Dark spots are areas where your skin produces extra melanin – the natural pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their colour¹. They can appear anywhere, but they love places that get the most sun exposure: your face, neck, décolletage, and hands. Some are tiny freckles; others are larger patches – but are usually the result of your skin's pigment cells working overtime. It is always best to have regular skin checks and if dark spots appear or change suddenly, to have these checked by your doctor.

There are many factors that can trigger your skin to produce more melanin. However, the biggest culprit is the sun². Dark spots are just one visible sign of photoaging – the premature ageing of skin caused by chronic sun exposure.  UV exposure tells your skin to create more pigment for protection, which is why these darker spots (also known as solar lentigines or sunspots) often develop after years of unprotected time outdoors. Those with fairer skin who have had many or severe sunburns are at a higher risk for dark spots³.

Other common causes of dark spots include:

• Post-acne marks or cuts: When a blemish or cut heals, damage to the skin can lead to darker spot. This is also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation¹.
• Ageing: As we get older, our skin accumulates sun damage, resulting in age spots or liver spots⁴.

Basically, if your skin has ever been exposed to sunlight or inflammation — it might leave a reminder.

If you are concerned with dark spots or if they appear suddenly, please seek medical advice. 

Think of hyperpigmentation as the umbrella term for all types of excess pigmentation, from melasma and uneven patches to acne marks. Dark spots are one form of hyperpigmentation – typically flat, brown or greyish marks that appear after sun exposure or inflammation. So, while every dark spot is a type of hyperpigmentation, not all hyperpigmentation looks the same.  

The short answer: not overnight, but absolutely yes – with consistency. Skin turnover takes time, and fading dark spots usually means a few months of steady, smart skincare. The key is to be patient and persistent. Use targeted products, stay protected from the sun, and resist the urge to pick or scrub too hard (we know it’s tempting!).

Professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy can help, but for most people, a well-chosen at-home skin care routine can help.

The brightening dream team includes:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A multitasker that helps even out tone, support your skin barrier, and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time⁵.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and boosts radiance⁶.
• AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Gentle exfoliants that remove dull surface cells⁷ – revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.
• SPF: Your ultimate non-negotiable. Sunscreen doesn’t just help prevent new dark spots – it helps to keep existing ones from getting darker.
  

We know you’re ready to get your glow back – and the Elucent Bright + Balanced can help. This range is designed to bring skin back to balance – with dermatologist-recommended formulas that combine brightening vitamins and hydration to visibly improve uneven tone.

Start with Elucent Bright + Balanced Gel Cleanser to gently sweep away impurities and reveal fresher, more radiant skin. Follow with Elucent Bright + Balanced Day Moisturiser to hydrate throughout the day while brightening dullness. And of course — SPF, SPF, SPF! Should we say it one more time? Prevention is half the glow, after all. Try Elucent Age Defying Day Moisturiser SPF30*, which blends moisturising ingredients with sun protection to help protect against premature ageing including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Apply Elucent Bright + Balanced Illuminating Serum to nourish, support, and help visibly reduce dark spots. Then follow with Elucent Bright + Balanced Night Cream – it hydrates, firms, and supports your skin overnight so you wake up to a brighter, more even complexion.

• Be consistent – results take time, but every day adds up so keep up with your skincare routine.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing or picking. Damage to the skin could also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which means more dark spots!
• Stay hydrated inside and out – your glow depends on it.
• Always, always wear SPF (yes, even on cloudy days!).