# Dark Spot Rx: What to expect > The goto guide for getting the most out of your Dark Spot Rx Anyones skin can develop dark spots even if youve been faithfully applying and reapplying Source: https://curology-agency.kustomer.help/en_us/dark-spot-rx-what-to-expect-rk9CX3_3_ Last updated: 2026-08-25T05:42:27.350Z ## **The go-to guide for getting the most out of your Dark Spot****Rx** Anyone’s skin can develop dark spots, even if you’ve been faithfully applying (and reapplying) your sunscreen. While there are ways to prevent them from popping up (i.e., sunscreen!), you can also brighten existing spots over time by using a few ultra-effective ingredients found in your [Agency Dark SpotRx](https://agencyskin.com/products/dark-spot-formula). This guide will help you learn more about what causes dark spots and what to expect as you begin incorporating your Dark SpotRx into your daily routine! ## **What causes dark spots?** Your skin produces a pigment called melanin, which is what gives your skin its color. **Hyperpigmentation**, or dark spots and patches, occurs when your skin _overproduces_ pigment and certain areas of your skin become darker. There are a few different forms that hyperpigmentation can take: * **Sunspots** (including freckles and age spots) are caused by prolonged sun exposure; they are found most often on the face and hands and may fade somewhat during winter months. * **Melasma** shows up as symmetrical brown spots and patches on the face. Sun exposure is one of the biggest, but preventable, contributors to melasma. Other triggers include pregnancy hormones (melasma may fade a few months after delivery[1](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#fn1)) and hormone treatments (including birth control pills, patches, rings, or hormone replacement therapy[2](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#fn2)). Melasma is also more commonly found in women––only 10% of the people who get melasma are men.[3](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#fn3) * **Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation** (PIH) occurs when excess melanin is deposited into the skin after an inflammatory wound (such as acne or a burn), leaving a dark, discolored mark[4](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#fn4). The good news is PIH often fades over time on its own, though using certain products may help speed up the process. (Note:PIH is different from acne scars, which leave a “depression” or raised area on your skin.) ## **What to expect along the way** [Hydroquinone](https://support.agencyskin.com/en_us/how-hydroquinone-works-for-your-complexion-ryDy4hdhd) is considered the gold standard for treating dark spots and your Dark SpotRx will most likely be formulated with it (along with other active ingredients).\* It’s important to know, however, that long-term use of hydroquinone without breaks may lead to permanent skin discoloration[5](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#fn5). **This is why we’ve designed your treatment plan to follow an on-and-off rhythm. For a period of time, you will use your Dark Spot****Rx** **with hydroquinone. Then we’ll send you a Dark Spot****Rx** _**without**_ **hydroquinone, so your skin can take a “break.”** (Don’t worry—your hydroquinone-free formula will still help treat your dark spots). Most importantly: you don’t have to worry about keeping track of where you’re at in the journey. We’ll send the right bottle along whenever it’s time to switch. Even if there’s still formula left in your old bottle, make sure to start using your new bottle as soon as it arrives! * * * Here is an example of what your schedule might look like on the Dark SpotRx\*: * **2 or 3 months on a Dark Spot****Rx** **with hydroquinone and hydrocortisone.**  * **2 months on a hydroquinone-free Dark Spot****Rx****.** This formula won’t contain hydroquinone, but it will contain other active ingredients that help fade hyperpigmentation.  * **2 months on a Dark Spot****Rx** **with hydroquinone, without hydrocortisone.** Hydrocortisone is normally included in your first formula to help minimize any potential irritation from hydroquinone, so by this point you likely won’t need it. * **2 months back on the hydroquinone-free Dark Spot****Rx****.** * **Check-ins are scheduled about a week before every shipment**––we’ll reach out to see how you’re doing.  **\*Agency note**: If your Dark SpotRx does not include hydroquinone, you won’t have the built-in break periods. Regardless of your formula’s ingredients, it’s important to follow your Agency provider’s instructions for use. ## **Your Dark Spot****Rx** **routine** Here’s how to safely and effectively incorporate your Dark SpotRx into your skincare regimen: **Morning** * Wash with water or a gentle cleanser * Apply moisturizer if your skin needs it * Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If you're using a chemical sunscreen, apply sunscreen before the Dark SpotRx. If you're using a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, apply sunscreen after.  * Apply a thin layer of your Dark SpotRx to dark spots on your face (avoid the areas around your eyes, nostrils, and mouth) * If you’re going to use makeup, apply it after the Dark SpotRx has dried completely  **Evening** * (If applicable) remove makeup  * Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry * Apply a thin layer of the [Night RenewRx](https://agencyskin.com/products/future-formula), and let it absorb completely (unless you’re using the Dark SpotRx as a stand-alone product) * Moisturize if needed (if your skin is feeling irritated, try putting your moisturizer on before your Night RenewRx) * Apply a thin layer of your Dark SpotRx to dark spots on your face (again avoiding the sensitive areas) ## **Getting the most out of your Dark Spot****Rx** * **If you have only a few small dark spots**, use a Q-tip to avoid unintentionally lightening the surrounding skin. If that happens, we recommend stopping the Dark SpotRx for a few weeks and restarting once the surrounding skin returns to its normal color.   * **If you have a cluster or a larger patch of hyperpigmentation**, apply the cream to the entire affected area with your fingertips. (P.S. Watch out for your fingernails as your formula can cause your nails to discolor). * **Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!** Dark spots can worsen with even minimal sun exposure, even if you’re using the Dark SpotRx —which is why sunscreen is a must-have on your skincare journey. If you need help finding the right sunscreen for you, check out our [sunscreen guide](https://support.agencyskin.com/en_us/how-to-choose-the-right-sunscreen-rywCQ3OnO) to see our dermatology providers’ recommended products.  * **Avoid these ingredients (at least, initially):**Doing so may help reduce dryness and irritation, two things which may lead to worsening hyperpigmentation. If you want to reintroduce these products back into your routine when you feel your skin is ready, use your best judgment; we recommend doing so gradually. * AHAs (including glycolic acid or lactic acid) * BHA (i.e., salicylic acid) * Vitamin C * Retinols  * Physical exfoliators such as brushes or scrubs * Benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or any other peroxide products––only if your formula has hydroquinone. (Using them together may stain your skin. This staining can usually be removed with soap and water). ## **When can I expect to see results?** Many start seeing their dark spots lighten after 8-12 weeks of treatment with these ingredients, but this varies from person to person. If you don’t see any improvements after several months, we recommend sending your Agency provider a message about exploring a possible formula change. ## **Looking ahead with your Dark Spot****Rx** Your Dark SpotRx is designed to work in tandem with your Night RenewRx. If you’re interested in adding it to your skincare routine, your Agency provider is happy to discuss it with you and help you find the right products for your skin—dark spots and beyond.   Discover more about your Dark SpotRx more on the [ingredients](https://support.agencyskin.com/en_us/ingredients-BJIaQh_2O), how to [manage irritation](https://support.agencyskin.com/en_us/how-to-soothe-irritated-skin-ByqkV2_n_), and why [sunscreen](https://support.agencyskin.com/en_us/how-to-choose-the-right-sunscreen-rywCQ3OnO) is an essential anti-aging product. * * * 1\. Aditya K Gupta, et al. (2006). [The treatment of melasma: a review of clinical trials.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17097400/) Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 55(6), 1048–1065. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2006.02.009](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2006.02.009).[↩ ](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#ref1)2.Sheth, V. M., & Pandya, A. G. (2011). Melasma: a comprehensive update: part I. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid. [↩ ](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#ref2)3.American Academy of Dermatology. _Melasma: Who gets and causes_. [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-causes](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-causes)[↩ ](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#ref3)4.Davis, E. C., & Callender, V. D. (2010). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. _The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology,_ 3(7), 20–31.[↩ ](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#ref4)5\. Schwartz C, et. al. [_Hydroquinone_](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/). StatPearls \[Internet\]. (2020, January). [↩](https://curology.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/60db33d18d890a001486be3f/edit#ref5)