Several scar treatments help fade dark scars, brown spots, and other types of skin hyper-pigmentation. These include:

1. Hydroquinone

2. Kojic acid

3. Vitamin C (like ascorbic acid)

4. Licorice extracts and other natural scar treatments

Hydroquinone can be very effective in helping to lighten dark scars. However, it is no longer sold in some countries because of its long-term use dangers. Though rare, hydroquinone can lead to a condition called Ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength of 2%. Ochronosis is permanent hyper-pigmentation with sooty darkening of the skin. Ochronosis may also cause loss of skin elasticity and impaired wound healing.

Hydroquinone can also occasionally cause skin allergy and a change in nail color. Because of these potential complications many European countries allow hydroquinone use only by prescription and it is also highly regulated throughout Asia. Hydroquinone does not address any other aspects of an unsightly scar other than the dark pigment. Interestingly, it's effectiveness also decreases with repeated use.

Kojic acid - like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective in lightening dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfortunately, some studies suggest that skin exposed to kojic acid on a regular basis becomes more sensitive. Skin sensitization is bad because it can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Like hydroquinone, koijic acid does not improve any other aspect scars other than the dark pigment.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a very effective and safe pigment lightening agent when used in concentrations of 10% (or more). It also encourages production of normal, healthy collagen so it is also a very good scar treatment in general.

The problem with vitamin c is stability. Most forms of vitamin C used in skin care products are unstable and turn brown after the container is opened. This is a sign that the vitamin C has become oxidized and therefore no longer works. Products that are brown to begin with should best be avoided as many manufacturers color the cream brown so that users cannot tell when the cream becomes oxidized. Choose a product which specifically address this vitamin C stability issue (usually by combining ascorbic acid with a second form of vitamin C) and is not brown to begin with).

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that leads to dark pigment formation. Like vitamin C, licorice extract (specifically a compound called glabridin) decreases tyrosinase function. Licorice also seems to boost the pigment-fading properties of vitamin C so the 2 should be used together for the best results. Licorice extract also has strong anti-inflammatory and skin renewal properties which makes it an effective natural scar treatment in general. It has also been used successfully for the treatment and prevention of acne.

Regardless of the treatment you choose, be patient. It takes time to get rid of dark scars. Improvement does not happen overnight. Also keep applying sun block (over the scar treatment) as prolonged sun exposure will only make dark scars even darker.