Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels If you've ever battled with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you know how difficult it is to cure those dark areas. Often, fading those lasting traces takes longer than resolving the breakouts themselves; it might take months, if not years, for the discolouration to totally fade. The same is true for hyperpigmentation produced by sun damage or melasma (a very common gripe right now, as many notice lingering sun spots after the scorching summer season). Regardless of how you slice it: Those stains may be very difficult to remove.

Of course, it's important to be kind with your skin and to give yourself grace. Your skin does so much for you every day, and those cells are working hard to turn over! If the markings simply won't go away, a few substances might help speed things along. Everyone's skin is distinctive, however the following players are widely praised by experts:

1.Vitamin C

Let's begin with the most well-known: Because of its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten skin tone, decrease moisture loss, help reduce skin inflammation, and fight UV damage, vitamin C is capital-B beloved by the beauty community—you'd be hard-pressed to find an expert who doesn't recommend adding a vitamin C serum to your daily lineup. "Vitamin C is one of the few active compounds that may help all skin types," said board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center.

You can even take vitamin C orally if you want to double up on skin-brightening properties; in fact, dual board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D., recommends both supplementing with vitamin C and applying it topically for optimal skin health—this ensures that there is enough vitamin C biologically available and active in and on the skin, she told mbg.

Furthermore, there is much data associating vitamin C consumption to general skin health3. Consider it an additional boost to help hyperpigmentation erase quicker. If you want to attempt this one-two punch, check out our recommended vitamin C pills.

2. Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a byproduct of fungal fermentation that is commonly praised for its skin-brightening properties—studies even suggest it may successfully brighten skin and erase dark spots. "It works its magic by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is necessary in the UV-induced activation of pigment-producing cells in the skin," previously said board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D.

Furthermore, since kojic acid only targets excess pigment, there is no risk of excessive whitening or irritation, according to Marcus. Of course, kojic acid may still cause irritation (particularly in those with sensitive skin), but it's normally well tolerated. You may learn more about the dark spot fighter by clicking here.

3. Mandelic Acid

Finally, there is the wonderful mandelic acid. If you're not aware of this AHA, have a look: This exfoliant accelerates cell turnover and gently removes dead, highly pigmented skin, allowing even individuals with sensitive skin to join the party. (In fact, dermatologists claim it's one of the most bearable acids for sensitive skin.) Furthermore, "Mandelic acid has a special affinity for oil compared to other AHAs," according to board-certified dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., creator of Dr. Bailey Skin Care. "It has been demonstrated to minimize [excess] sebum production and excessive shine by penetrating deeper into oily pores."

Even better, when combined with vitamin C, the advantages multiply: A mandelic acid and vitamin C skin care program was related with a 73% improvement in the look of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.