hot skin this winter. Although my fair complexion tends to get very dry from December to March, I don’t usually see much other activity. Not so this year. I’ve had my eczema scars jump from my hands to my cheekbones, and a constellation of baby rashes is now permanently ingrained on my right jaw and cheek. It took weeks of slathering on prescription creams and targeted treatments (and a few soothing facials) to get my skin back to neutral, and while we still have a few small pimples and bad patches to deal with, I’m now left with the remnants of my best-performing winter skin. That means hyperpigmentation, and more, which is where my list of lightening serums comes into play.
In case you’re not familiar, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a type of discoloration that occurs after skin damage such as acne, eczema, or trauma (such as picking at a pimple). Basically, it’s a deposit of extra melanin, the pigment that causes your skin color, wherever your skin moves. And although the mechanism between skin damage and your melanocytes going into overdrive is complex and a bit long-winded, what you really need to know is that making those dark marks disappear (at least faster than they will naturally) takes the main ingredients and a lot of patience. In other words, nothing will happen overnight, but my tried and tested list of lightening products will help reduce unwanted pigmentation and leave your complexion clear, radiant, and ready for spring.
C Light
Vitamin C has a lot of data to support its lightening power, and is popular with dermatologists to reduce photo damage (dark spots from UV rays) and uneven skin tone. Overall, it is generally considered the gold standard for fading hyperpigmentation.
The article continues below
Skinfix
Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C Serum
I love this serum, as you know, and the impressive clinical results are just the beginning. I flew through the bottle in the summer and now I’m adding a new batch to my routine to get rid of the dark spots left over from the winter puffiness.
Obagi
Professional-C Serum 15%
While you can top up this formula with an impressive 20 percent option, I try not to overload my skin with active ingredients when it’s already stressed. Not only will your derm recommend this to fade dark spots, but it also boosts collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.
Needs Niacinamide
For a light but effective star, you can’t go wrong with niacinamide. These serums are some of my favorites for reducing inflammation and smoothing and strengthening the skin barrier, in addition to dealing with dark spots over time.
Dieux
Deliverance 3-In-1 Repair Serum
My go-to niacinamide serum whenever my skin is under siege from inflammation, it instantly calms and brightens my complexion for a healthy, even glow.
Celimax
Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum
K-beauty fans, this one’s for you—a niacinamide- and tranexamic acid-rich formula that lightens, brightens, and banishes breakouts before leaving any kind of dark mark.
Absolutely Tranexamic
I’ve predicted a rise in acidity in the skin care space, and I’m thrilled to see so many options hit the market in the past few months. The bonus? Tranexamic acid also helps prevent pigmentation triggers on your skin in the first place.
SkinCeuticals
Discoloration Defense
Another derm favorite formula, this serum has brightening powers from tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to both slow dark spots and reduce existing pigmentation.
Naturium
Tranexamic Acid Topical 5%
The hero ingredient gets a boost from one of my favorite light powerhouses in this formula: licorice root. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but you’ll still see a lot of fading over time.
Mandelic magic
A very low AHA, mandelic acid exfoliates the skin and roughens it less and less, so the risk of irritation is less. But don’t get it wrong—you’ll still see great results with consistent use.
Sofie Pavitt’s face
Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum
If the breakouts still stop, I reach for this exfoliating serum to fight zits while lightening and treating old dark marks.
It’s easy
Light 5% Niacinamide Serum
An affordable serum that brightens, hydrates, *and* combines two of my favorite skincare ingredients (mandelic and tranexamic acid) into one? Please and thank you.
Retinol Relief
When it comes to skin rejuvenation, you don’t get much stronger than a retinoid product. Any of the various forms of vitamin A (from retinol to prescription tretinoin) will accelerate cell turnover and fade pigmentation as quickly as possible.
Medik8
Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
This is retinaldehyde serum, aka retinal, which is one more step during the conversion process to reach retinoic acid, a form of retinoid that can bind to cell receptors in your skin. Translation? It’s more powerful and effective at fading dark marks, smoothing skin, and leaving you looking more radiant.
Innbeauty project
Retinol Remix 1% Retinol Treatment
Do you see a theme here? All of these brightening ingredients tend to play well together (although vitamin C and retinol are often left to separate morning and evening products). This formula tackles everything from dark spots to large pores for healthy, youthful-looking skin with each use.
Why You Trust Marie Claire
For over 30 years, Marie Claire was a world-renowned destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, research packages, and more. When it comes to products Marie Claire recommend, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire the author or editor, or an expert we spoke to personally.
Don’t wait for our newsletters from your friends. Subscribe to Face Forward here.
SUBJECTS