We care for the skin on our face like it’s a full-time job. Not only do we have daily skincare routines, but many of us are thoughtful about what we eat, how we sleep, and how we manage stress to support healthy, clear skin.
But the rest of our body at least deserves part-time attention. Radiant skin shouldn’t be a face-only goal—especially when our legs, arms, stomach, and back take up way more real estate.
And just like facial skin, body skin is just as prone to concerns like dark spots. They can pop up for a variety of reasons, often leaving us feeling frustrated, self-conscious, or stuck covering them up.
Thankfully, there’s plenty you can do to fade dark marks, even your skin tone, and achieve a swoon-worthy, all-over glow.
Get Rid of Dark Spots on Body: Shower Routine for an Even Tone
In this post, we’re sharing a go-to shower ritual for anyone dealing with uneven skin tone and dark spots. It’s effective, easy to stick with, and fits perfectly into our TSC-approved body skincare routine.
So hang your shower eucalyptus, dim the lights, prep your products, warm your towel, and press play on your curated shower playlist. (Maybe cue up an episode of the Him & Her Show?)
Below, we’re breaking down the best shower routine to get rid of dark spots. Let’s get wet:
What Are Dark Spots on Body?
Dark spots are marks on the body that have a noticeably darker skin color than the surrounding area. This is called hyperpigmentation, and it happens when certain patches produce more melanin than your natural skin tone.
Where dark spots show up usually depends on the cause. Inflammation, friction, sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne, and more can all trigger uneven pigment. (More on that in a minute.)
You may notice them on your arms, legs, back, chest, stomach, or even the bikini line. They can vary in size from small, pinpoint spots to larger patches several inches wide.
Yes, they’re annoying. They can make skin look uneven, dull, or older than it actually is. But, here’s the good news: Dark spots on the body are super common and very treatable.
Types of Dark Spots on the Body
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Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark marks left behind after inflammation, like acne, ingrown hairs, bug bites, or shaving irritation
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Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines): Flat brown or tan spots caused by repeated sun exposure over time, commonly found on the shoulders, arms, chest, and legs
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Melasma: Hormone-related pigmentation that can appear on the body (not just the face), often triggered by pregnancy, birth control, or sun exposure
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Friction-Related Darkening: Discoloration caused by repeated rubbing or chafing, especially in areas like inner thighs, underarms, and knees
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Scar-Related Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots that develop as a healing response after cuts, burns, or body acne scars
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Follicular Hyperpigmentation: Dark dots or patches around hair follicles, often linked to shaving, waxing, or clogged pores
What Causes Dark Spots on the Body?
UV Exposure
We all know sun damage is one of the biggest enemies to your skincare goals. This is why our founder, Lauryn, literally wrote the book on sun protection and skincare called Get the F*ck Out of the Sun. (Of course, we definitely recommend a read.)
But why is it so bad? First of all, unprotected skin is at a much higher risk of skin cancer than someone using daily SPF!
But, beyond that, UV damage also accelerates signs of aging and actually tells our skin to produce more melanin. This results in sun spots on any area of the body that’s commonly left exposed.
Inflammatory Wounds
When we get acne, ingrown hairs, shaving cuts, or other skin “wounds,” the body sends inflammatory signals to heal the skin. This is a good thing! It helps skin recover after irritation or injury.
Sometimes, though, those inflammatory messengers also trigger extra melanin production. When that happens, healing can basically leave behind a dark brown scar after everything’s healed up.
This is more common in areas with deeper or repeated irritation. The skin is essentially trying to protect itself from future damage. However, this response can lead to variations in skin tone, which is not your goal here.
Friction and Chafing:
This one is actually an extension of the wound point. If you have dark marks on the inner thighs, underarms, neck folds, under-boobs, or waistband area, it’s likely the result of chafing.
Friction from skin rubbing against skin, clothing, or equipment creates an environment of ongoing, low-grade inflammation. This can happen even if you don’t feel irritation or see visible redness!
Over time, that prolonged inflammatory signaling prompts the skin to produce extra melanin for protection. These dark marks usually appear as larger patches rather than individual spots.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones have a major say in skin tone. Shifts from pregnancy, postpartum life, birth control, or other hormonal changes can tell the skin to produce more melanin.
