Dr. Linkner said a good way to prevent blemishes from discoloring is to avoid popping and picking at pimples — that's in addition to making sure you're frequently wearing (and reapplying) sunscreen.
"Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen is so important to make sure blemishing doesn't tan and get even more stubborn to remove, especially this time of year," she said. "Additionally, it's so important not to pick acne, as this is such a trigger for making spots discolor and persist even more."
If you've already noticed dark spots or discoloration, Dr. Linkner recommends seeing a dermatologist (when you can) for a medium-depth chemical peel. "[They are] my favorite in-office treatment of acne, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation as they really resurface while being anti-inflammatory," she said. "It's a great way to check off a bunch of boxes at once."
It's worth noting that in-office treatments can come with a cost, so if a chemical peel isn't in your budget and you want to treat discoloration at home, a few of our favorite topical brightening products include Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($72), CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($17), and SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense ($98).
