Dark spots can be a major source of frustration for us. Moreover, these irritating blemishes on the face and the body, are the leading aesthetic concerns. Also, they directly impact our quality of life and self-esteem. Some causes of skin spots are sun exposure, hormonal changes, certain medications, or aging.
This blog explores the types of dark spots, their causes, best treatments, and preventive measures. Therefore, you can learn topical creams, cosmetic procedures, and natural remedies, which help treat dark spots. So, come along, with us to discover the secrets to banishing dark spots.
Shedding Light On Dark Spots
Dark spots on the skin are discolored patches that can be either black, brown, or yellow. These spots are called age spots, sun spots, or liver spots and are most commonly found on the face, hands, and arms. Moreover, they can be a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Generally, spots are caused by excess production of melanin.
Common types of dark spots
Dark spots can be of various types depending on the causes that prompt their appearance:
Age Spots: These marks are flat, and brown spots, due to prolonged sun exposure. Moreover, they appear on exposed areas like the face, hands, and shoulders.
Melasma: Hormonal changes are the root cause of melasma which appears as symmetrical brown patches on the face. Additionally, melasma is exacerbated by sun exposure.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This type of spot, appears due to skin inflammation from acne or cuts. Also, PIH are generally dark spots or patches, however, they can vary from brown to red.
Freckles: These small, flat brown spots can be due to your genes or sun-induced melanin production. Freckles are common in fair-skinned people.
Liver Spots (Solar Lentigo): These share similarities to age spots, and liver spots caused by sun exposure. Liver spots also appear on the hands and arms.
Primary Causes of Dark Spots
Skin spots or dark spots are due to various reasons. Let us explore them:
Sun exposure
One of the most common causes of dark spots is sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin cells, causing them to produce more melanin. This leads to the development of dark spots.
Age
As we age our collagen decreases, and the skin loses elasticity and becomes more prone to wrinkles and age spots.
Hormonal changes
Dark spots are also due to changes in hormone levels. Moreover, these spots are particularly found in women during pregnancy or menopause.
Inflammation
Various skin conditions or inflammation can lead to dark spots. Additionally, such spots appear when psoriasis and eczema damage the skin cells. Such conditions increase melanin production and develop dark spots.
Side effects from certain medications
Dark spots can also form as after-effects of birth control pills or acne medications.
Ethnicity
Research proves that dark-skinned people are more prone to developing dark spots than those with lighter skin tones.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the main culprits behind dark spots as it damages the small blood vessels in the skin. Consequently, it decreases blood flow and increases pigmentation. Therefore, causes the development of dark spots on the skin.
Genetics
Your genes may also be a reason behind your predisposition to developing dark spots.
Healing of wounds
The inflammation due to the healing of wounds can also cause dark spots to form on the skin. This is because new skin cells are formed to replace damaged ones and are often darker than the surrounding skin. Therefore, it can lead to the development of dark spots.
Skin irritation and conditions
Various skin irritations can lead to the development of dark spots. Moreover, skin conditions cause inflammation, damage the skin cells, and lead to increased melanin production and the development of dark spots.
Effective Treatments for Dark Spots
Dark spots can be a frustrating cosmetic concern. Also, these harmless blemishes can significantly impact your self-confidence. Fortunately, several effective treatments are available to help remove these spots. Also, your cosmetologist may suggest a package of medical, cosmetic, and home remedies to achieve a more even skin tone.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Dermatologists or cosmetologists suggest dark spot removal creams are a popular choice for effective treatment. Moreover, these formulations contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C. Additionally, these powerful ingredients work to reduce melanin production and minimize dark spots.
However, consult a qualified cosmetologist for a correct skin condition assessment. Consequently, you can choose the most suitable cream for your needs. Also, Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent, while kojic acid can inhibit melanin synthesis. Additionally, Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps to brighten and protect the skin.
Other Dark Spots On Face Removal Cream
In addition to dermatologist-recommended creams, several other over-the-counter options can help fade dark spots:
- Retinol Creams have Vitamin A derivatives that stimulate cell regeneration and promote pigmented skin cells to fall off. Therefore, reduces the dark spots and improves skin texture.
- Azelaic Acid Serums inhibit melanin production. Moreover, they reduce inflammation and are particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
- Niacinamide Serums with vitamin B3 help to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is suitable for acne-prone skin.
