Brightening Products That Help Sun Damage

Sarah here from Beauty Banter to share my skincare expertise on what to apply to help diminish sun damage.

Summer is basically here, and regardless of how much SPF you douse yourself in, chances are, you’ll still see the results of UV rays (hopefully not much because you limit your sun time and always wear a hat and sunnies along with your sunscreen).

With pool and beach days around the bend, it only seemed fitting to share a piece on brightening products that’ll help remove the sun damage, even out the skin tone, and give you that coveted glow up. Below are my favorite products for post-sun, uber-brightening effects.

Golde

Papaya Bright Superfood Face Mask ($34)

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This brightening mask is made with 100% pure, edible superfoods. Featuring superfruits like lucuma, papaya, and sea buckthorn berry, it’s packed with vitamin C and smells like a tropical vacation. With natural papaya enzymes, the powder-to-gel formula gently exfoliates to reveal glowing, radiant skin.

FarmHouse Fresh

Mighty Brighty Mask ($30)

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If your skin is feeling dull, try this vitamin C-rich chamomile blend. It includes retinol, which is great for anti-aging. Friendly reminder: with retinol, you want to start slowly. Apply every third day, at night, then increase to every other night, then build to every night. It’s imperative to use sunscreen every morning, as retinol can increase your skin’s photosensitivity. We don’t use retinol during the day—and we don’t recommend it, either.

Note: This is an active mask. You may feel it tingle, and your face may temporarily flush with color as it oxygenates. Do not use if you have sensitive skin. Test on a small area first. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, contact your doctor before using this product.

Kora Organics

Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask ($48)

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This is a new(ish) product in my lineup and I’ve got to say, I’m loving the results. Besides the fact that it’s completely toxin-free, it actually works to lighten dark spots and brighten the overall complexion. While it’s a mask and scrub combined (love a multitasking product), it’s also ideal for removing dead cells, resulting in smooth, glowing skin within minutes.

MZ Skin

Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum ($375)

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It’s pricey, but the results are real (hence why fans include A-listers like Serena Williams). With 10% stabilized vitamin C, this serum lightens, tightens, and brightens, aiding in hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and age spots. It’s also a seriously good serum for anti-aging, thanks to the antioxidant-rich formula.

iS Clinical

White Lightening Serum ($130)

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Another favorite brightener, this serum is more like a hardcore treatment that effectively minimizes the appearance of dark spots. It is my go-to discoloration product that doesn’t contain hydroquinone. I spot treat areas of my face with it at night, never during the day.

Farmacy

Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum ($58)

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They call it a honeymoon glow, because you wake up with that gorgeous glow that only true love leaves behind—that and some powerful ingredients. AHA and BHA exfoliate and even the skin tone, while hyaluronic acid and honey moisturize so that you’re not stripping the healthy oils from your face. The result is skin that looks—and feels—divine.

Dr. Barbara Sturm

Brightening Serum ($310)

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I’m a huge Dr. Barbara Sturm fan, and this Brightening Serum is one more win for the skincare brand. I actually like to use it around my eyes as it really helps to troubleshoot stubborn dark circles (hello lack of sleep), but it’s also the ideal serum for anti-aging and brightening results.