Dark Spot Playbook: What to Buy and How to Use It in 30 Days

If dark spots make you feel like you need a filter in real life, this guide is for you. We will keep it simple. We will tell you what to buy and how to use it for 30 days. Then your friends will ask, "What did you do?" Your enemies will be mad you look this fresh.

Why you get dark spots

Sun makes melanin. Melanin leaves little marks.
Pimples heal and leave brown or purple marks.
Hormones can make patches (like melasma).
Picking at skin makes everything worse.

Good news: you can fade a lot of this at home with the right routine and sunscreen.

See our sunscreen guide too: The Great Sunscreen Showdown

What to buy: pick one hero

You do not need ten serums. Start with one hero. Then add more later if you want.

Option A: Niacinamide (the steady helper)

What it does: calms redness, slows pigment transfer, shrinks look of pores.
Best for: sensitive skin, first-timers, oily or combo skin.
Works well with: Vitamin C, arbutin, hyaluronic acid.

Option B: Alpha Arbutin (the spot sniper)

What it does: tells pigment factory to chill, targets dark spots directly.
Best for: stubborn post-acne marks, uneven tone.
Gentle but focused.

Option C: Vitamin C (the bright light)

What it does: brightens, fights dullness, supports collagen.
Best for: dull skin that needs glow fast.
Pick stable forms if you are sensitive.

Want a quick match? Take our Quiz. It will pick for you.

Simple truth: sunscreen is the lock on your progress

No sunscreen = no fade. Reapply when you can. Choose one you like to wear. See our sunscreen face-off: The Great Sunscreen Showdown

The 30-day plan

We will go week by week. Go slow. Skin likes simple.

Week 1: Start gentle

AM: Cleanser → your hero serum (every other day) → moisturizer → sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → moisturizer
Notes: patch test first. If skin tingles a lot, use less often.

Week 2: Build rhythm

AM: Cleanser → hero serum (daily) → moisturizer → sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → moisturizer → optional hydrating essence if dry

Week 3: Add support

If skin is calm: add Niacinamide in AM and Alpha Arbutin in PM, or pair Niacinamide with Vitamin C in AM.
Keep sunscreen every morning. Reapply if you are out.

Week 4: Lock habits

Stick to what works. Do not add five new things.
Take a selfie in the same light. Compare to day 1.

Sample routines by skin type

Oily or acne-prone

AM: Gel cleanser → Niacinamide → lightweight moisturizer → sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → Alpha Arbutin → light moisturizer
Tip: avoid heavy oils that clog your look.

Dry or sensitive

AM: Creamy cleanser → Vitamin C (low irritation, or use Niacinamide) → rich moisturizer → sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → Niacinamide → cream moisturizer
Tip: if sting happens, skip a day and add more moisturizer.

Combo skin

AM: Gentle cleanser → Vitamin C or Niacinamide → moisturizer → sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → Alpha Arbutin on spots → moisturizer
Tip: treat the T-zone and cheeks differently if needed.

How to know it is working

Days 7–10: skin looks a bit brighter, spots look softer at edges.
Days 14–21: tone looks more even in selfies.
Day 30: spots fade a shade or two. Keep going for 8–12 weeks for deeper marks.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping sunscreen.
Using strong acids and retinoids at the same time as your new serum on night one.
Picking at pimples.
Switching products every two days. Stay with it.

What to buy today

If you want gentle and steady: start with Niacinamide.
If you want spot focus: add Alpha Arbutin.
If you want glow now: add a stable Vitamin C.

Ready to shop? Visit our Shop or get matched in our Quiz. Want deals and early drops? Subscribe.

When to see a pro

If you have melasma or very deep spots, see a derm.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, keep it gentle and ask your doctor first.