The best treatments to smooth out skin tones

Forget wrinkles — studies show an uneven skin tone can do more to age us than fine lines and sagging. Hyperpigmentation, caused by sun damage, scarring from spots and hormonal changes, is beauty's new buzzword.

Here we reveal the products and treatments to turn back time on skin tone.

The Anti-pigmentation power serum
Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.
How it works: The Corrector avoids the use of hydroquinone (a compound available in the US on prescription, which some experts claim has potentially carcinogenic properties). The secret weapon is Clinique's CL-302 complex, containing a botanical extract called Dianella Ensifolia. They say: expect results after a month. We say: three months twice-daily.
Price: £37.50; clinique.co.uk

The mask to make skin brighter
Körner's Sparkle Brightly Renewal Mask, used two to three times a week for 10 minutes.
How it works: Made by an under-the-radar Australian brand, the mask contains glycolic acid and vitamin C to inhibit melanin production, plus algae extracts which they claim regulate patchy discoloration. Use it a few times a week and your skin will look clearer and feel softer. Sienna Miller is just one of many clear-skinned celebrities who use it as their pre-event secret weapon.
Price: £42; cultbeauty.co.uk

The complexion correction vitamin treatment
When products alone don't get results, the latest treatments can. Anastasia's Environ Ionzyme Facial combines the use of products with higher ingredient concentrations, plus expert application techniques that bring about a brighter complexion in an hour and help get you results that last for months.
How it works: "Most skincare products only work superficially," says Anastasia. "Yet Environ uses very low doses of vitamin A to work on the deep layers of skin where cells are renewed to lighten and prevent further excess pigmentation." The use of electric frequencies also pushes the products deeper into the skin to target wrinkles, blackheads and dehydration at the same time.
Price: £120 for 75 minutes, £600 for a course of six; Home House, W1, 020 7670 2073.

The fruit acid brightening facial
Try Bliss, which is launching a Bright Stuff treatment.
How it works: Glycolic and citrus acids are used to remove the uppermost layer of skin and increase cell turnover beneath, leaving you with a brighter, smoother complexion overall. One will work wonders for an instant pick-me-up but if you want long-lasting results, go for the recommended series of six every 10 days. The treatment finishes with a cooling mask to ease away stress-related headaches.
Price: £155 for an hour, £775 for a series of six; blisslondon.co.uk from August.