Dermatologists Say This Product Will Remove Age Spots And Reverse Summer Sun Damage (2024)

Those who prefer to shop vegan will appreciate this mushroom-based formula from Origins. The serum takes our top spot for a few reasons, the first being that it treats several kinds of spots, like post-acne marks, brown patches, and dark spots. It also contains a combination of reishi and chaga mushrooms (extracts that are rich in kojic acid and that research shows can combat hyperpigmentation) and licorice, an ingredient that one research review found improves discoloration by dispersing existing melanin in skin and preventing new melanin from reaching skin's surface. You'll also find tried-and-true age spot fighters like vitamin C. All in all, it's a well-rounded, gentle formula that gets the job done.

No surprises here then, that this product was a major hit with WH managing editor Laura McLaughlin. "This light serum absorbs well and doesn't feel sticky," she says. "There's an aromatherapy aspect to using it for sure, and it's nice to have that bright, lemony, ginger scent around me." Speaking of scents, it's worth noting that this product is listed as fragrance-free, which isn't actually the case, so if you have sensitive skin that is reactive to fragrance, you may want to consider another treatment.

Read more: The Best Dark Spot Correctors

This serum is a recommendation of Dr. Henry's for its key ingredients like vitamin C and salicylic acid. It was formulated to treat and prevent dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne scars, and it was tested across 47 different skin tones to prove its versatility. Not to mention it's incredibly lightweight, which is something our testers love. They also noticed improvement in their spots in just two weeks.

On the flip side, some agree that it may not be the best for oily or acne-prone skin types, as it can be slightly comedogenic on those who are already at risk for having clogged pores. Others say the formula is a bit too strong for their sensitive skin, likely due to the salicylic acid, which can be irritating for this particular skin type.

As our experts have said: Any age spot regiment that doesn't include adequate sun protection is an exercise in futility—your hyperpigmentation will just resurface if you're not shielding skin from damage. The Bright Reveal Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 comes recommended by Dr. Henry because it not only has an SPF of 50, it also contains proven spot erasers like vitamins C and E. Our testers also appreciate that this is over the minimum suggestion of SPF 30.

"This is one of my favorite sunscreens," says Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood. "I love how lightweight it is, I love how it leaves no white cast, and I really love how much brighter my skin looks after using it consistently. It's very liquid-y, so it might not be the best fit for someone with very dry skin, but my combination skin drinks this formula right up."

Major bonus: the lotion primes well with makeup! The only caveat is that some of our testers didn't like the runny feel of the sunscreen and the semi-greasy finish, so those with oily skin might want to skip this one if that's a concern.

Dr. Hartman is a big fan of the MelaB3 formula from La Roche-Posay. "It encourages the breakdown of the metabolites of the spots so that they never really form," he says. "It's over the counter, relatively inexpensive, not considered a prestige product, and evens skin tone." If you want something stronger, he suggests trying the matching serum and using it twice a day.

Our testers with acne-prone skin love that this micro-peeling cleanser is noncomedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores). They also like the smell, which they say is subtle and fresh. It's also a really easy way to work a spot-fighting product into your skincare regimen—you're washing your face everyday already, right? Still, some say using the cleanser without the serum didn't provide the results they were hoping for.

This dark spot cream from SkinMedica is another pick from Dr. Hartman. It contains an LTN Complex, a highly-concentrated lotus sprout extract, that can be a huge help for people with age spots. "Instead of just stopping the pigment from forming, it helps to break down the pigment in those little encapsulated cells, which historically has been difficult to treat," he says.

It also has tranexamic acid, which is a larger molecule that's harder for the skin to absorb. However, Dr. Hartman notes that when mixed with other ingredients, it can be very effective. Our testers agree, with many of them loving the way it works in combination with the low and gentle levels of retinol (0.25 percent), kojic acid, and vitamin C.

You may think that once you've gotten old enough to deal with age spots, you'd be putting your breakout days behind you. You'd be wrong. Hormones can affect your skin at any age, which is why some people can be dealing with acne and age spots simultaneously. That's where this ingenious serum comes in. While it's the most expensive pick on our list, it gets Dr. Henry's seal of approval because it was formulated with those who have oily skin in mind. It's an oil-free, lightweight serum that contains key ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. Our testers agree that this formula does a great job at treating and preventing age spots and uneven skin tone.

"I'm a big fan of SkinCeuticals serums all around, and this one is no different," says Underwood. "But unlike some of the brand's other products, this one goes on without even the slightest hint of greasiness. That's huge for someone who has an oily T-zone, like me. Last summer, I got some spots around my head from a trip to Portugal, so I tried this serum. It made such a huge difference after about a month of using. Definitely keeping this one on the bench for when I deal with hyperpigmentation again."

On the flipside, a few users note that despite using the whole bottle, they didn't see much change and feel that the price isn't worth it for the amount of product you get.

Meet Our Experts

• Corey Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama.
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Can age spots really be removed?

In short, yes. If you plan on treating them topically, you have to be patient, stay consistent with your products, and prioritize sun protection, say our experts. With topicals, you should see results in roughly three to four months. In-office procedures may require multiple sessions over the course of a few weeks, but some age spots will only require a one-time treatment, depending on how dark they are.

What’s the most effective age spot remover?

The most effective age spot removers are laser-based procedures that are performed by a dermatologist. Dr. Hartman explains that Fraxel and PicoSure laser treatments are some of the most popular options. Other highly effective methods include microneedling and chemical peels (the latter of which is safer on darker skin).

That said, your doctor will most likely ask you to use topicals in addition to getting a treatment. "Things like chemical peels or lasers are like getting a car—you're not going to buy a car and not buy insurance," says Dr. Hartman. "A topical regimen is like buying insurance."

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