Dark Spots Removal Treatment Procedures
Aesthetic salons and clinics offer several dark spots and pigmentation removal procedures. Here are the most popular ones:
Microdermabrasion
Beauty enthusiasts and youth-obsessed individuals prefer microdermabrasion treatments for the skin. The process involves a cosmetologist or skin specialist gently removing the top layer of the skin with a special tool. Consequently, this exfoliates the layer of skin and removes sun spots, discoloration, and acne scars.
Moreover, the process promotes new collagen growth and has minimal downtime. Your skin might have slight redness for a day.
Chemical Peels
A professional chemical peel can effectively banish your dark spots for good. You will experience the cosmetologist applying a chemical peeling agent to the skin. It is allowed to stay on for about 10 minutes and then peeled off. However, the process depends on your skin type. Consequently, the cosmetologist could apply a peeling agent containing an AHA (alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid) or a peeling agent with trichloroacetic acid. Chemical peels have a downtime of 1 to 3 weeks and precautions include avoiding sun exposure.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
This popular skin treatment can target sun spots precisely. Moreover, cosmetologists consider IPL the best sun spot removal technique.
The treatment involves the aesthetician targeting a series of light-energy pulses on the sun spots and removing them.
You should expect redness and darkening of pigmented areas. However, these flake off the skin within a week.
Fraxel Laser
The queen of all laser treatments, the Fraxel laser is the magic wand that removes sunspots and other skin pigmentation issues in one go.
Fraxel can rewind the clock by regenerating collagen growth. Expect a redness and slightly swollen skin following treatment. Therefore, avoid going out till your skin goes back to normal. So, you can consider resting for a week.
The process takes approximately 30 minutes and is mildly uncomfortable. Sessions may vary depending on the level of sun damage.
How To Remove Dark Spots On Face At Home?
Many ingredients like lemon juice, aloe vera, yogurt, turmeric, green tea, vitamin C serum, papaya, and apple cider vinegar can help lighten dark spots. Also, these ingredients offer various benefits when used in correct proportions in home remedies. Consequently, they help to brighten, soothe, exfoliate, and reduce melanin production. However, consistency is key for noticeable improvements. Also, you should always do a patch test to check for adverse reactions.
Lemon Juice and Honey Mask:
- Helps to brighten dark spots with citric acid.
- Soothes skin with honey’s healing properties.
Aloe Vera Gel:
- Helps to calm irritated skin.
- Reduces inflammation and dark spots.
Yogurt Mask:
- Helps to exfoliate dead skin cells.
- Lightens hyperpigmentation with lactic acid.
Turmeric Paste:
- Reduces melanin production with curcumin.
- Also, helps fade dark spots.
Green Tea Extract:
- A powerful antioxidant that lightens dark spots.
- Also, soothes and calms the skin.
Vitamin C Serum:
- Reduces melanin production.
- Brightens dark spots.
Papaya Mask:
- Helps to exfoliate with papain enzyme.
- Lightens dark spots.
Prevention Tips For Dark Spots
There are a few things you can do to prevent dark spots from forming on your skin:
- Sun Protection: Remember to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, irrespective of being indoors or on cloudy days. This will help to prevent the new dark spots from forming and stop existing spots from becoming prominent.
- Healthy Diet: Adhere to a balanced diet. It will help in skin repair and prevent pigmentation. Fill your plate with berries, nuts, and leafy greens.
- Gentle Cleansing: Cleanse your face twice to remove impurities, excess oils, dust etc that can contribute to dark spots.
- Exfoliation: Remember to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, Additionally, this will reveal an even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
- Hydration: Apply a good quality moisturizer to keep your skin well-hydrated and less prone to hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid Touching: Resist touching or picking the spots and lesions to avoid worsening pigmentation or scarring.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the blog, you understand that dark spots can be a mood dampener, however, you should not let them take over and dim your shine!
The tips, offered here, can help you adopt the right approach and effectively fade these blemishes.
However, before trying anything, you must consult with a cosmetologist. Therefore, consider visiting Skin Care at Apollo to consult with Dr Snehi K. Sharma, the best Cosmetologist in Guwahati for expert guidance.
Dr Snehi can suggest the most effective treatments and offer tips for healthy skin and radiant complexion.
