'I've seen great results following laser therapy and over-the-counter serums have become far more effective in recent years'
Hyperpigmentation. A fancy word for what your nana called sunspots – the brownish patches that make your skintone uneven. The first thing I check when someone asks me about hyperpigmentation treatments is whether they actually have melasma (or chloasma), a hormone-related melanin imbalance often occurring in pregnancy or while on hormonal contraceptives. I developed a patch of brown melasma across my forehead while pregnant, and find treatments limited and ineffective. Your best bets are a killer sunblock and concealer.
For hyperpigmentation – dark spots arising from sun damage and skin ageing – there are more treatment options. I've seen some great results following laser therapy (though fellow melasma sufferers should avoid this) and in recent years over-the-counter serums have become far more effective. However, it's important to remember that you must use these every single evening, and you won't see any fading for at least eight weeks – most people give up before then, deciding that the product isn't working. You must also wear sunblock. Four months ago, I sent out 22 serums to women with a range of skintypes, and asked them to use one twice a day for 12 weeks. These (sadly expensive) six worked.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Correcter,£39.50, clinique.co.uk
This serum promises up to 53% more even skintone in 12 weeks. Very effective.
Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective,£49, dermacaredirect.co.uk
Faded spots, removed redness and left combination skin soft and bright.
Philosophy Miracle Worker Dark Spot Corrector,£52, philosophy skincare.co.uk
An all-over serum that's moisturising and faded dark spots. Works on acne scars.
StriVectin EV Get Even Brightening Serum,£67, feelunique.com
A pricey but very effective serum that improved colour and scar tissue and left skin in much better condition.
Indeed Labs Peptabright,£29.99, boots.com
Testers with a moderate problem loved this. It made their skin brighter, softer and more even.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clarity Targeted Skin Tone Corrector,£110, johnlewis.com
It's too much money, but the change was clear when I saw the tester. Sun spots were paler and she found it a pleasure to use.