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Say goodbye to acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

So your skin decided to break out. That's already rude, but what's worse is that after your unfriendly visitor fades, a dark spot pops up in its place. Dark spots are notoriously hard to battle, and the first step to keeping them at bay is to be diligent about using SPF every day–yes, even when it's cloudy out.

Whether dealing with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or any kind of dark spot that won't fade, many incredible products on the market can banish them for good. The key is to be consistent, apply sunscreen, and be patient–they won't be gone by morning. Here, find the 15 best dark spot correctors for every skin type.

Do yourself a favor and type "Topicals Faded" into your TikTok search bar. The before-and-afters will absolutely blow your mind. Scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots of every kind don't stand a chance.

Key ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid

This product has been called a holy grail on TikTok, and they're not exaggerating. Even stubborn hyperpigmentation like melasma and sun damage can be reversed with just a few weeks of using this low-cost serum. Start taking selfies now, because in a few weeks, you won't recognize your skin.

Key ingredients: Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide

This serum does it all: it can brighten dull skin, even skin tone, reduce fine lines, and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. If you still haven't found your perfect vitamin C serum yet, give this one a go.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C and Niacinamide

If you've experienced a breakout, you know that fading the marks left on your skin can be just as aggravating. This serum uses niacinamide to tackle stubborn post-inflammation hyperpigmentation. Plus, it's gentle enough for even sensitive skin to use daily.

If you're looking for speedy results, this serum can dramatically reduce dark spots in as little as two weeks. It uses a powerful blend of pigment-reducing and skin-brightening ingredients to give you clear, even skin.

Key ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Niacinamide

Dull or sallow skin needs a powerful dose of vitamin C, which is exactly what this serum offers. The best part? It also helps even out unwanted texture and fade dark spots that love to stick around post-breakout.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Kojic Acid

If you're acne-prone or looking for a dark spot serum that doesn't clog pores, this one was made just for you. This serum helps exfoliate dead skin cells, which helps your skin recover more quickly.

Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, and Glucosamine

If you're looking for an ingredient that will help your skin turn back the clock, look no further than retinol. This serum combines retinol with vitamin C to quickly resurface and brighten dark spots and uneven texture. Not to mention, it helps fade the look of wrinkles and fine lines, too.

Key ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid

If you're looking to create a canvas that is so even it looks like you're wearing foundation on no-makeup days, try out this serum. It went viral on TikTok for its bold before-and-afters. Use it every day for a month, and you'll see an incredible difference.

Key ingredients: Vine Sap Viniferine and Squalane

If you're looking to launch a targeted attack on a dark mark, this microdart patch is the perfect nighttime accessory. It's perfect to use post-breakout on that leftover mark that just won't go away.

Key ingredients: Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid

If you were an avid hydroquinone user, try this over-the-counter serum instead. Not only does this product fade even the most stubborn forms of discoloration, but it helps protect and strengthen your skin from developing hyperpigmentation in the future.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Tranexamic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid

If you're suffering from acne and are looking for a product that treats both active breakouts and lingering hyperpigmentation, this gel does it all. It gently exfoliates the skin, and you can combine it with a moisturizer if your skin is very sensitive.

Key ingredients: Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid

If you've experienced sun damage that left you with freckles or dark spots, it's time to start using this serum. It works quickly to resurface the skin, winding back the clock on all kinds of damage.

Key ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Resorcinol Acid, Glycolic Acid

Not only does this serum use natural extracts to brighten and add a glow to dull skin, but it also helps fade dark spots over time, without the use of acids that some people with sensitive skin can't tolerate.

"Dark spots are often a result of an inflammatory skin process, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis," says Dr. Lal. "Dark spots are more common in people of color due to hyperactive melanocytes–pigment making cells. By far, pimples are the most common cause of dark spots. Dark spots are very hard to treat and treatment requires a multimodal approach. Treatment starts with strict sun protection with broad spectrum sunscreen use with frequent reapplication." It's important to watch dark spots carefully, as they can also be a sign of more serious illness. "They can be a sign of sun damage and occasionally these can be concerning for skin cancer and should be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist, particularly in fair-skinned individuals," adds Dr. Ibrahimi.

Can topical creams or serums fade dark spots?

"Using a fading cream or serum once a day in conjunction with sunscreen can significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots," says Dr. Karan Lal. Although a dermatologist can prescribe hydroquinone, there are lots of over-the-counter ingredients that can also be effective. For Dr. Ibrahimi, vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutin, lignin peroxidase, aleosin and cystamine are some of his favorite dark-spot fading ingredients. As with most skincare routines, it's important to keep to a regimented routine. "Persistence is key!" notes Dr. Lal.

What are some in-office treatments that can help correct dark spots?

If topical creams aren't bringing you the results you're seeking, in-office treatments can be very beneficial. "Chemical peels are the backbone of dark spot treatment," says Dr. Lal. "They are safe and multiple treatments are required. If chemical peels don’t work or help, picosecond pigment lasers can be used to break up pigment. Fractional nonablative lasers can also help break up pigment. Often times we use a combination approach with creams and chemical peels with or without lasers. The earlier you seek treatment the better your chances are at getting rid of the dark spots."