Fade Brown Spots and Brown Patches

Ugh, who likes brown spots and patches? These are the nastiest of the nasties when it comes to making you look older. 

I’ve found THE most effective treatment for brown spots is a chemical peel.  But, peels can be pricey.  So, if you are saving pennies, fading your brown spots with a lightening product CAN be done, but this peel-alternative is going to take some time, patience and dedication.  Ready?

I for one am certainly in the market for a new wonder spot-fading product. I’m reading the most effective ingredient for lightening is hydroquinone.  HOWEVER, hydroquinone has been linked to cancer, ochronosis (thickening and darkening of the skin), and blood diseases. In fact, the FDA banned this ingredient in the U.S. in 2001, but still allows products with a concentration of 2%.

So now what?  If you’re old-school, you can go with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, although be ready for the long haul and the smell on the later is pretty potent... so....oh, and exfoliation is said to be helpful in fading these nasties....but...

Here are some hydroquinone-free brown spot lighteners:

DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener

$52.00 for 0.5 fl .oz.

This product contains a blend of herbs and botanicals known to minimize the production of melanin - Kojic Acid and Licorice Extract to name a few.  It also has Glycolic/Lactic acids  to minimize visible hyperpigmentation and increases penetration of lighteners.

SkinCeuticals Phyto +

$78.00 for 1 fl. oz.

This formula contains Kojic Acid and Arbutin which naturally lighten the skin, and has cucumber to cool and sooth. It will also moisturize, as it contains hyaluronic acid, a groovy ingredient which binds moisture to the skin.

Cellex-C Fade Away Gel

57.00 0.8 fl. oz.

Oh, I like how this one states it “DRAMATICALLY” lightens the appearance of age and sun spots.  Another plus is the green tea ingredient.  I’ve tried Cellex-C's HIGH-POTENCY SERUM and loved it, so this one is worth major consideration.  However, the serum is dark colored, so don't let that freak you out.

Where to buy?  Skincare RX has a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all the above lighteners plus free shipping here: 

Free Shipping On All Orders Over $49!

And….there's more!

Clarins is a great line that has a multitude of innovative, non- hydroquinone skin brightening products to check out….here are a few:

Clarins On-the-Spot Brightening Corrector

$28.00 for .33 oz.

Wow!  It’s a roll-on! Smart.  Kinda like a little emergency stick in case a brown spot pops up.  Contains sea lily and alchemilla extracts to provide optimal protection against dark spots.  Doesn't look like you GET a lot of product for that dough, but just think of the obsessive fun you'll have knowing you have a roll-on that can be applied at any free minute!

Clarins New Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Mask

$36.00

Another “Wow” from me, as this product states 97% of women reported brighter and more luminous skin after 4 weeks. It diminishes existing dark spots and helps slow the source of production of melanin.  You leave on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off with water and use a few times a week.

Ingredients include Tamarind fruit acid, Glycolic acid grafted onto Arginine and Bio-Ecolia (all to eliminate dead skin and brighten the complexion).

So -- Brighten Up, Baby!  And say goodbye to brown spots and patches!