If you’re reading this then welcome skincare nerd. Yip pretty much anyone who reads an article about the top 6 Ordianry products for dark spots has to be a skincare nerd.
The Ordinary is a unique brand focused on price and communication transparency in the skincare industry. It is a pioneer in bringing revolutionary products to the market, transforming how people care for their skin.
One of the conditions treated with The Ordinary products is dark spots due to acne or other skin conditions.
What Are Dark Spots?
Dark spots AKA hyperpigmentation is caused by numerous factors. One of the most common being acne. Once acne has healed it can leave behind dark spots and acne scar. These dark patches are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What this means is that when acne become inflammed the skin send melanin (the pigmen that gives our skin its colour) to aid in healing the inflammed wound. Once the acne is healed the excess melanin remains in the skin causing hyperpigmentation.
Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays also causing hyperpigmentation or dark spots. The photons in the suns rays trigger tyrosinaise an enzyme in our skin to pump out melanin to protect us from getting skin cancer and UV damamge.
The melanin can get over stimulated and this again causes hyperpigmentation.
Types of dark spots caused by prolonged UV exposure are liver spots, age spots, and sunspots. These are visible on the hands and face; however, they can appear almost anywhere that has received prolonged sun exposure.
Some other common types of dark spots occur due to Melasma, which is present in various patches of dark-colored skin and results from sun exposure and hormones. Freckles are another type of dark spot which arises due to either genetics or excessive sun exposure.
Pigmentation is one of the leading concerns that people want to address with skincare products. There is solid science backing up some ingredients and The Ordinary has some great products to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Let’s check out some of the key products from The Ordinary and how they help.
1. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
When talking about skin care, most people imagine a long and strenuous process of applying multiple products. However, this peeling solution only requires ten minutes to soak into your pores. It includes various alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, which are potent agents that exfoliate under your skin’s surface.
AHA’s are one of the best treatments for dark spots because of these exfoliating properties and will lighten dark spots if used regularly. Through vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and Tasmanian pepper berry, the solution adds moisture to the skin and prevents future skin issues, such as irritation and dryness.
Often, this solution is best for aging, uneven skin tone, differences in skin texture and composition, and helps repair parts of your skin that may be congested. It has a PH of between 3.5-3.7, is vegan, and free of any harmful substances that may cause irritation.
2. Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% provides similar nutrients like vitamin C and is a popular treatment for dark spots. This Ordinary products offer a gentle alternative to vitamin C which can be irritating.
This product is soothing and will leave your skin soft and smooth. Additionally, the solution will provide you with an improved complexion.
This gentle formula has a PH of around 6-7, is vegan and cruelty-free, and is free of all alcohol, gluten, nuts, and other ingredients that may cause an adverse reaction.
3. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a versatile product. It has SPF protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays and consistency similar to a moisturizer. This product can help diminish the look of dark spots due to its anti-inflammatory elements. It is a proactive rather than a reactive supplement, as it helps prevent acne formation before it turns into acne scars, and later, dark spots.
Although this is often a gentle product, you should apply it on small sections of your skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions. This formula has a PH of 4-5, is vegan, and does not contain any harmful ingredients.
While it does have a very small effect in terms of sunscreen it is not a substitute for SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen.
4. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a product best used if you are taking proper precautions against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Apply this product at night 2 – 3 times per week and make sure you are wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30 during the day as this product can make you more susceptible to UV damage.
Two of the main ingredients in this solution are Tasmanian Pepperberry and ginseng root. This is the main ingredient that helps prevent irritation that may occur as a result of acid alone. It has a PH between 3.5-3.7, is vegan, and free from any harmful ingredients.
5. Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA reduces the appearance of dark spots by decreasing melanin production without causing any additional harm to your skin. One of the main ingredients, hyaluronic acid with arbutin, can reduce the dark areas without causing dryness or irritation. It is best to apply this solution before applying your daily moisturizer and sunscreen.
The Ordinary states that this product has a PH between 4.85-4.90 is vegan, and free of harmful ingredients that may cause irritation. Similar to the previous products listed above, we recommend applying small drops as a test area to prevent any adverse reactions.
6. Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
This product is a vitamin C formula that is water-free and diminishes the look of dark spots while replenishing your skin. These two ingredients are incredibly potent and are effective at treating many types of skin issues.
However, due to these two powerful products’ culmination, it is recommended to spot treat areas. This means applying it only to the areas where you have hyperpigmentation.
This product includes vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that treats fine lines and wrinkles, reducing the prominence of aging. It also makes your skin appear more vibrant and healthy. The main ingredient that treats dark spots is the alpha arbutin 2%, as it helps repair uneven skin tone. Ascorbic acid 8% and alpha arbutin 2% work together to make your skin vibrant by brightening the skin and lessening the dark spots.
Retinol/Retinoids are also good for the treatment of hyperpigmentation and you can read all about The Ordinary Retinols/Retinoids is this article:
Final Thoughts
Our skin is one of our body’s most visible aspects, especially on our face and hands. Therefore, products such as these have been tested and proven to work for diminishing dark spots and other skin conditions.
These products are all gentle, cruelty-free, and lack any ingredients that may cause irritation. It is essential to carefully research each of these products before using them though. If you are ready to start trying to address your skins pigmentation issues then the ordinary and its products are a great place to start.
