Products To Get The Darker Areas Of Skin Lighter

An uneven skin tone typically occurs when your skin is exposed to the sun, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The sun's ultraviolet rays provoke hyperpigmentation in some skin cells and results in dark spots or patches. Smooth on sunscreen every day along with a skin-lightening product that can help brighten your complexion, fade dark discolorations and improve your skin's overall appearance.

Alpha Hydrox Spot Light Targeted Skin Lightener

Paula Begoun, who tests thousands of skin-care products, ranks Alpha Hydrox's skin lightener as the best solution for treating discolorations. In her review of the product, she praised its "well-formulated" ingredients list that includes chemicals such as hydroquinone, which stops your cells from producing pigment, and exfoliating glycolic acid, which helps remove your darkened skin cells.

Shiseido White Lucent Emulsion

The beauty editors of InStyle magazine ranked Shiseido's whitening product as the best skin brightener and one of the top 10 best skin-care buys. Dr. Susan Taylor, a New York dermatologist reviewing the cream for the magazine, said it helps fade discolorations and even out your skin tone using vitamin C. Not only does the vitamin brighten your skin, but the University of Maryland Medical Center says this antioxidant can also help improve your skin's resistance to the sun's darkening effects.

ROC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment

ROC's night cream was ranked by Elle magazine's beauty editors as one of 2009's top six skin-brightening products. Its active ingredient is retinol, a form of vitamin A. The University of Maryland Medical Center ranks retinol as one of the best anti-aging ingredients for your skin, saying it can even help with fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Anne Chapas, reviewing the skin lightener for Elle, says it won't cause excessive skin irritation.

Mary Kay TimeWise Even Complexion Essence

Begoun tested Mary Kay's skin-evening serum and gave it her rare "Paula's Pick" award, which means she found the serum's performance to be exceptional. Its active ingredients include ascorbyl glucoside and niacinamide, which she says helps stop your skin from producing pigment. She concludes that it's beneficial for all skin types, even if you don't have discolorations, thanks to its use of moisturizers, wrinkle-fighting peptides and numerous antioxidants like vitamin C.