Since the fall, I've been using a rx skin lightener (4% HQ) in conjunction with a gel that has glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol, and my dark spots have faded significantly. In fact on one side of my face they are practically non-existent. I make sure that all the other products in my skin care are gentle and skin-rebuilding (with antioxidants and anti-irritants, etc). Oh and I wear sunscreen or a moisturizer with sunscreen everyday, spf 30.