Summer is all about fun in the sun, but an unfortunate reminder comes in the form of dark spots. To make matters worse, blackheads—or hyperpigmentation—will show up by summer’s end if you don’t make adjustments to your skin care routine.
Fortunately there are ways to minimize the appearance of dark spots on the skin. We’ll tell you how to lighten dark spots, how to prevent more sunspots from appearing, and how to maintain balanced skin after summer and beyond.
What causes black spots on the skin after summer?
With fall’s pumpkin spice and hops latte out of the way, it’s time to take stock of any lingering summer souvenirs clinging to our skin.
Sun damage is a slow burn. It is the accumulation of skin damage from UV radiation that becomes more apparent in the early fall. Even if you’ve been wearing sunscreen all summer, chances are a few spots slipped through the cracks and you have no plans to make them disappear. That means many of us – especially those fair-skinned – will start the season of boots and scarves with sun-damaged skin.
Hyperpigmentation is a response to constant UV exposure. It happens when skin cells overproduce melanin, the main pigment in our skin. This is ultimately a protective measure, as melanin is able to prevent UV radiation from damaging our DNA and potentially causing skin cancer. Triggered by excessive sun exposure, these cells will defend themselves from further damage by forming melanin-rich dark spots or freckles.
While freckles can be cute, these sun-kissed spots are a sign of overexposure to the sun—and they can be dangerous! You may notice dark spots on areas of the skin more accessible to the sun. This includes the face, chest, shoulders and back of the hands.
Now that we know the main culprit of hyperpigmentation, we can explore ingredients to reduce dark spots!
Day products for dark spots
Until now, we know that the sun can operate under mysterious conditions rays. Skin that has been overexposed to the sun can be prone to excessive dryness or lose its ability to retain water. This can lead to flaky skin, uneven tone, large pores and wrinkles.
If you’ve been struggling with dark spots thanks to that fiery ball in the sky, here are some of our favorite daytime products to reduce the signs of sun damage!
Rice fermentation water purifier
By enlisting the help of toning ingredients, you can keep that summer glow well into fall. Our fermented rice water cleanser uses enzymes and beneficial nutrients from fermented rice water (sake) to brighten, hydrate and soften your skin.
A supportive cast of shiitake mushrooms, licorice and citrus can help even out skin tone and naturally brighten dark spots.
Rice Fermented Water Toner
For your skin to glow optimally, toning is an absolute must. Designed to brighten, soften and rehydrate, our Fermented Rice Water Toner ticks all the boxes for glowing skin.
A base of skin-brightening white mulberry water washes away everyday impurities, while shiitake mushroom, licorice and citrus infuse tone-evening nutrients into dull or hyperpigmented skin.
Green Tea SPF 30
No daily routine is complete without sunscreen – especially if you want to minimize dark spots. Green Tea SPF 30 protects against harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum zinc oxide protection, while nourishing and hydrating thirsty skin with green tea and aloe.
PM products for dark spots
Glow serum
This formula is a staple in your lighting routine. Our formula uses vitamin C and collagen-boosting sake to rejuvenate skin texture and tone while you sleep. Aloe and rose hydrosol help to soothe, hydrate and replenish sun-stripped skin. Gentle fruit acids from lemon, cranberry and pink grapefruit help gently resurface dull skin and reveal a gorgeous, glowing complexion.
Dark spot removal
Sake is a melanin-regulating ingredient, meaning it can minimize hyperpigmentation and naturally lighten dark spots. Dark Spot combines sake with matsutake mushroom, another herbal illuminant that fades scars and dark spots. Aloe juice and rosehip oil help to hydrate and restore dehydrated skin after summer. This formula is ideal for spot treatment of not only summer blackheads, but also acne scars.
Multivitamin + Antioxidant Serum
Arguably the most powerful serum for exhausted skin, our Repairing Multivitamin + Antioxidant Serum Powerful PM certainly lives up to its name. This highly concentrated formulation contains powerful doses of 10% Vitamin C, 10% Niacinamide, 10% Vitamin E, 1% Retinol and 1% CoQ10 – a literal dream team for balanced, glowing skin.
Multivitamins + Antioxidants Cream
Working hard while you sleep is the goal of the multivitamin + antioxidant Ultra Riché PM Treatment. In addition to softening skin and enhancing youthful elasticity, this nighttime formula is designed to brighten and even skin tone.
This night cream works hard to lighten excess pigmentation and promote a more balanced glow, while infusing skin with moisture replenishment while you sleep. Retinol promotes cell turnover to encourage fresh, younger-looking skin when you wake up.
Mask with vitamin C
Perhaps our most powerful glow treatment to date, this powder mask treatment is made to pack away dark spots. Camu camu extract, turmeric and vitamin C join forces with papaya and pineapple enzymes to deliver a one-two punch to dark spots. This concentrated formula is specially designed to boost radiance and support sun-damaged collagen levels.
How to maintain skin tone after summer
Although summer is coming to an end, that doesn’t mean the sun will completely disappear from your life. Proper sun protection is a deal that lasts a year! While you may not need to rock zinc face at the beach for much longer, you should remember a daily SPF to keep sun damage and dark spots at bay.
Stubborn blackheads may require patience and regular maintenance to reduce their appearance. Weekly exfoliation is extremely beneficial for those with persistent hyperpigmentation and uneven texture. It’s also a very popular anti-aging strategy – double the benefits!
The name of our fall game is to focus on reducing dark spots on the skin while maintaining balanced skin. It’s important to keep your skincare game strong all year round! For more tips on sun damage, go to our Guide to Sun Damage!
Frequently asked questions about dark spots
What causes black spots on the skin after summer?
Post-summer dark spots, often referred to as hyperpigmentation, are usually caused by increased melanin production as a result of sun exposure. UV rays from the sun can stimulate melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) leading to uneven skin pigmentation.
How can I differentiate between freckles and dark spots after summer?
Freckles are small, flat and often uniform in size, appearing shortly after sun exposure. They can fade during the colder months. Post-summer dark spots or sunspots are usually larger, have irregular borders and may be darker in color. They often persist for longer and may not fade without intervention.
How can I prevent blackheads from forming in the first place?
The best prevention is sun protection. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Additionally, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and try to limit direct sun exposure during peak UV hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
Will my dark spots get darker if I expose them to the sun again?
Yes, further sun exposure without protection can worsen the appearance of dark spots and even create new ones. Always make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen and other sun protection measures.
Are there professional treatments that can help with blackheads?
Absolutely. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion and microneedling can effectively treat dark spots. A consultation with a dermatologist is essential to discuss the best treatment options for your skin type and concerns.