Unlike sun- or trauma-related dark spots, hormonal pigmentation usually appears without irritation on the surface. Instead, it appears gradually as soft, blended patches on the chest, stomach, neck, and arms.
These spots can be more stubborn. However, with consistent sun protection and the right routine? They’re very treatable—especially after you resolve the hormonal issue.
Any readers pregnant right now? Here’s Lauryn Bosstick’s Ultimate Pregnancy Wellness Guide. It’s got the rituals, routines, and clean products to keep you and your skin radiant!
Improper Hair Removal
Another thing that can cause inflammation-related dark spots? Bad hair removal techniques.
Shaving with a dull razor, dry shaving, waxing too aggressively, or using harsh hair-removal creams can all cause micro-cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hair.
The inflammation caused by these injuries leads to that excess melanin production, leaving dark patches even after you’re healed up. And if you repeatedly use these same ineffective hair removal methods, the discoloration only worsens.
Skin Barrier Damage
Your skin barrier is basically your body’s first line of defense. When it’s healthy, it keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s damaged? That’s when problems start showing up.
Over-exfoliating, using harsh soaps, taking very hot showers, or constantly layering active ingredients can weaken the barrier and leave skin vulnerable. Even if you don’t see obvious irritation, a compromised barrier creates ongoing inflammation beneath the surface.
And just like with trauma, that inflammation can signal the skin to produce extra melanin. The result is uneven tone, lingering dark patches, and discoloration—especially on the body, where skin is often overtreated and underprotected.
Aging
As we age, our skin naturally slows down. Cell turnover decreases, collagen production drops, and the skin becomes less efficient at repairing itself.
That slower renewal process means pigment sticks around longer than it used to. Age spots can form and become more noticeable, especially on areas like the face, hands, and neck.
Even with great habits now, past UV damage can start showing itself later in life as uneven tone and stubborn discoloration. The good news? Supporting healthy turnover and staying consistent with sun protection can make a visible difference at any age.
What Helps With Dark Spots on Body?
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Vitamin C: Slows melanin production while brightening skin for a more even, glowy tone
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Tranexamic Acid: Interrupts pigment formation and is especially helpful for stubborn dark spots that don’t want to budge
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Gently exfoliate to speed up cell turnover so pigmented skin can fade faster
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Niacinamide: Helps block pigment transfer between cells while calming inflammation that can make dark spots worse. Here’s more info on niacinamide for fading scars
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Kojic Acid: Prevents melanin production without aggressive exfoliation, making it a solid option for sensitive areas
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Azelaic Acid: Regulates melanin while soothing redness and inflammation—great for PIH and acne-prone body skin
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Retinoids: Encourage faster cell turnover so dark spots fade over time and fresh, evenly pigmented skin can surface
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Licorice Root Extract: A gentler brightener that inhibits melanin and works well on delicate areas like underarms or inner thighs
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Urea or Lactic Acid: Improves hydration, helps brightening ingredients absorb better, and smooths rough texture
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Pearl Powder: Ingesting through products like TSC Beauty Water helps brighten and even skin tone and protect against UV rays from the inside out. Here’s more on the benefits of pearl powder for skin
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Sunscreen: The non-negotiable. Prevents new dark spots and keeps existing discoloration from getting darker
How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Body
Dry brush.
Dry brushing gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell renewal. Both are super helpful for fading pigment. Here are other skincare benefits of dry brushing, if you need more reasons to add it to your routine.
Rotate actives.
Yes, chemical exfoliants, retinoids, vitamin C, and certain acne treatments can help even skin tone. However, overuse can damage the skin barrier and trigger inflammation, which is totally counterproductive to your goals. Instead, rotate actives thoughtfully to avoid stripping your skin.
Use targeted treatments.
Apply targeted treatments, like brightening serums, directly to the affected area. These ingredients help interrupt melanin production, helping you reach your clear-skin goals faster.
Moisturize consistently.
Proper hydration supports the skin barrier. That alone helps reduce inflammation, maintain regular cell renewal processes, and keep the skin healthy.
Avoid tight clothing.
