Your skin becomes more fragile as you age, making it appear drier and more prone to dark spots. Of course, how your skin ages still depend on your lifestyle, but those dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, is something that’s so common for those in their 30s, yet one of the most avoidable signs of aging.
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- 10 Serums With Vitamin C That Can Fade Dark Spots
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What causes dark spots?
According to Healthline, strict sun protection is the key to fading hyperpigmentation. As you age, dark spots on your face become more noticeable since your skin accumulates over time the damage from extreme sun exposure (you may have heard of the term “photaging”). This is why hyperpigmentation is very preventable with the use of products with SPF 50 as early as possible. It’s also advised that you wear sun protection even when you’re indoors.
Aside from spots caused by the harmful sun’s rays, hyperpigmentation can also be caused by a skin injury or inflammation, typically, acne. This type is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is also common as you age because your skin has a slower healing process as compared to when you were younger, making those pesky acne marks take more time to heal than before.
Don’t worry though, you may still be able to get rid of dark spots—both sunspots and post-inflammatory ones—even in your 30s. While there are treatments such as lasers and peels (which is best to be consulted with a dermatologist so they check on your condition first), there are also available facial creams that you can buy over-the-counter which promise to help remove these. We listed the most accessible and affordable ones—all below P1,000—right here.
Celeteque Brightening Tri-Benefit Power Cream
P599, Beauty MNL
Three benefits in one product? Yes, please! Celeteque Brightening Tri-Benefit Power Cream has skin lightening, anti-aging, and sun-protecting benefits. Fine lines and dark spots are even said to vanish one week after use, thanks to its main ingredients niacinamide, melanin inhibitors, and skin lightening extracts such as vitamins C and E. Now, who needs more products when you can use this one from day to night, right?
Flawless White Plus Cream
P770, Flawless Online Shop
Flawless White Plus Cream contains abundant plant extracts such as alpha arbutin, which is one of the most popular and effective skin brightening ingredients in the world. It also has lactic, citric, and glycolic acids which exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen production and treat fine lines and other surface-level concerns as well. Small but tough, always pack this in your carry-on for travel!
In Her Element Glow Job 5% Glycolic Gel Cream
P775, Beauty MNL
Now, who could resist that millennial pink, Instagrammable packaging? But of course, there’s more to this one than the aesthetic. In Her Element Glow Job 5% Glycolic Gel Cream deeply penetrates into the epidermis to remove dead skin cells to leave your skin looking healthy and free from dark spots. It also has aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil to soothe and moisturize your skin.
Kojie San Dream White Blemish Correcting Cream
P155, Watsons
On a budget? Kojie San Dream White Blemish Correcting Cream is the one for you then! This contains actives kojic acid and keratopeel to whiten marks and exfoliate the skin. It also has moisturizing effects, so you’re sure to wake up feeling fresh!
Pond’s White Beauty Super Cream
P122, Pond’s
Another affordable choice is Pond’s White Beauty Super Cream. Patented with Gluta-Boost technology, this “super cream” is packaged to have 10x more brightening power than vitamin C. Gluta-Boost technology also aids in boosting your skin's natural glutathione to help brighten up and fade dark spots asap. This also protects your skin from sun damage (it has SPF 50!) so you can use this during the daytime.
SkinPotions Snowberry Cream
P465, SkinPotionsph.com
Aside from removing dark spots, SkinPotions Snowberry Cream is also known to fight and heal acne. The best part? You can also use this one to treat insect bites and even stretch marks! If you’re into natural and organic products, go get this one. Best for acne-prone or oily skin.
READ MORE ABOUT ACNE MARKS
- 10 Serums With Vitamin C That Can Fade Dark Spots
- Skincare Products You Need to Replace If You Still Have Acne Marks in Your 30s
Neutrogena Bright Boost Overnight Brightening Cream
P914, Lazada
Looking for instant results? Neutrogena Bright Boost Overnight Brightening Cream promises to brighten and improve uneven skin tone—overnight! It has NeoGlucosamine and Recytein that works while you sleep to help lighten those dark marks. Oil-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic, this won't clog pores and relieve you from the stresses of the day.
