How long until I see results?

With consistent use, many people notice skin tone looking more even and dark spots less pronounced over several weeks.

Do I still need sunscreen if I only care about dark spots?

Absolutely. Sun exposure is a leading cause of dark spots — daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential every day.

Can I combine this routine with other actives (like retinoids or exfoliating acids)?

If you use stronger actives, introduce them gradually and avoid layering aggressively. Always follow with SPF and monitor your skin’s tolerance.

What else helps prevent new dark spots?

Limit direct sun exposure, wear protective clothing or hats, and avoid picking or irritating skin (for example after acne breakouts), since irritation can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Best Clinique Products to Consider for Dark Spot Treatments

If you’re dealing with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone, it helps to have a clear, expert-led guide to the best products. Below you’ll find Clinique’s top picks — with why they matter, how to use them, and how they work together for real results.

1. Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum — your core dark-spot treatment serum

Why This Matters

• This serum is a brightening serum, developed to target hyperpigmentation and help visibly reduce dark spots, including post-acne marks, sun spots, and age spots.

• It is formulated with a brightening molecule UP302, vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, salicylic acid, and glucosamine — a blend designed to target dark spots.

• It is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

How to Use

Apply one pump on clean, dry skin morning and night, before moisturizer. On mornings, follow with a moisturizer (with SPF) or sunscreen. Consistency is key for seeing results.

Quick Call-Out

Quick Tip: Use this serum faithfully. Pair with daily sun protection to help prevent new dark spots.

2. Even Better Clinical™ Brightening Moisturizer — hydrate while targeting dark spots

Why this matters

• This moisturizer helps visibly brighten dull skin and improve the look of dark spots.

• It provides meaningful hydration while delivering brightening support, helping skin look more balanced and luminous.

How to use
After serum, apply moisturizer gently. Use morning and night.

Quick call-out
Quick Tip: Well-hydrated skin reflects light more evenly — hydration itself can soften the appearance of rough texture while your serum works on dark spots.

3. Even Better™ Brightening Moisturizer SPF 20 — daytime moisture + sun protection to help prevent new discoloration

Why this matters

• It’s an oil-free daily moisturizer designed for uneven skin tone and dark spots, helping skin look more even while moisturizing.

• The built-in SPF helps protect against UV-induced dark spots, which is vital when you’re actively treating existing dark spots.

How to use
Apply each morning after serum (or after cleanser, if you skip serum), and before makeup or going outside. Reapply SPF every two hours.

Quick call-out
Quick Tip: Make SPF application your daily non-negotiable — complement brightening products by helping prevent new UV-induced spots.

4. Build a simple, consistent routine — and stick with it

Putting the pieces together is what truly makes a difference.

Suggested routine

• Night: Cleanse → Dark Spot Clearing Serum → Brightening Moisturizer

• Morning: Cleanse → Serum → Brightening Moisturizer with SPF → Sunscreen

With patience and regular use, skin tone can appear more even, dark spots less noticeable, and overall complexion brighter.

Summary

Whether you’re dealing with sun spots, age spots, or post-acne marks, Clinique offers a clear three-step arsenal: a powerful serum, a brightening moisturizer, and reliable hydration with SPF . Pair them with gentle care and consistency — and you’re supporting your skin’s tone with solutions rooted in real skincare science.

Start with the Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum, layer the Even Better brightening moisturizers, and don’t skip daily sun protection. Over time, you may see visible improvement in dark spots and a more even, luminous skin tone.