If you're over a certain age, you've probably started to see some not-necessarily-desirable changes in your skin. Into our 30s — and for sure by age 50 — collagen production begins to slows down, which impacts the texture, bounciness and overall tone of our faces. While the majority of serious aging-skin issues are most effectively and efficiently addressed in a dermatologist's or plastic surgeon's office, experts say there are certain clinically-proven at-home ingredients that can help brighten a dull complexion, even skin tone and make you look more glowing overall,
Quick Overview
See 2 more"The best products to brighten your skin at home are a combination of antioxidants and exfoliants to improve skin tone and enhance radiance," explains Dr. Mina Amin, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists. "[For brighter skin], the key ingredients to look for are vitamin C, which boosts collagen and reduces dark spots; niacinamide, to reduce inflammation and texture; AHAs [Alpha Hydroxy Acids] to remove dead cells for brighter skin; salicylic acid to help with the appearance of pores; retinoids to fade hyperpigmentation and, finally, SPF to reduce UV damage to keep the skin looking youthful."
For those experiencing dark spots or discoloration, veteran esthetician — and founder and CEO of her eponymous skin care line — Emme Diane Berg says "The key is targeting hyperpigmentation at its source — the enzyme responsible for melanin production, tyrosinase. New hyperpigmentation can’t form without tyrosinase activation, and existing dark spots begin to fade, which is why tyrosinase inhibitors are some of the most effective brightening ingredients."
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Berg says her favorite tyrosinase inhibitors include vitamin C, retinoids and hydroquinone, though she warns, with hydroquinone particularly, "It’s FDA-approved but it's super important to use it correctly. You might see high-dose hydroquinone formulas online, sometimes as high as 12%, but stronger isn’t always better. Higher concentrations can lead to excessive irritation, dryness and, in some cases, ochronosis — a bluish-gray skin discoloration that can be very difficult to reverse and...can even be permanent."
For this reason, Berg's hydroquinone products are made with a 2-4% formulation, "My Enlightened Serum is strong enough to deliver results without unnecessary risk. I also advise clients to use hydroquinone in cycles (three months on, three months off) to give the skin a break and always under the guidance of a skin care professional."
If you've tried these recommendations with consistency over a few months and don't see clearer, brighter skin, both Berg and Amin recommend heading to a trusted skin care provider for more intensive treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy, both of which can reduce age spots and boost the vibrancy of tired skin.
How to brighten skin at home, according to skin experts
Use the right ingredients at the right time: "Vitamin C in the morning helps protect against free radicals and environmental damage, while retinol at night speeds up cell turnover to fade pigmentation and refine texture. Using them together in a balanced routine can make a huge difference over time," says Berg.
Incorporate gentle, physical exfoliation: Regular exfoliation is key for removing dead skin buildup that can leave your complexion looking dull and uneven. Using a simple liquid exfoliant a few times a week — we like this one from Paula's Choice — should do the trick.
Wear SPF daily (no exceptions!): Berg explains, "This is non-negotiable if you want to keep your skin bright and even. Sun exposure is the No. 1 cause of hyperpigmentation, so even the best brightening routine won’t be effective without daily sunscreen."
Try at-home red light therapy: This science-backed treatment can help fade hyperpigmentation, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production by stimulating cellular energy and circulation.
Get your glow on with these gems
Brandefy
When it comes to vitamin C serums, most dermatologists I've spoken with (including Amin) recommend Skinceuticals' award-winning C-E Ferulic Serum, which is the gold standard in this category. It's also a massive investment (1 oz. bottles start at $182!). After scanning Reddit threads, testing dozens of products and reading through hundreds of reviews, I've found Brandefy's Defend Serum is the closest swap for Skinceuticals and it rings in at a whopping 73% less.
This serum contains expert-recommended L-ascorbic acid, a stabilized form of vitamin C, along with the antioxidants ferulic acid and vitamin E, which clinical studies have shown work in tandem to improve the product's efficacy and help skin repair from photoaging (ie, the dreaded sun damage).
Amazon
If you're looking for a true budget vitamin C serum, this version from beloved K-beauty brand CosRx may literally hit the spot. It's made with 13% pure L-ascorbic acid to help brighten and tighten skin, stimulate collagen production and lighten dark spots. It also contains vitamin E to boost efficacy and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and helps plump drier, mature skin.
I've found the one downside to this potent product is the equally potent scent — but at this price, you may want to literally hold your nose in order to achieve the brightening results.
The Ordinary
Concentrated, topically-applied niacinamide (which is essentially vitamin B3) has been clinically proven to reduce redness, blotchiness and lighten hyperpigmented spots in aging skin. It can also, when used consistently, help smooth rough skin texture and fine lines and protect your face from UV damage.
With 10% of the hero ingredient, this serum from The Ordinary hits the sweet spot of potency: enough to be effective, but not so much to cause irritation for most skin types. Plus, the price truly cannot be beat.
Amazon
This salycylic acid solution is a chemical exfoliator that incorporates an ingredient called beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to penetrate, adhere to and clear out dead skin cells, dirt and grease. It even goes a few steps further by substantially softening skin, evening rough texture and leaving behind a fresh, dewy glow.
I've tried dozens of products to reduce the appearance of my enlarged pores and banish blackheads, and this is by far the most effective. It's easy to use and non-irritating, and you only need a drop or two each night to see results.
Medik8
This award-winning, highly-rated lotion is the No. 1 bestselling anti-aging serum in the U.K. for a reason — it works. The formula is made with retinal, which is the fastest-acting (and among the strongest) retinoids you can buy over the counter and comes in six strengths to maximize cell turnover and bring on the skin-brightening party. If you're new to the retinoid game — or have sensitive skin — this Retinal 1 is a good place to start.
Amazon
This adapalene gel was the first prescription-strength retinoid to become available over the counter. It's dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven to tighten and brighten skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
"I've been a Differin user for over six years at this point and I swear by it," wrote an in-the-know user. "Most things that work as well as Differin are prescription-only. It actually works in a similar manner to some of the prescription-strength treatments do: by increasing the rate at which your skin cells turn over."
It's also useful for building collagen, which, in turn, makes skin look brighter and bouncier. I've been testing Differin for the past month and have seen a decrease in my sun damage/brown spots, along with a firmer texture to my skin overall.
Omnilux
If I didn't already own this, I'd be picking it up right now. Within days of first using this product, my skin looked tighter, particularly around my cheekbones. Within six weeks, the wrinkles on my forehead appeared less deep and so did those around my mouth. My complexion was clearer overall. The results of this mask, when used consistently, were subtle but apparent — my pores were smaller, my face looked softer and my skin had a bit of a glow. My conclusion: With regular use (10 minutes per day, 4-5 times per week), the Omnilux mask works, which is why I named it best LED face mask of the year.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
