Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone are notoriously difficult to treat — especially in melanin-rich skin.
Most brightening products only target the surface of the skin, temporarily lightening spots before they reappear weeks later.
That’s because hyperpigmentation actually forms deep within the skin’s layers, where overactive melanin cells continue producing pigment long after the surface fades.
According to dermatologists, this is why harsh peels and high-strength acids often backfire — irritating the skin and making discoloration worse.
“For years, we thought exfoliation and resurfacing were the only answers,” explains Dr. Moesha Brown, a board-certified dermatologist. “But for darker skin tones, that can trigger more pigment, not less.”