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HERE ARE SOME SOLUTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. IDENTIFY THE UNDERLYING CONDITION Work with a dermatologist to find out the root cause of your dark spots, then determine the best treatment plan for

you. “[If you] can get the acne, the eczema [or] the skin rash under control, then you will often deal with less hyperpigmentation,” says Lenzy. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (left)

and ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless EltaMD; ISDIN 2. SLATHER ON SUNSCREEN Too much exposure to UV rays can exacerbate dark spots, so limit your time in the sun as much as possible and get in the

habit of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. “One trip in the sun can reverse all of the treatments you’re doing,” warns Lenzy. Two sunscreens to try: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum

SPF 46 ($37, eltamd.com) and ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless ($70, isdin.com) BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner (left) and Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration Dermstore;

Sephora 3. SCOPE OUT A GOOD SERUM Serums infused with powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can tackle stubborn dark spots and promote radiant skin. “Vitamin C can directly inhibit

tyrosinase [production], which is the enzyme that’s critical to making melanin,” says Henry. Other ingredients to look for? Tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid and

niacinamide are commonly used in serums, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten your complexion. Two serums to try: BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner ($80, dermstore.com) and

Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration ($38, sephora.com) Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment (left) and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Differin; SkinCeuticals 4. REAP THE

BENEFITS OF RETINOL Retinol is known for its antiaging abilities, but it’s also used as an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. “Retinol is a holy grail that I think is underutilized,

especially in skin of color,” says Lenzy. Similar to vitamin C, retinol can hinder tyrosinase production, but it also acts as an exfoliant by removing dead skin cells, revealing a more even

skin tone. Two retinols to try: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment ($15, target.com) and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 ($76, skinceuticals.com) 5. LOOK INTO IN-OFFICE TREATMENTS Laser

procedures are among the most popular in-office solutions for dark spots, but Henry says they’re usually reserved for more severe cases. And while some laser treatments can be done safely on

dark skin, not all are created equal, so proceed with caution. “Laser surgery in Black and brown skin is more of an advanced treatment,” says Henry. “Anything that is not done in a measured

and safe way in [dark] skin can cause hyperpigmentation, which is what you’re trying to treat.” Considering chemical peels? Lenzy suggests starting with superficial peels, which are less

abrasive. “In [patients with] skin of color, I use deeper chemical peels [sparingly] ... because they can get a great amount of irritation [and] develop more hyperpigmentation,” she says.

“Slow and steady is the approach I recommend, especially when you’re dealing with skin of color.” _Anissa Gabbara writes about beauty, health, lifestyle and pop culture. Her work has

appeared in_ Sisters From AARP_, _Sesi_ magazine and _Maple City Our Town _magazine._