With the right products and treatments, even mature skin can retain its brightness, vibrancy and overall glow. (Getty Images)
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.
"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 Burg 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."
Burg 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, Burg'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 Burg 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.
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 Burg.
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!): Burg 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.
Pores looking a little ... cavernous? This unassuming bottle with over 36,000 five-star fans will help.
If I didn't already own Omnilux's Light Therapy Mask, 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.
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 a close 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).
A skin-care product that does what it says it will do at an affordable price? That's what we call a unicorn, folks.
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.
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.
After testing dozens of over-the-counter options, this is the retinoid I use every night. Differin's 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. This jumbo size rarely goes on sale — and it's currently a cool 36% off.
"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 that some of the prescription-strength treatments do: by increasing the rate at which your skin cells turn over."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
