How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Face?
All of us have experienced dark spots once or twice in our lives, from the freckles scattered across the nose after a long, hot summer, to the dark spots left behind by a recent breakout. There are many types of pigmentation and if you are experiencing any concerns it is advisable to visit a dermatologist or trained professional to determine the best course of action. Generally speaking, you will find there are a few potent ingredients that deliver impressive results to the complexion. Which is why in today’s post we plan to share with you the top tips and tricks that demonstrate how you can get rid of dark spots on the face.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots and pigmentation are caused a number of different ways,
Overexposure to UV rays
Post-inflammatory scarring from acne and other breakouts
Scarring left from surface wounds and injuries
Change in hormones, such as pregnancy melasma
You will find that the discolouration caused by injuries, scratches and cuts naturally fade in a few weeks or months depending how deep they are. It is the other types of pigmentation, such as melasma and UV damage that require a more focused selection of treatments and use of specific skin ingredients to help them fade and become less visible, but we will discuss this in more detail later.
For dark spots to develop there is usually some damage caused to the lower layers of the skin which creates gaps in the dermis allowing the pigment called melanin (this is the molecule that gives our skin its colour) to escape through and make its way to the surface resulting in dark spots and hyperpigmentation on certain areas of the skin. If it is left to its own devices, melanin will continue to overproduce making any dark spots a permanent feature to the complexion and giving the skin an uneven tone. With daily exposure to UV rays and other free radicals you may also find these dark spots will become more noticeable so establishing a skincare routine that helps combat hyperpigmentation with potent, powerhouse ingredients that are formulated to target them effectively.
If you are wanting to know more about other skincare tips that will help manage dark spots you can check out our dedicated blog post.
How can you remove dark spots from your face?
Dark spots are more common than you may have originally thought due to the fact there are many different factors that can cause them to develop on the skin. Sun damage, hormones and post-inflammatory scars left behind from spots and surface wounds. Before you start investing in high performing formulas we always advise to consult a dermatologist to identify which type of pigmentation you have. Once this is established you will find introducing the best ingredients into your daily routine will be more effective. Here are some of the top ingredients to use when combating any discolouration to the skin.
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient at delivering impressive skin results, from a mega-watt glow, more even skin tone and healthier looking complexion. Due to it containing antioxidant properties it can protect the skin against free radical damage, such as overexposure to the UV rays, pollution and other environmental aggressors. You will also find vitamin C has a special talent for being able to block pigment production in the lower layers of the skin and stops already existing dark spots becoming more pigmented.
Retinol (also known as vitamin A)
Retinol is one of the most potent skin ingredients that require a slow introduction into your skincare regime to avoid excessive irritation. Setting aside those precautions, you will find it is extremely effective at stimulating the cell renewal process. By exfoliating dead skin cells off the outer surface of the skin will result in a brighter, healthier complexion with a noticeable improvement in the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic acid (member of the AHA family)
This popular Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a chemical exfoliant that works at dissolving the “glue” that holds the bonds of the dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. These can often build-up making dark spots appear darker and more noticeable. By sloughing those unwanted dead skin cells and stimulating the production of collagen in the lower layers of the dermis, you will be left with a brighter and glowing complexion that has a more even skin tone and youthful bounce.
Sunscreen (SPF of 30 and above)
Applying a daily SPF will form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin blocking out any free radicals and other harmful impurities that can cause damage and hyperpigmentation. UVA are always present, even on cloudy days so to offer your skin the best protection, use an SPF every day.
There you have the best products to use during your daily regime to give you the chance to even out your skin tone and bring a radiance back to the complexion. If you are wanting to achieve the optimal results there are a couple procedures that can be performed by trained professional which we will discuss with you now.
What is the best dark spot remover?
When undergoing a professional skin treatment it is best to do your own research in finding a practitioner that you fully trust and feel comfortable with to listen to your skin concerns and deliver the best results. There are two main procedures you can opt for when reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation on the complexion.
Chemical peel
These contain medical grade percentages of AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid that often have a more impactful result on the surface of the skin compared to other over the counter products. You will be given a number of post-treatment precautions to follow, such as avoiding harsh ingredient and exposure to the sun and water to prevent the skin from becoming damaged or infected.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment specifically targets the skin with tiny “injuries” tricking the skin into kick starting collagen and elastin production which will give the skin an allover improved skin tone, with dark spots significantly reduced.
Microneedling
Much like the effects of laser treatment has on the skin, microneedling provides the same boost in collagen production by tricking the skin into thinking it has wounds to heal. As effective as this treatment is for the complexion, you must ensure you do not over stimulate the skin as this can lead to more dark spots and damage.
Do dark spots go away?
When you have established a nourishing and effective skin routine you will find dark spots become less visible to the naked eye, however due to the nature of this damage you will never be able to make dark spots go away completely. There are some steps you need to take to prevent discolouration from becoming more pigmented, such as ensuring you fully protect the skin when you are exposed to sunlight.
There you have some answers about how you can get rid of dark spots on the face, some of these tips can also be used on other areas of the body you have noticed discolouration, such as chest, hands and neck.
