A Dermatologist’s Guide to Evening Out Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

ACTION PLAN: How to Treat and Prevent Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Step 1: Cleanse Gently but Effectively

Start with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that won’t strip your skin. 

Our Daily Face Wash is ideal - it cleans deeply without causing dryness or irritation. Plus, it contains Lactic Acid, a mild exfoliant that helps fade dark spots over time by promoting cell turnover.

Why It’s Great for Black Skin:
This cleanser removes dirt and oil while maintaining your skin’s natural barrier, preventing dryness and irritation—two common triggers for hyperpigmentation.

Step 2: Hydrate and Brighten

Hydration is key for black skin, which tends to lose moisture easily, leading to dryness and dullness. Use our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer, which contains Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration and Vitamin E to protect and repair your skin.

“Interest in newer products that promote an even skin tone and/or improve hyperpigmentation is especially strong amongst darker skin types”, says Dr Andrew Alexis, Director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, New York. 

He’s been looking into the effectiveness of naturally derived, or botanical, active ingredients – like soy, niacinamide, licorice extract, vitamin C and kojic acid – to evaluate their effects on hyperpigmentation in clinical studies.

He concluded that they can be successfully incorporated (mostly as additions) in the management of hyperpigmentation.

So while our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer soothes and hydrates, adding a brightening serum to your routine can further boost results.

For a brightening effect, look for a serum with ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C, which work to even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.

Step 3: Use Targeted Treatments for Dark Spots

If you’re dealing with stubborn hyperpigmentation, a spot treatment with  azelaic acid or kojic acid  can help. 

These natural ingredients are safe for black skin and work to lighten areas of excess pigmentation without irritating the surrounding skin.

There’s also a lot of interest in  tranexamic acid  amongst dermatologists. With it proving to be highly effective for preventing and treating blemishes as well as hyperpigmentation and melasma.

“In dermatology, it has been found to have a potent depigmenting effect, as it interferes in the pathway that activates the excessive production of melanin, responsible for dark spots on the skin,” explains dermatologist Carlos Morales Raya, director of the clinic that bears his name.

Step 4: Shaving Smart to Prevent Razor Bumps

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps can often lead to dark spots, especially for men with curly hair. 

Use our Protective Shave Cream to minimize irritation. It’s infused with Tea Tree Oil, which fights bacteria and prevents ingrown hairs, and Shea Butter, which soothes and hydrates the skin during shaving.

Follow up with our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer, which calms redness and irritation while hydrating your skin to prevent dryness.

Pro Tip: Always shave with the grain of your hair, use a single-blade razor, and exfoliate gently to free trapped hairs.

Step 5: Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen

Yes, black skin needs sunscreen too!

In fact, sunscreen is your secret weapon against uneven skin tone.

UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation, making it harder to even out your skin tone. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy.

According to Hillary Clark, esthetician, “Even indirect exposure can activate easily triggered melanocytes, causing more hyperpigmentation.”

FAQs

Why is hyperpigmentation more noticeable on black skin?
Because black skin contains more melanin, excess melanin production (caused by inflammation, injury, or sun damage) results in more noticeable dark spots and discoloration.

How long does it take to fade dark spots?
With consistent use of targeted treatments and sunscreen, you may see improvement in 4–8 weeks. Stubborn spots can take longer, but persistence pays off.

Are chemical exfoliants safe for black skin?
Yes! Gentle chemical exfoliants like Lactic Acid or Mandelic Acid are safe and effective for fading dark spots without irritation. But avoid harsh physical scrubs, which can worsen pigmentation.

What’s the best way to prevent razor bumps?
Shave with the grain, use a protective shave cream (like ours with Tea Tree Oil), and exfoliate gently to prevent hairs from curling back into the skin.

Do I really need sunscreen if I have dark skin?
Absolutely. While melanin offers some natural protection, it’s not enough to prevent UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Daily sunscreen is a must.

The Takeaway

Hyperpigmentation is a common concern for black skin, but with the right routine and targeted products, you can even out your skin tone and keep it healthy and vibrant. 

Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration, and protecting your skin from the sun, while using treatments that address dark spots without causing irritation.

At OTIS SKINCARE, we’re committed to creating products that work for your skin - because results matter. 

Start your journey to clearer, more even skin today. You’ve got this!

RESPECT FOR YOUR SKIN