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More than 1 in 5 women are
bothered by skin discolor-
ation. The two most com-
mon types: dark spots and
melasma, says dermatologist
Elizabeth Hale, MD. Here’s
how to deal with both.Confidence
Killer
UNEVEN
TONE
Dark Spots
FASTEST FIX Splurge on a laser
treatment. “In a single session, I can
completely erase dark spots using a
Q-switched or PicoSure laser,” Dr.
Hale explains. (P.S. She performs it
only on patients who promise to be
diligent about sunscreen—otherwise,
it’s a waste of time and money.)
DIY MAINTENANCE A brightening serum
with a mix of glycolic and azelaic
acids can work wonders. One stand-
out: Glytone’s Enhance Brightening
Complex ($70), which reduced dis-
coloration by 62 percent in a 16-
week clinical trial. And don’t forget
the SPF (both SkinCeuticals’ and It
Cosmetics’, at left, contain SPF 50).SKINCEUTICALS
Ultimate
UV Defense
SPF 50, $40
IT COSMETICS
Confidence in
a Compact,
$38Melasma
FASTEST FIX Try a gentler laser, like
Clear + Brilliant Perméa, or a
professional chemical peel (try
PCA’s with hydroquinone), both of
which remove dead skin cells and
reduce unwanted pigment in
the epidermis for visible results in
four to six sessions.
DIY MAINTENANCE Applied daily, a
vitamin-C serum (Dr. Hale recom-
mends Isdinceutic’s Melaclear, $75)
can help lighten pigment and keep
melanin production in check. But
the best thing you can do is be
gentle with your skin (inflammation
can cause pigment production to go
into overdrive) and obsessive about
applying—and reapplying—SPF,
says Dr. Hale. Good to know: Excess
estrogen can stimulate melanin
production, so talk to your gyno
about switching to a low-estrogen
birth-control pill, says Dr. Hale.