“Preventing hyperpigmentation is really important because reversing it can be tricky,” says Dr. Robinson. Here are eight tips to help keep dark spots away, so your skin looks even and bright.

Sunscreen is a skincare product that’s just non-negotiable (read: if you’re not applying it daily, start ASAP). Not only does it prevent immediate skin damage like sunburn, it goes a long way to help protect your skin from issues including early signs of aging, sun spots, and yes, hyperpigmentation. Dr. Robinson says, “UVB rays are the rays associated with burning and tanning, which are both presentations of increased melanin production, so protection and prevention are key. I recommend morning use of an antioxidant serum containing vitamin C paired with a mineral SPF 30+.”

Try this: KINSHIP Self-Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 31 is a gentle mineral sunscreen that’s safe on your skin and the environment. It’s made with antioxidant-rich turmeric and a probiotic complex to help boost your skin barrier (great for helping protect skin from hyperpigmentation).

We know, it can be hard, but picking at your skin won’t make your breakout go away faster—in fact, it can expose your skin to more bacteria and prolong healing time. Another reason to leave pesky breakouts alone? They can leave behind dark spots long after they’re gone. “It’s also important to not pick at acne, which increases inflammation (a driving trigger of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), causing those spots that are left behind well after your pimple has healed.”

Adding exfoliation to your routine doesn’t just help keep your pores clear and your skin bright, it can help remove dull, dead skin cells, increase cell turnover to brighten dark spots, and more. “Exfoliation is important to keep damaged skin cells on the move and new, healthy ones at the skin’s surface. I recommend retinol, bakuchiol, and/or exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids nightly.”

Try this: BIOSSANCE Squalane + Phyto Retinol Serum is boosted with loads of healthy ingredients—squalane for major hydration; bakuchiol, a planet-derived alternative to retinol; and niacinamide (more on that below). 

Niacinamide is one of our holy grail skincare ingredients for keeping skin clear, happy, and healthy. It’s known to help reduce the effectiveness of the enzyme in skin that produces melanin to prevent dark spots from forming. It can also help rebuild healthy skin cells and offer some protection from damage caused by UV rays—all key parts of keeping your skin glowing and bright.

Try This: FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum is your holy grail for different types of hyperpigmentation—melasma, sun spots, and more. It’s made with niacinamide, licorice root, and kiwifruit for brighter, healthier skin.

We’ve said it before—hydrated skin is happy skin—so keeping your skin moisturized is a great way to help prevent hyperpigmentation from happening. A good moisturizer will be boosted with skin-loving ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, for example), and can help increase cell turnover, promote a healthy skin barrier, and lock in hydration—just what you need to defend your skin from hyperpigmentation and maintain a healthy glow.

Whether they’re from bad breakouts or regular cuts and scrapes, newly formed scars should be treated with care to prevent them from leaving behind dark marks when they heal. One major rule to follow is to keep them protected from sunlight. Dr. Robinson says, “If you have a new scar that is healing, be sure to keep it covered from the sun to prevent long-term hyperpigmentation.” Wearing sun protection and protective clothing like hats, shirts with sleeves, etc., can go a long way to keep your scar from darkening and sticking around for the long haul.

This naturally occurring enzyme found in many grains like wheat and rye has lots of benefits for your skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. According to Dr. Robinson, it’s also great for preventing hyperpigmentation. “Azelaic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor that works by interfering with melanin production,” she says. It can also help those with acne-prone skin (a plus if you tend to get acne scars, a form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). As always, check with your derm to discuss potential side effects of ingredients, and whether it’s right for you.

“In-office treatment options are great for reversing hyperpigmentation and boosting results from your skincare routine,” says Dr. Robinson. “It’s really important to work with a provider you trust and who can correctly diagnose your type of hyperpigmentation, because there are some in-office treatments that can make your hyperpigmentation worse (for example, if you have melasma, you should not do IPL).” Dr. Robinson recommends Cosmelan Peel for melasma, IPL for pink and brown spots, Vbeam for vascular redness/capillaries, and Clear + Brilliant Touch.

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