I journeyed 3,635 miles to discover how to eliminate my dark spots—here are five transformative tips.

      I would go to great lengths to eliminate my persistent post-acne dark spots. Try every skin-brightening product available? Absolutely. Seek divine intervention? Done that (multiple times). Take a lengthy flight to attend the world’s largest skin aesthetics conference? Count me in, especially since I’ll have the chance to listen to one of the top dermatologists in the field, the stylish Dr. Suzan Obagi.

      Dr. Obagi embodies the phrase "a wealth of knowledge." She is the chief medical director at Obagi, a renowned medical-grade skincare brand, and an associate professor of dermatology and plastic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, boasting over 50 publications in reputable dermatologic journals. So, when the chance arose to follow her to the IMCAS conference in Paris, I was thrilled. What excited me even more was learning that she would present on hyperpigmentation, the very skin concern I have been battling. "Evening out skin tone is the most common reason people visit a dermatologist," she told me over coffee a few days before the event. Given the complexities of different types of discoloration—like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sunspots—this makes perfect sense. It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone in this struggle!

      A month has passed since the conference, and I’m still reflecting on Dr. Obagi’s personalized tips (which included some hot takes). No need to fly over 3,000 miles for the key insights—here are all the transformative skincare recommendations I gathered from her lecture and my personal conversation with the esteemed dermatologist:

      1. **Use Antioxidants Twice a Day**

      When it comes to brightening the skin, antioxidant-infused serums (like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B3, pomegranate, etc.) reign supreme. These powerful formulas help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution, and general inflammation. I might not be sharing anything new here, but according to Dr. Obagi, you should be applying antioxidants twice daily. If you're not, you're not doing your skin any favors. "The biggest mistake people make is limiting their antioxidants to just the morning," she said. Typically, the advice is to use a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinol or acid serum at night. However, if dark spots are your main concern, you should double up on those brightening agents. "Any antioxidant applied in the morning will be depleted within a few hours outdoors," Obagi explained. "You should reapply it at night when our bodies repair themselves. During deep sleep, your cells are renewing. The mitochondria replenishes itself and eliminates damaged proteins, which is essential for cellular function—you can support this process by applying an antioxidant." For those using retinol, don’t worry; as long as you have a gentle, high-quality antioxidant serum, Obagi says you can use both in the same routine. "Apply the serum first, then your retinoid on top," she recommends. If you have sensitive skin, consider waiting a few minutes between steps for better absorption.

      2. **Use Gentle Acids**

      Glycolic acid is a favorite among dermatologists for reducing dark spots, so I was surprised when Obagi advised me to avoid it for now. Due to my sensitive skin (I even show early signs of rosacea), she emphasized the importance of balancing the removal of pigmented cells with keeping the skin calm—additional inflammation might hinder my progress toward an even complexion. "Glycolic acids are inherently inflammatory. That's why I don’t perform glycolic acid peels in my practice," she mentioned. "It can penetrate unpredictably, potentially causing deeper peeling or triggering pigmentation in some patients." For sensitive skin like mine, she recommends soothing alternatives such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. If you're scratching your head over those names—don't worry! They are popular polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) that gently exfoliate without irritation. "They provide gentle exfoliation at a higher pH, making them less acidic and more tolerable for the skin," Obagi remarked.

      3. **Precondition the Skin Before Treatments**

      This is arguably Dr. Obagi's most crucial advice. Although she favors lasers and peels (she had one herself before attending the conference!), she doesn’t immediately suggest treatments for patients dealing with hyperpigmentation. This might sound unexpected coming from someone highly regarded in the cosmetic dermatology community, but she explained that procedures yield better results with fewer complications when the skin barrier is adequately prepared. "Don't give in—educate" is her essential principle. Therefore, she prepares her patients for at least six weeks (12 to 18 weeks for those with deeper skin tones) before any skin-brightening procedures—a process she terms "pre-conditioning the skin." After committing to gentle yet effective antioxidant serums, retinoids, and mild exfol