I Found the Best Skincare Routine for Dark Spots

Just writing the word “dark spots” is enough to send a wave of emotions racing. Three years ago, I moved to New York City with big dreams, an air mattress, and a little cash.

At the time, I didn’t realize how all the unexpected changes happening in the big city would completely throw my skin off balance.

From the inevitable stress of over-polluted air to the pressures of my first job, my skin felt it all—and it was hard.

My once flawless skin quickly became covered in countless dark spots. At a certain point, it just became unmanageable.

The real problem was that I didn’t know how to take care of them, so I got really good at covering them up.

Through my work in the cosmetics industry, I knew all the top-notch, full-coverage makeup that could help me achieve perfect skin, and I used heavy foundation to hide my imperfections.

In fact, I’ve even written about how my work in the cosmetics industry made my skin worse. I rushed to test product after product without understanding how certain ingredients would react to my extremely sensitive skin.

But I eventually came to terms with the fact that I used to hide behind makeup to feel beautiful. Luckily, I worked with an amazing team of women who supported me throughout the entire process by providing me with product and pigmentation treatment advice.

To lighten my dark spots, I opted for microneedling and facials. I took every opportunity to consult a dermatologist or aesthetician to find out which products would work for me.

By God’s grace and a lot of trial and error, I can confidently say that I have found my skincare formula for dark spots.

Since using the following products, my dark spots have faded noticeably.

Every night I look forward to going through this routine slowly, step by step. Each product has earned a place in my medicine cabinet and pampers my skin with nourishing ingredients that are neither irritating nor irritating.

I’m so grateful for these powerful products, and that’s exactly how I use them. (Can you tell I’ll never give them away again?)

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes and Face Cleansing Wipes

As soon as I enter my apartment, I wipe away the day’s weariness with these cleansing wipes. Seriously, I grab them right away. Massaging my skin with these moisturizing wipes feels so soothing.

This is my first step to remove any traces of makeup. They’re gentle yet strong enough to remove even the most stubborn mascara. Plus, each wipe comes pre-packed with moisturizing ingredients so my skin doesn’t dry out.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

When I found out this product from Glossier contains the exact same gentle cleanser that you use on contact lenses, I was instantly drawn to it. On a sensitive skin scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most sensitive), my skin is well over a 10.

With that in mind, I’m a firm believer that this rosewater-infused gel-like cleanser should be the second step in my skincare routine to thoroughly remove makeup. It also balances my skin’s pH and leaves my pores feeling like I just drank a big glass of water.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser

I’ve thoroughly removed my makeup and now it’s time to really start fighting dark spots. A year ago, an aesthetician recommended that I try Sunday Riley’s Slip Clay Cleanser, and I haven’t regretted it.

The high-quality ingredients are the perfect cocktail to fight dark spots. Made with French green clay and Moroccan clay, it penetrates pores like a vacuum cleaner to suck out excess dirt, sediment, and oil.

However, it doesn’t leave my face feeling tight, so I know it’s not stripping my skin of its natural oils, which is good for me. It’s also packed with vitamin C to significantly lighten dark spots. My skin looks smooth and glowy afterwards.

Grown Alchemist Polishing Face Scrub Pink Grapefruit/Glucomannan

I use this scrub every two days, or whenever my skin feels hungover (let’s be honest), for an instant detox. Some scrubs feel a little rough, but this one reminds me of a home spa.

I apply it to my face and it removes dead skin cells and leaves my skin soft. The all-natural formula contains grapefruit extract and vitamin C, which I’m sure has helped a lot in lightening my dark spots.

Cane + Austin Acne Patches

Using acid products in my daily routine has helped a lot in lightening my dark spots. These powerful pads contain a healthy dose of 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid.

These two active ingredients work together to smooth dark spots, increase collagen levels in the skin, make it more elastic, and improve my pigmentation. I use one pad every two days to cover my entire face, so it’s really worth the money.

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator 118ml

As you can see, I love organic products that won’t cause unnecessary rashes. When I learned that this brand is from my hometown of Portland, Oregon, I knew I would have a special connection with this product.

This refreshing facial toner feels very soothing on the skin. I spray it all over my skin and pat it into my face so that my pores can optimally absorb the benefits. It contains aloe water, antioxidants, and fatty acids to hydrate my skin.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

Next, I apply a few drops of this gel serum to my forehead, cheeks, and chin. It contains B5 gel and hyaluronic acid – a great combination for acne-prone skin like mine. I apply it generously and wait about 30 seconds before applying anything else so that my pores can absorb it optimally.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

My skin is dehydrated. To prevent my pores from needing more moisture, I always use two serums. My secret to my skin is this: I use the SkinCeuticals serum with Dr. Barbara Strum’s Hyaluronic Serum.Hyaluronic acid is the body’s natural moisturizer—the more, the better.

This serum contains a potent blend of hyaluronic acid molecules that provide my skin with extra moisture, making it look plumper.

Dr. Barbara Strum Face Cream for Dark Skin Tones

I recently discovered the skincare line from Dr. Barbara Sturm, developed specifically for dark skin tones. If Angela Bassett and Jada Pinkett Smith swear by this phrase to lighten their dark spots, then I swear by it just as much.

This simple formula, packed with radiance-enhancing ingredients, is the reason my dark spots have faded over time. I have unusually small pores that don’t lend themselves to thick, cream-based products. In these cases, I carefully scoop out a small amount and apply thickly to my skin.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxurious Face Oil

I’ve been on record expressing my undying love for this product. Not only does this face oil give me an irresistible glow, but I also wake up with smooth skin. I love applying it over my moisturizer. I don’t know exactly why; it just feels right.

The ingredients are simple: unprocessed marula oil (straight from the marula fruit), omega 6, and omega 9. This makes it the perfect penultimate step in my dark spot skincare routine.

Urban Skin Rx Even Skin Night Cream

Last but not least, my favorite dark spot corrector from heaven. I rave about this product every time because as soon as I apply it directly to my dark spots, I see a noticeable difference the next morning.

It’s my savior for post-inflammatory dark spots thanks to the highly effective combination of hydroquinone, kojic acid, and retinol. Even if a pimple forms, this product will eliminate it in no time.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

My skincare routine is incomplete without some care for my lips. Even though it’s not necessarily for my dark spots, it’s still an essential part of any nighttime skincare routine.

Lastly, I apply this salve to my lips, which soaks up the dryness that develops overnight. This is my longest-lasting skincare product, so yeah, I don’t miss it.

Now my skin is ready to lie back on the silk sheets and relax. I am sure my skincare routine is working because it has given me the complexion I have been striving for for years. There are many claims, but this one is true.