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Written by Dr. Zartasha SaifReviewed by Fatima Khan, K-Beauty Content Writer & PharmacistLast reviewed

About Dark Spots

What is pigmentation, and what are dark spots?

Pigmentation is the colour your skin gets from melanin. Dark spots, also called hyperpigmentation, appear when melanin builds up unevenly in one area. They are very common in South Asian skin, which produces melanin readily and holds on to marks for longer than lighter skin types do.

The main types you will see

  • Post-acne marks: flat brown or dark patches left after a pimple heals. These are the most common in Pakistan.
  • Sun spots: small, defined spots on the cheeks, nose and forehead from years of UV exposure.
  • Melasma: larger, symmetrical patches, often on the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, linked to hormones and heat as well as sun.
  • Uneven tone: general patchiness or darker areas around the mouth, chin and eyes.

What causes dark spots and pigmentation?

Anything that inflames or stresses the skin can trigger extra melanin. The most common triggers are strong sun without protection, picking or squeezing pimples, harsh scrubs, hormonal changes, and heat. Friction, waxing burns and some fragranced products can also leave marks on sensitive skin. Pigmentation around the mouth is often linked to licking or rubbing the lips, harsh toothpaste on the skin, or irritation from products, and it responds to the same gentle approach.

Can you remove pigmentation permanently?

No skincare product removes pigmentation permanently, and anyone promising overnight results should be treated with caution. What good skincare can do is fade existing marks gradually and stop new ones forming. Because sun keeps reactivating melanin, daily sunscreen is the step that decides whether your marks fade or keep returning. Stubborn melasma or deep pigmentation should be assessed by a dermatologist, who may recommend prescription treatments or procedures alongside your routine.

Ingredients that help fade dark spots

Niacinamide

Helps reduce the transfer of pigment to the skin's surface and calms redness. It is gentle enough for daily use and pairs with almost everything.

Vitamin C

An antioxidant that brightens dullness and supports a more even tone, best used in the morning under sunscreen.

Tranexamic acid (TXA)

Increasingly popular for stubborn patches and melasma-type pigmentation, and well tolerated by most skin.

Alpha arbutin and kojic acid

Brightening ingredients that help even out tone when used consistently.

Azelaic acid

Helps with both post-acne marks and redness, making it a useful choice for breakout-prone skin. A dermatologist may also suggest prescription azelaic acid for persistent pigmentation.

Retinoids and gentle acids

Retinol and exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid speed up skin renewal, helping marks fade faster. Introduce them slowly and never combine them on the same night.

Glutathione in skincare

Topical glutathione is found in many Korean brightening serums and toners as an antioxidant that supports a more radiant, even look.

Best skincare for dark spots and pigmentation in Pakistan

These are the dark spot products shoppers choose most. Visit each product page for full details, textures and how to use it.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF50+ 50ml

Daily SPF 50+ with niacinamide: the foundation of any spot routine.

ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

Niacinamide with tranexamic acid for stubborn marks.

COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 20ml

A high-strength vitamin C serum for dullness and uneven tone.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

A budget-friendly niacinamide serum for marks and oil.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha Arbutin 30ml

Alpha arbutin and rice for a gentle brightening boost.

Medicube TXA Niacinamide 15 Serum 30ml

A concentrated TXA and niacinamide serum for patchy tone.

La Roche-Posay MELA B3 MELADEMIC Serum 30ml

A pharmacy serum designed for persistent dark spots.

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml

A light glow serum aimed at post-acne marks.

celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Cream 35ml

A brightening cream for marks and visible pores.

A routine for dark spots: step by step

Morning

  1. Cleanse gently; harsh cleansers can irritate and darken marks.
  2. Apply a vitamin C or niacinamide serum.
  3. Moisturise.
  4. Finish with SPF 50 and reapply outdoors.

Evening

  1. Double cleanse to remove sunscreen.
  2. Use a treatment such as a TXA serum, a retinoid or an exfoliating toner on alternate nights.
  3. Moisturise to support the skin barrier.

Dark spots on dry skin

Dry skin is easily irritated by strong actives, and irritation can create new marks. Choose cream textures, add a hydrating essence and use exfoliants only once or twice a week. Our dryness edit has gentle moisturisers to pair with your brightening serum.

Dark spots for men

Shaving irritation and ingrown hairs often leave marks along the jaw. Use a gentle cleanser, a niacinamide serum and a light gel sunscreen, and avoid shaving over active spots.