Remember, friction leads to inflammation, which leads to dark spots. Minimize friction in problem areas by wearing looser-fitting clothes.
Opt for lukewarm showers.
Excessive heat can damage the skin barrier and trigger inflammation. Take lukewarm or even cool showers instead for big skin (and hair) gains.
Adopt better hair removal practices.
We’re all for shaving, but do it the right way. Make sure you have a sharp razor, use shaving cream, and moisturize directly after the shower. And give the skin plenty of time to recover after the hair removal process.
Keep wearing sunscreen.
As mentioned, UV exposure triggers melanin production, which can make dark spots linger or worsen. Apply sunscreen to any exposed area every morning. Just make sure it’s a broad-spectrum formula like The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Stay patient and consistent.
Dark spots don’t fade overnight. Because pigmentation lives in the skin, it takes time for cell turnover and brightening ingredients to do their job.
Staying consistent with your routine (and resisting the urge to overdo it) gives your skin the best chance to even out naturally.
Consider professional treatments.
Some dark spots are deeper and may require medical attention or professional treatments. Things like chemical peels, laser treatments, and certain prescription products can help treat hyperpigmentation.
Shower Routine for Dark Spots on the Body
Step One: Dry brush before getting in the shower.
Use a natural-bristle brush like The Skinny Confidential Butter Brush on your dry skin before getting in the shower. Use gentle, upward strokes toward the heart. This helps lift dull surface cells, stimulate circulation, and prep the skin for more even exfoliation.
Here’s more on how to use an exfoliating brush for the best results.
Step Two: Cleanse with a gentle body wash.
Next, get in the shower, wash your hair as usual, and then move on to your cleanse. Choose a gentle body wash that removes dirt and sweat without disrupting the skin barrier.
For the best results? Choose a pH-balanced, sulfate-free body cleanser. This is especially helpful if you have dry or sensitive skin! Moisture in, bacteria out. It doesn’t get any better.
Step Three: Exfoliate 2–3 times per week.
A few times a week, use a chemical exfoliant like First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub (10% AHA). This can help cell turnover and encourage overly pigmented cells to shed more quickly.
Pro tip: look for chemical exfoliants with glycolic or lactic acid. These ingredients help rid dead skin cells and improve absorption of other treatments. And always remember to use gentle motions—avoid over-scrubbing at all costs.
Step Four: Rinse with lukewarm water.
Rinse the exfoliants and body wash off your skin using lukewarm water. The cooler the water, the less damage to your skin.
Step Five: Shave thoughtfully.
If shaving, do it toward the end of your shower on well-hydrated skin using a sharp blade and plenty of shaving cream or gel to minimize follicle irritation.
Step Six: Gently pat skin mostly dry.
Now, step out of the shower and pat your skin dry with a towel. Try not to rub your skin, which can cause micro-irritations. Plus, we don’t want the skin to be completely dry for the next step.
Step Seven: Apply treatments to slightly damp skin.
This is the ideal time to apply vitamin C, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, or other treatments to your dark spots. They’ll absorb evenly and work more effectively on damp, hydrated skin.
Here are some treatments to consider:
Step Eight: Layer on a moisturizing body cream.
Treatments, though helpful, can be harsh on any skin type. Always coat your skin in body cream or butter after a shower and skin treatment.
Again, ingredients matter here. Look for moisturizers with humectants, like glycerin and niacinamide, to support barrier function and enhance ingredient efficacy.
Step Nine: Use body oil or sunscreen.
If you’re showering in the morning, apply sunscreen on top of your moisturizer before heading out. (Unless your moisturizer has SPF.) This will prevent future dark spots from forming and ensure current discoloration doesn’t get worse.
But if you're showering at night, lock in all the hydration and support your skin’s renewal process using body oil instead.
This shower routine can help you get an even, radiant complexion—beyond the face.
Body care is an essential part of a well-rounded beauty routine. When you’re intentional about your products, techniques, and daily habits, you support healthier skin and help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place.
That said, most of us are working against years of sun exposure, acne, and less-than-ideal skincare habits. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul everything. A few smart changes to your shower routine can make a real difference over time.
For more skincare resources and high-quality beauty products, browse The Skinny Confidential Shop.
