Wondering why your skin brightening topicals aren’t working? Sun spots reside in the deeper layers of your skin. So deep that most topicals never reach them. I’ve tested countless devices and topicals and have found an effective way to lighten sun spots that I don’t hear other estheticians talking about. Unlike harsh med spa treatments, when used properly, my preferred routine doesn’t damage your skin.
First, Confirm It’s a Sun Spot
Before we dive into my preferred routine and esthetic treatments, book an appointment with your dermatologist. As a Master Esthetician with over 25 years of experience, anti-aging is my specialty—but my advice and treatments don’t replace the need for a dermatologist.
You should begin seeing a dermatologist annually in your mid-20s, or sooner and more frequently if you have ongoing skin conditions or any changes to your skin’s health. Most hyperpigmentation is caused by UV damage, so it’s essential to have a full body skin exam to check for skin cancer and other conditions.
There’s No Cure, But There Is Effective Treatment
Melanin is your body’s natural defense mechanism against the sun. It spits out and umbrellas over the DNA to protect it. There’s no cure for dark spots of any kind, and hyperpigmentation can return once it fades. So, once you identify what works for you, maintenance is required. I suggest cycling deep exfoliators and botanical brighteners to target the deep layers of the skin. This method is effective for initial brightening and maintenance. You can accelerate your results with at-home LED therapy.
Step 1 Cycle Topical Deep Exfoliators
As skin matures, I advise my clients to switch from granular exfoliators to topical exfoliators. This isn’t only to lighten dark spots, but because it’s more challenging to exfoliate mature skin. Topical exfoliators fall into 2 primary categories: acids and enzymes. All products I suggest are gentle and derived from premium ingredients. However, acids are a little harsher on the skin, and enzymes are a bit gentler. They also exfoliate in different ways. I’ve found that switching between the two helps brightening products target the deeper layers where melanin builds up. Otherwise, brightening products sit on top of dead skin or top skin layers, taking months to address your uneven skin tone. Or they never fade or lighten dark spots.
I suggest:
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CBE Botanicals Enzyme Rescue once, maybe twice, a week. Apply this mask to the face and neck for 15 minutes after cleansing. Rinse and continue with serum and moisturizer.
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Revive Exfoliating Serum every other day, but not on the same day you apply your enzyme exfoliator. Apply after cleansing, followed by moisturizer or your tailored skincare routine.
If your skin dries out or gets sensitive, pause both exfoliators until your skin recovers. Begin again, spacing products another day or two.
Step 2 Cycle Skin Brighteners
I prefer botanical tyrosinase inhibitors. Like prescription brighteners, my preferred products fade hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin production. Unlike prescription brighteners, including hydroquinone, they’re gentle enough for long-term use. Cycling brighteners keeps your skin guessing in a positive way. Applying botanical tyrosinase inhibitors while cycling acid and enzyme exfoliators targets the deep layers for faster and more effective results.
I suggest:
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Mornings: Alternate between Triple C + Gold Serum and Brighten The Day Serum. These multi-tasking serums nourish, calm, and restore your complexion.
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Evenings: Apply Vitamin C Oil formulated with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an ultra-gentle form of Vitamin C that absorbs into the skin without irritation.
These serums and oil are gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used for long-term brightening.
Yes, Vitamin C Can Be Gentle
Cycling 3 different Vitamin C products may sound like a lot, but these formulations are gentle. I understand if you’ve tried Vitamin C topicals in the past that irritated your skin. This is because your product was formulated with a harsh concentration of Vitamin C. Each of the products I suggest for cycling is formulated to deliver the brightening benefits of Vitamin C without redness or sensitivity.
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The concentration of ascorbic acid in Triple C + Gold Serum is low enough to be gentle, but high enough to brighten. Gold and other actives provide a soothing effect.
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The Brighten The Day Serum and Vitamin C Oil are formulated with a premium form of Vitamin C, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. This allows for a higher concentration of Vitamin C that doesn’t irritate or sting.
Use For Initial Brightening and Maintenance
I suggest this cycling routine to achieve clarity, even on tough areas of hyperpigmentation. I prefer this method because it’s gentle and effective, but I understand that you may turn to prescription lightening agents or med spa treatments that deliver rapid results. This might include chemical peels, fibroblast therapy, IPL, and other lasers. I’m not anti-harsh treatments, but I suggest using them sparingly. Using harsh treatments too frequently may result in hard and leathery skin.
Whatever method you choose to lighten or erase your sun spots, hyperpigmentation can return, and new spots can form. I have a friend who successfully cleared her freckles and sun spots with hydroquinone, only for them to return the very first time she spent a day in the sun. Even with lathering sunscreen on in thick white patches. So, maintenance is essential.
Transform Your Skin In 4 Months or Less
Wondering how long until you can expect results? Expect maximum lightening of sun spots with this method at closer to 4 months. However, most of my clients experience initial brightening and hydration within the first 2 weeks. The more you hydrate and rejuvenate the surrounding skin, the less noticeable other imperfections.
Accelerate Skin Brightening
To accelerate results, you can invest in at-home or in-spa LED therapy, or find an esthetician certified in using a high-frequency electric desiccator (spot remover)—like me! These devices take a gentle approach to evening out your complexion. They’re also ideal for larger treatment areas from the neck down. Or turn to reputable med spa treatments.
Whatever methods you choose, continue cycling the products above as a proactive approach to new and returning hyperpigmentation.
At-Home LED Devices To Even Your Complexion
It’s never been easier to access LED therapy at home. If you’re familiar with my approach to esthetics, you know I prefer multi-tasking solutions, which include LEDs. Often confused with laser therapy, LED is pain-free and has no side effects or downtime.
I suggest using LED therapy 3 to 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks to even out your complexion and rejuvenate your skin. Continue with maintenance at least once a week. Apply a brightener without acids before treatment and skip retinoids and other harsh ingredients before and after.
LED therapy is scientifically proven to:
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Fade or erase sun spots
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Even skin tone
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Boost circulation
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Prompt cellular repair
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Promote collagen
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Improve skin elasticity
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Smooth skin texture
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Reduce pain and inflammation
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And more
My Favorite LED Devices
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Omnilux Masks: The Omnilux line includes a flexible face, neck and décolleté, and glove mask. This targets the 3 most common areas for sun spots. Treatment takes 10 minutes.
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Amber, Red, and Infrared Trilight: To even skin tone on other areas of the body, I suggest the Glow Younger Trilight LED Device. This lightweight device is 2-3/4” wide and 5” inches long and only takes 3 minutes per treatment area.
Let’s Discuss How To Lighten Your Sun Spots
If the tips above haven’t answered all your questions regarding sun spots, I invite you to join the Christine Byer Beauty Club. Members access exclusive content for a deeper dive into skin conditions and proactive anti-aging. This includes asking me your most pressing skin care questions.
You can begin with a 14-Day FREE trial!
