Even if you’re too young for legitimate age spots, dark spots caused by sun exposure and skin damage can still make you look older. According to Allure Magazine, while wrinkles are typically the tell-tale signs of aging, research has shown that mottled skin can have an even worse effect on how people perceive your age. Aside from putting on sunscreen for the face every day to prevent further damage, there is one skincare ingredient that can help fade those spots.

What is it? Hydroquinone. This ingredient inhibits pigment production in your skin, effectively lightening dark spots in as little as a month with daily application. Formulas with two to four percent hydroquinone are available without a prescription, and can be found in products like PCA Skin – Brightening Therapy with TrueTone.

After cleansing your skin as usual, dab a product with hydroquinone on the dark areas of your complexion, then apply your nightly moisturizer. Soon enough, you should notice more even-toned skin that’s visibly younger.

Brands like Exuviance offer a large range of anti-aging products designed for nearly every type of skin.  Just keep in mind – if you’re not wearing sunscreen during the day (even if you’re mostly indoors), your efforts will be for naught!