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Having clear, blemish-free skin is something we all dream of, yet achieving this goal can be harder than it looks. A common skin-related issue a lot of people deal with is dark spots. This refers to hyperpigmented blemishes of the face which may be due to a wide range of causes such as acne scars, sunburns, hormonal changes, and even vitamin deficiencies such as seen in vitamin B9 and B12 deficiency.
Getting rid of dark spots is no easy task, but with the current advances in the world of dermatology and skincare, newer, safer, and more effective products for dark spot removal are now available.
A good number of these come as face toners which usually contain ingredients like witch hazel, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and other common ingredients. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best face toners for getting rid of dark spots.
#1 Simplified Skin 8% Glycolic Acid Toner
This toner contains 8% glycolic acid, which is the major ingredient. Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid that is derived from sugarcane. It is used to fade blemishes and black spots due to its ability to penetrate the skin and encourage cell turnover. It does this by weakening the bonds between the cells on the outer layer of the skin, including the dead cells, causing them to peel off more readily.
Therefore, it removes dark spots as it exfoliates by revealing the younger layer of blemish-free skin beneath the older cells. It also contains Rosemary extract, an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory agent used to treat burns, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Customer reviews were positive, stating that the toner keeps your face moist and brightens the complexion evenly. However, remember to use sunscreen while using this product like glycolic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
#2 Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Mario Badescu products are known for their effectiveness and their Glycolic Acid Toner certainly did not fail to disappoint. This particular product is a combination of 2% glycolic acid, grapefruit extract, and Aloe vera. The face toner fades dark spots and functions as a good exfoliant as well. Grapefruits add additional benefits as it helps in refining pores, while Aloe vera hydrates the skin and gives it an even complexion.
This toner is great for all skin types, especially those struggling with dry skin. The toner reduces face dullness in the process of clearing dark spots by hydrating the skin and removing any excess dead skin through a gentle peeling action.
#3 SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Face Toner
African black soap is a traditional skincare recipe that contains a variety of well-known and well-trusted skincare ingredients such as Shea butter, cocoa, willow, tea tree oil, and more. This SheaMoisture skincare brand went back in time to add a modern twist to an ancient formula, and from the testimonies, you can see that they were quite successful.
The SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Toner contains several key ingredients which are quite effective when it comes to fading dark spots. One of them is tea tree oil, an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that is commonly used to treat acne and fade acne scars. Shea oil is another key ingredient that helps moisturize the skin, prevent breakouts, increases elasticity, and stimulates healthy skin growth by providing the skin with vitamins A & E.
#4 Humane Clarifying Face Toner
This face toner contains 2% salicylic acid and green tea extract as its main ingredients. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which is similar to an alpha-hydroxy acid but is oil soluble instead. It is popular for its healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Salicylic acid is well recommended for dealing with excess dead skin, which may lead to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, all of which are common causes of dark spots.
This toner combines it with the well-known exfoliant and scar-fading agent green tea extract, which is effective for fading spots caused by acne or other skin conditions.
Note: that salicylic acid is another name for aspirin, so this product should be avoided by individuals with an aspirin allergy.
#5 Bioré Witch Hazel Clarifying Toner
The Bioré Witch Hazel Clarifying Toner contains witch hazel and the BHA salicylic acid. This combination works perfectly well together as salicylic acid is great for treating acne scars and other blemishes, while witch hazel is known for its amazing anti-aging and skin-soothing properties.
These are two strong ingredients which when combined give you a product that will leave your skin looking balanced and blemish-free. The product is also well-received due to its moisturizing and deep cleaning properties, as well as the addition of citric acid, another great scar-fading ingredient.
#6 R.D. Alchemy 100% Natural & Organic Vitamin C Face Toner
As astonishing as it might sound, the basic ingredients in this face toner come from common fruits and flowers you can easily find in your backyard. Acerola cherry is a basic ingredient that contains high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants that help treat hyperpigmentation, acne, sunburns, and other skin forms of skin damage.
It also contains rose hips, which is a great skin moisturizer, is high in vitamin A and C, helps exfoliate the skin, and brightens your complexion. Another key ingredient is orange peel extract which is high in citric acid and acts as a good exfoliant. Both are used to treat blemishes, scars, hyperpigmentation, and even wrinkles. Did we also mention that this product is 100% vegan and cruelty-free?
#7 Vita-6 Essence Face Toner from Caremedy
Six key vitamins and the compound tripeptide 29 are the key ingredients used in this face toner. Vitamin E nourishes and protects the skin cells. Vitamin D3 has anti-inflammatory properties for repairing skin, together with vitamin A which supports the skin’s immune function.
Vitamin B5 was included for smoothness and vitamin B3 for its anti-aging effects. Vitamin C prevents damages from ultraviolet rays, as tripeptide 29 repairs skin damage caused by sunlight (including dark spots). Considering the combination of these essential vitamins, together with its light nature and fresh after-feeling, the positive reviews from customers are not surprising.
#8 Even & Clear Intense Clarifying Face Toner from AMBI
Being for acne-prone skin types, this face toner contains a unique blend of key ingredients geared towards moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation, and fading dark spots. These key ingredients are majorly organic materials; a few of which include cucumber extract and green tea extract.
Cucumber extract smoothens and moisturizes the skin while promoting scar healing. Green tea extract fades scars and black spots from acne, sunburns, and other causes by stimulating cell turnover and revealing the blemish-free layer beneath. In addition, salicylic acid was included for its usefulness when it comes to dealing with acne.
Customers’ reviews were positive and especially commended the fact the product caused no dryness and brightened the complexion evenly making the face toner quite promising.
#9 Centella Recovery Face Toner from Cos De BAHA
Specially designed for users whose skin type tends towards dryness, this face toner contains Centella asiatica, which was combined with Aloe vera. Centella asiatica possesses anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cellulite properties that are very important for healing. It is commonly recommended for throes with dry, sensitive skin and those who which to fade old scars due to its ability to stimulate collagen deposition and speed up healing.
Aloe vera on the other hand is known for its use in treating sunburns, abrasions, and other forms of injuries without leaving a scar or blemish. The reason for its high ratings and massive positive reviews is because this toner has no fragrance and no artificial dyes, making it great for individuals who struggle with sensitive skin.
#10 Blemish Toner Acne Treatment from Heritage Store
Being strongly recommended for acne-prone skin types, this toner is effective for preventing and treating all causes of dark spots and scars with its great combination of ingredients. Salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree extract are just a few of the key ingredients found in this toner and each was chosen for its is a member of this combination because of its effectiveness in treating acne.
It contains 2% salicylic acid, which is great for removing dead cells, unclogging pores, and leaving your skin looking refreshed and more even. Tea tree oil is an exfoliant and works like salicylic acid to increase cell turnover and reveal a smoother, more even layer of younger cells. Niacinamide is another great addition due to its pore-refining properties and ability to soothe the skin.
Heritage stores also gave their customers a heritage stamp by combining camphor and menthol to give a cooling effect.
Summary
Truthfully, black spots, blemishes, and scars can be quite embarrassing and frustrating to deal with. However, do not blindly test different toners and serums; ensure you receive recommendations. Also, do not use a new product directly on your face. Test it on a patch on your neck or hand for a week or two, to prevent aggravating your skin condition. In addition, ensure to wear sunscreen when using products that contain acids, like glycolic acid, to prevent sunburns.
With any of these toners as a daily routine, dark spots and burns are surely past experiences as you shine as you should.