Dark spots appear as a result of sun exposure, after breakouts, and plenty of other reasons. They are harmless and won’t harm us. That said, these hyperpigmented spots can make a person feel insecure. If you are dealing with dark spots, you’ll be happy to know that you can get rid of them successfully. Here are some useful tips and tricks that will help you get rid of dark spots and have an even skin.
Wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure
Overproduction of melanin causes the appearance of dark spots. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its natural color. Many factors lead to an overproduction of melanin, but sun exposure is the main culprit. Sunlight triggers melanin production.
Pigments act like natural sunscreens protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays, which is why you get a tan. That said, extreme sun exposure impairs this process and leads to the formation of hyperpigmented spots and patches. The negative effects of sun exposure on the skin are well known. For example, 80% of fine lines and wrinkles on your face caused by sunlight.
Once dark spots have formed, sun exposure can darken them and make them appear more visible. Therefore, the very first thing you need to do to get rid of dark spots is to limit your exposure to the sun, particularly during the summer. Try not to go out between 10am and 3pm. If you do must be outside, wear a hat, sunglasses, apply sunscreen and reapply every time needed. This will stop the formation of new dark spots and darkening of the existing ones.
Interestingly, one study showed that people with hyperpigmentation were more likely to use sunscreen, but hardly ever did anything to address the problem. Limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen is just the start of your fight against dark spots.
Use a skin cleaning brush
A regular skincare routine is a must for healthy, youthful, and even complexion. Cleansing is a vital component of your skincare regimen, and a powered brush can be of great help. A skin cleansing brush uses repeated motions, some of which are forward and backward while others are moved in a circular motion. The biggest advantage of a skin cleansing brush is that the motor and bristles remove dirt, makeup and other debris more effectively than hand washing. At the same time, this brush also exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. Accumulated dead skin cells clog pores and cause inflammation and breakouts, uneven tone, and can make hyperpigmented patches darker.
Using a skin cleansing brush makes the skin brighter, and since of the exfoliating effect, the skin is in a position to absorb the products you use more efficiently. To get rid of dark spots, you’ll probably use the best skin lightener you can find, but the product will not work as well and stop your skin from absorbing it. A leather cleaning brush lets you avoid this problem. Prices vary, and one can find the perfect brush irrespective of budget. Ideally, you should use it two to three times a week.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods
Food plays a vital role in skin health. An unhealthy diet deprives the skin of much-needed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that keep it healthy, resilient and youthful. Consumption of foods with little or no nutritional value is closely related to an unhealthy lifestyle, and accelerates aging, causes uneven pigmentation, reduces skin cell turnover, but also contributes to loose and dry skin.
Successful treatment of dark spots requires a balanced diet. It can even help you deal with several illnesses related to skin hyperpigmentation. Formation of dark patches can be a symptom of autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. Intake of healthy foods and anti inflammatory foods helps overcome this problem and makes it easier for you to get rid of dark spots. In addition, a balanced diet supports weight management, and can stop acne. This is particularly beneficial if you remember that pimples can leave scars.
The best foods for skin health are:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Berries
- Fat fish
- Pomegranate
- Tomato
- Green tea
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Eggs (together with yolks)
- almond nut
- Avocado
Don’t pick your pimples
Pimples, rashes, and pimples can leave scars, but the problem gets worse when you scratch and pick at them. Sure, it is hard to resist particularly since it can be itchy, but a few seconds of relief can lead to scars that can take months to remove. For example, if you have hives then a product like OxyHives can be very helpful, pimples are also treated with spot treatments, but picking them and scratching them will ruin any progress you make.
Exercise regularly
Even the skin requires a healthy lifestyle that includes not only a balanced diet but also regular physical activity. To get rid of your dark spots, exercise is effective, and the type of activity depends on you. Make sure you choose something that makes you sweat, like cardio. Why? Studies show that exercise detoxifies the body by removing harmful chemicals that cause depression.
Not only can toxins and chemicals affect your mental and physical health, but they can even cause skin irregularities, and uneven skin tone is one of them. Don’t forget that exercise has a cleansing and anti-aging effect that increases blood flow, allowing your skin to get much-needed nutrients more efficiently. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, but ensure you stay hydrated.
Use a skin lightening cream
Skin lightening creams are perhaps the most common treatment method amongst people with dark spots and patches. Before using any of these creams, you should consider consulting your dermatologist. He (or she) will advise you on which ingredients to look for based on the intensity and size of the hyperpigmented patches and spots.
This cream works by reducing melanin and thereby lightening existing dark spots and scars. The most common ingredients used in skin lightening products are hydroquinone and retinoids. Some products also contain natural ingredients such as kojic acid and arbutin.
When using skin lightening products, you should remember that they can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. The best way to apply it’s to incorporate it into your bedtime skincare routine.
Chemical peel
The main goal of chemical peels is to remove the top layer of dead skin to reduce the appearance of dullness. As a result, the skin reflects light better and gets a healthy glow. Dermatologists use different chemicals to make this occur, hence the name. Chemical peels stimulate collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Common ingredients used in chemical peels are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, mandelic, glycolic acid, and others. You can even find chemical peels at home, but you should also remember that they make your skin sensitive to sunlight and can cause irritation. That’s why it is a good idea to talk to your dermatologist first.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that reduces the appearance of acne scars and other imperfections, but can even reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This treatment involves using tiny particles that remove dead skin. Unlike chemical peels, microdermabrasion doesn’t involve chemicals and other similar ingredients. In turn, it requires no significant recovery time, and is comparatively gentle on your skin.
Home remedies to try
Handling dark spots requires plenty of patience. These spots and patches are stubborn and will not go away overnight. Many people despair that their spots will not go away, but with willpower, consistency, and a healthy lifestyle you’ll have even more even skin. In addition to treatments you can get at a dermatologist’s office, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, there are various other beneficial things you can try. Here are some home remedies that can help you deal with dark spots:
- Lemon juice –The citric acid and vitamin C found in lemons work as ideal bleaching agents. You can use lemon juice in many ways. For example, mix equal parts lemon and water and apply it on your face, rinse it off within 20 minutes. You can even combine one lemon and one tablespoon of yogurt which you’ll use to make a paste, apply it on your face and rinse it off in 30 minutes.
- Potato –starch, and sugar from potatoes exhibit an exfoliating effect while minerals and vitamins stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate your skin. The simplest way to use potatoes is to cut them into thin slices, dip them in water and place them on the areas with dark spots for 10 minutes.
- Aloe vera –the most used ingredient in skin and wonder products, it rejuvenates the skin and nourishes it. The simplest way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel on the dark spots for 20 minutes
- Oatmeal – Oatmeal is not only an awesome breakfast, but also an exfoliating and cleansing agent that removes dead skin cells effectively. Oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and help get rid of acne scars and other dark spots. The best way to use oatmeal is to combine three tablespoons of ground oatmeal, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of milk. Make a paste which you’ll apply to your face until it’s totally dry and rinse with clean water
Conclusion
Dark spots can be the result of acne scarring, but the main culprit is sun exposure. Some diseases and hormonal irregularities can even cause dark spots and patches. Although they’re stubborn, they can be successfully removed with the treatment options mentioned above.
