This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
Your skin goes through so many changes throughout the years, exposed to a number of factors such as UV rays, varying temperatures, and many other forces outside your control that can alter the appearance of your complexion. One common skincare struggle to experience, particularly as you grow older, is the development of age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Despite being common skin occurrences, it’s also completely natural to have the desire to fade these darker areas on your face for a more even complexion. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to entirely do away with age spots from home, there are four great ingredients experts say you can add into your beauty routine which will function to slowly fade these areas, allowing for a brighter and more even skin tone to be revealed.
READ MORE: A Dermatologist Tells Us How To Even Skin Tone And Discoloration
1. Niacinamide
Not only is niacinamide a powerful anti-aging ingredient, but it can also help to fade hyperpigmentation on the skin alongside a number of other significant benefits. “When applied to the skin, this powerful antioxidant helps to minimize enlarged pores, brighten skin tone, minimize hyperpigmentation, reduce sebum, and strengthen the skin barrier,” explains board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rebecca Marcus. This ingredient is particularly useful, Marcus explains, as it is both an anti-inflammatory and a source of hydration for the skin. Therefore, if you’re frustrated with age spots and are looking to preserve an ageless, youthful complexion, this is perhaps one of the best ingredients to be using.
2. Shiitake Mushroom Extract
For a slightly less common solution to hyperpigmentation, Marcus also notes that shiitake mushroom extract is a viable option to utilize within your skincare routine. “Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and kojic acid,” she explains. “It has been shown to prevent oxidative damage and may also enable DNA repair in UV-irradiated cells.” Not only can this ingredient help to repair UV damage, but it has also proven to interfere with the enzyme that creates increased pigmentation in the skin, reducing the risk of more age spots appearing on your complexion in the future. Marcus recommends the Maei MD Serum 6 to offer both niacinamide and shiitake mushroom extract, evening pigmentation through a blend of antioxidants.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been recognized as a valuable anti-aging ingredient, but it may also be of use for fading hyperpigmentation and age spots as well. “Vitamin C is a must for just about any skincare routine,” notes board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Amir Karam. “Vitamin C works to brighten and improve skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen production, and clarify overall skin texture.”
Working on multiple fronts to improve the appearance of your skin while reducing the severity of age spots, in tandem with a good SPF and moisturizer, vitamin C makes for an excellent staple in your anti-aging and hyperpigmentation-reducing routine.
