You’ll love your skin with our brightening tips. (Photo by Bruce Mars/Pexels.com)

Aging is a part of life, but that doesn’t mean we want our skin to show it. Age spots — dark splotches larger than freckles that are caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays — can be pretty telling. Here, Good Housekeeping’s beauty experts offer the best tips to make them (almost) disappear.

Treat with a Twofer

Hydroquinone is the gold standard for diminishing brown spots, but it can be irritating.  Nonsensitizing options include kojic acid, alpha-arbutin, licorice extract and vitamin C, according to Scottsdale, Arizona dermatologist Jennifer Linder, M.D. She suggests looking for a combo of two or more, because each plays its own role in halting spots.

Try: Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Skin Tone Perfecting Serum XK ($34, Walgreens) with kojic acid and licorice.

Brighten All Over

For complexions mottled by sun damage or hormonal conditions (like melasma), spot treatments are too limited. “They can create a halo effect — areas of lightness on a dark background,” says Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D.

For allover skin clarity, use a full-face brightener like Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment ($58, Kiehl’s) with activated C, either on its own or paired with a spot treatment.

Rub on Retinol

The anti-ager does more than just fight wrinkles — it also targets hyperpigmentation. “It’s excellent at speeding cell turnover. As brown spots start to form, retinol keeps them from reaching their full maturity,” explains Dr. Linder.

You’ll find retinol in Specific Beauty Night Treatment Complex ($19, Walmart). And apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily; otherwise, spots will return, no matter which fading treatment you use.

Use a Booster

For a one-two punch, choose a lightening product that also contains a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid. They gently slough off dead cells, instantly brightening skin. The less obvious benefit: “Removing this top layer improves the penetration of active ingredients, making the lightener more effective,” said New York City dermatologist Gervaise Gerstner, M.D. 

One to check out: Vichy ProEven Total Dark Spot Corrector ($45, walgreens.com), with exfoliating salicylic acid and vitamin C.

Don’t Forget Your Neck

Your face treatment will work just as well on the spots on your neck and chest, said Dr. Frank. But ease into it gradually, as the skin in this area may be more delicate. Start by applying the product every other day to help minimize irritation, particularly if it contains potential sensitizers like retinol or glycolic acid.

Recalls Alert

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’s toll-free hotline, 800-638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE PROBLEM

The Sharper Image and Frigidaire Mandoline slicers, sold at Beall’s Outlet, Christmas Tree Shops, dd’s Discounts, HomeGoods, HomeSense, Kohl’s, Macy’s Backstage, Marshall’s, National Stores/Fallas, Ross, Target and TJ Maxx stores nationwide and online from May 2017 through April 2018 for between $13 and $20.

The small blades in the julienne slicer attachment can separate from the plastic assembly, posing a laceration hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled slicers and contact Premier Kitchen Products for instructions on how to receive a refund in the form of a $15 gift card. Consumers can contact Premier Kitchen Products at 800-304-4035 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, email at recall@pkpny.com or online at www.pkp-recall.com for more information.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The brackets that secure the front brake hoses may not have been installed properly, allowing the front brake hoses to contact the tires, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake hose brackets, replacing any that do not provide sufficient clearance for free. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 800-452-4827. Jaguar’s number for this recall is H074.

© Hearst Communications Inc.; Distributed by King Features Syndicate

—THE BEST OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS: Five ways to fade age spots–