Dark spots and melasma

Melasma is triggered by hormones, heat and visible light as well as UV. A tinted or high-protection sunscreen, gentle tranexamic acid or niacinamide serums and a calm routine work better than aggressive exfoliation. See a dermatologist for persistent melasma.

Tretinoin and azelaic acid compared with skincare brighteners

Prescription tretinoin and azelaic acid can be very effective for pigmentation, but they need medical guidance because they can irritate and must be paired with strict sun protection. Over-the-counter brighteners such as niacinamide, vitamin C and tranexamic acid are gentler and suit long-term daily use. Many dermatologists combine both approaches: a prescription treatment at night and gentle brighteners plus sunscreen in the day.

How long does it take for dark spots to fade?

Fresh post-acne marks often soften within six to twelve weeks of consistent care. Older sun spots and melasma can take three to six months or longer. Taking progress photos every few weeks in the same light helps you see changes that are easy to miss day to day.

Side effects and who should be careful

Using several strong actives at once is the fastest way to make pigmentation worse, because irritation itself triggers new marks. Introduce one new product at a time, patch-test, and stop anything that stings or burns. Retinoids and some acids are generally avoided during pregnancy, so check with your doctor. Be wary of unlabelled "beauty creams" sold for quick results; some contain steroids or mercury that can damage the skin.

Dark spot tips for Pakistan's climate

Strong sun for most of the year means marks darken quickly here. Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors, wear a cap or carry an umbrella in summer, and keep your routine light in humid weather so you are not tempted to skip steps. Heat alone can worsen melasma, so try to keep the face cool during long commutes.

Related concerns

Dark spots often come with other skin concerns. Explore our acne and blemishes, dullness, oil control and ageing edits.

Shop dark spot care by brand

Every dark spot and pigmentation product at YESBEAUTY

COSRX

ANUA

Medicube

SKIN1004

AXIS-Y

Beauty of Joseon

CeraVe

numbuzin

The Ordinary

APLB

Dr.Althea

Purito Seoul

SKINFOOD

Arencia

Haruharu Wonder

Jumiso

K-SECRET

La Roche-Posay

Laneige

Mary & May

SOME BY MI

VT Cosmetics

celimax

iUNIK

mixsoon

Dark Spots: your questions

How do I remove pigmentation from my face permanently?

No skincare removes pigmentation permanently. You can fade marks with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and tranexamic acid and stop new ones forming with daily SPF 50. For stubborn melasma, see a dermatologist.

Can sunscreen remove pigmentation?

Sunscreen does not remove existing marks, but it is the most important step for fading them, because UV keeps reactivating pigment. Without daily sunscreen, even the best brightening serum works slowly.

Which Korean product is best for pigmentation?

Korean serums with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin or vitamin C are the most popular for pigmentation, such as ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum. Pair any of them with a daily SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Which cream is best for pigmentation?

The best cream is one that combines brightening ingredients with good hydration and that you can use every day without irritation. Use it alongside sunscreen; a cream alone cannot outpace daily sun exposure.

How can I reduce pigmentation naturally at home?

Protect your skin from the sun every day, stop picking spots and keep your routine gentle. Lemon juice, baking soda and other harsh home remedies often irritate the skin and can make marks darker.

What is the difference between pigmentation and melasma?

Pigmentation is a broad term for any darker area of skin. Melasma is a specific type that appears as larger, symmetrical patches and is linked to hormones, heat and sun, so it often needs a dermatologist's input.

How do I get rid of pigmentation around the mouth?

Keep the area free from irritation, avoid licking or rubbing the lips, use a gentle niacinamide serum and wear sunscreen around the mouth too. If the darkening persists, see a dermatologist to rule out other causes.

Does turmeric help with hyperpigmentation?

Turmeric contains antioxidants and appears in some brightening skincare, but raw turmeric pastes can stain and irritate. Formulated products are a safer way to use it.

What deficiency causes hyperpigmentation?

In some people, low vitamin B12 or iron can contribute to darker patches, but most pigmentation is caused by sun, acne and hormones. A doctor can check with a simple blood test if you are concerned.

How long does it take for dark spots to fade?

Recent acne marks often fade in six to twelve weeks with consistent care and sunscreen. Older sun spots and melasma usually take three to six months or longer.

Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together for dark spots?

Yes. Modern formulas work well together. Many people use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide in both routines, always finishing the morning routine with sunscreen.

Does laser help with hyperpigmentation?

Laser and other in-clinic procedures can help some types of pigmentation, but they should only be done by a qualified dermatologist, and darker skin tones need careful settings to avoid new marks.