Do you religiously slather on sunscreen all summer long, only to find a fresh batch of freckles and dark spots come August? Getting -- and keeping -- flawless skin takes more than simply applying SPF (though that is a big part).

The truth is not all dark spots are the same. Although sun damage is a major reason for hyperpigmentation, there are also other causes of uneven skin tone. To find out the top causes of hyperpigmentation and which solutions really work, we chatted with New York City-based dermatologist, Deborah Jaliman, MD. She shared the easy ways we can all get a perfectly even complexion.

Any time you injure or irritate your skin (whether it's from acne, over-scrubbing, or using harsh products), a darker pigment will appear. These dark spots form as part of the skin's healing process, and are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. The dark area will worsen if you pick or pop your skin, says Jaliman.

And surface irritation isn't limited to your face. Ever nick yourself shaving? The small cuts, rashes, and ingrown hairs that appear as the result of daily razor use -- especially in the underarm area -- can also cause a darkened skin tone.

Because the pigment is just under the surface, many gentle topical creams and serums will brighten the spot. "Licorice root extract and soy are great ingredients to look for," says Jaliman. The all-natural brighteners don't give you instant results, but they also won't upset sensitive skin.

For underarms, combine your treatment with your antiperspirant. Dove Clear Tone Skin Renew Deodorant, $7.99, includes moisturizing ingredients such as calendula and sunflower seed extract, which boost the skins' healing process, allowing dark marks to disappear while also keeping you smelling fresh and feeling dry all day.

We all know the dangers of too much sunshine. In addition to skin cancer, UV exposure causes an increase in skin cell growth, which results in sunspots. Since these clusters of skin cells have more melanin (the cell that pigments your skin tone) in a central location, they appear darker than the rest of your skin, says Jaliman.

The best prevention is to always apply broadband SPF daily, says Jaliman. This will keep new spots from forming and patches from darkening. But to fade already-existing spots, you'll need a bleaching cream or serum.

The most effective bleaching agent is hydroquinone. "Hydroquinone completely stops the production of melanin," says Jaliman. Although the ingredient is controversial -- it can cause blue-black skin discoloration and allergic reactions in some people -- most top experts, including Jaliman and The American Academy of Dermatology, recommend its use and have for decades.

And if you really want to knock those sunspots out, Jaliman suggests pairing hydroquinone with in-office microdermabrasion treatments. "I recommend a microdermabrasion with a diamond tip, which gradually and precisely peels off the surface skin to remove the pigmented layers," says Jaliman. This process also allows hydroquinone and other topical products to penetrate deeper into your skin.