Skincare Experts Warn: Common Habits That Prevent Dark Spots From Fading

Jakarta – The struggle against dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, is a familiar one in the world of skincare. These stubborn marks can take anywhere from one to three months to fade, as noted by Dr. Mamina Turegano, a board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology, in a recent interview with SELF on Tuesday (24/2/2026). While topical treatments can assist, many individuals inadvertently prolong the issue through common missteps in their daily regimen.

According to Dr. Turegano, the path to fading dark spots is often obstructed not by a lack of effort, but by misguided strategies. Two errors, in particular, stand out: the reckless combination of powerful brightening agents and the neglect of underlying acne. Understanding these pitfalls is essential for anyone seeking a more even skin tone.

The allure of rapid results often leads to the first mistake: layering multiple potent brighteners. It is a common belief that using Vitamin C, retinol, and chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid together will provide a synergistic effect. While each ingredient is effective on its own—Vitamin C inhibits melanin, retinol speeds up cell turnover, and exfoliants remove pigmented cells—their combined, simultaneous use is a recipe for disaster.

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Such combinations can compromise the skin's protective barrier, triggering irritation and inflammation. This inflammatory response can, in turn, stimulate melanocytes to produce more pigment, thereby darkening existing spots and creating new ones. Dr. Turegano advises against this aggressive tactic, suggesting a more measured approach is necessary for long-term success.

A wiser strategy, she explains, is to introduce one active ingredient at a time. By focusing on a single brightener for at least two weeks, you can accurately assess your skin's tolerance and the product's efficacy. Another effective technique is to stagger their use—for instance, applying Vitamin C in the morning and reserving retinol for nighttime, or using them on alternating days.

This method not only safeguards the skin from irritation but also provides a clearer picture of what works. It is a testament to the skincare principle that gentle, consistent care often outperforms harsh, accelerated methods in achieving a healthy, radiant complexion.

The second major error is a matter of misplaced priorities. Many people become so fixated on erasing existing dark spots that they overlook the source of the problem: active acne. "A common mistake I see is that people are breaking out, but their focus is entirely on treating the hyperpigmentation," Dr. Turegano observed. This is akin to painting over a crack in the wall without fixing the structural issue.

Active acne signifies ongoing inflammation in the skin, driven by a combination of excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This inflammation is the very engine that drives melanin overproduction and the formation of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Until the acne itself is addressed, new spots will continue to appear, rendering any brightening efforts futile.

Consequently, an effective skincare routine must prioritize acne management as the foundational step. By calming the inflammation and preventing new breakouts, you effectively shut off the tap of new pigmentation. Only then can brightening agents work most efficiently to clear the canvas, allowing the skin to heal and revealing a truly uniform and healthy appearance.

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Acne Treatment Dark Spots Expert Interview Hyperpigmentation Retinol Skincare Routine Vitamin C