As we prepare for warmer temperatures and more socializing come summertime, you might be wondering how to get rid of dark spots on your face. Dark spots occur when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural brown pigment that gives our skin color. The exact reason why dark spots appear ranges from acne scars to excessive sun exposure to aging to nutritional deficiencies. However, most dark spots are a result of sun exposure.
When your skin is exposed to the sun, its natural reaction is to produce melanin, which helps to block UV radiation from further damaging our DNA and skin. This is often why, when we go into the sun for prolonged periods, our skin gets tanned. It is also the reason why individuals with fair skin easily burn in the sun while those with darker skin complexions are less likely to get sunburned. Sometimes, the sun causes an uneven increase in melanin production. This excess melanin gets clumped up and spills in between skin cells, giving the appearance of dark spots.
In short, dark spots are a result of hyperpigmentation. Most dark spots, such as sun or age spots are preventable with proper SPF protection and sun avoidance. But, if you notice a new spot that changes in size or color, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.
Once you’ve determined that a new freckle is harmless, it’s time to prevent and treat it through your at-home skin-care regimen.
Always Apply SPF
Your first line of defense is always going to be sunscreen. Everyone should wear at least SPF 30 on their face daily and reapply every two hours if outside in the sun, or sitting next to a window.
Consider Antioxidant-Rich Products
You also want to make sure you are using skin-care products with antioxidants, which are essential to helping reduce free radicals that can lead to hyperpigmentation. Consider vitamins A, C, and E, as well as ferulic acid, resveratrol, and niacinamide.
Salad Code Anti-Spot Brightenning Serum contains fermented rice, which is very important asset for the benefits of this product. In this fermentation process key amino acids and antioxidants are released to generate a highly nourishing and depigmenting effect on the skin, in addition to improving skin cell activation and protect it from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
Merme Berlin 100% Niacinamide Powder is a highly effective form of Vitamin B3, which works to reduce the appearance of blemishes, acne, notably minimizes enlarged pores, and offers extra UV protection (SPF still recommended).
Reach for Retin-A or Retinol
It’s also important to get into the habit of gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells that are often harboring excess pigment. This can be done by using a topical retinoid product that both treats and fades hyperpigmentation. Retinol is a weaker over-the-counter formula of retinoids and can provide similar benefits in reducing the appearance of dark spots, although it will typically take much longer.
Karma Mama Face Oil contains rosehip oil, high in Trans-retinoic Acid, a natural form of Vitamin A that converts to Retinol making it a natural choice for brightening and evening the appearance of skin tone.
Studio Botanic Face Oil contains bakuchiol, a non-irritating, natural retinol alternative.
Incorporate Gentle Exfoliants
A product with an exfoliating active ingredient, like AHA, helps to remove the top surface layer of the skin to treat dark spots. This category of exfoliants includes glycolic, mandelic, and lactic acids which helps to remove dead skin cells while moisturizing the skin.
_Faace Tired Mask vitamin C adds radiance and fight off free radicals; lactic acid gently exfoliates; pomegranate and rosehip join forces to provide a helping of natural vitamin A (retinol alternative) to keep skin springy.
La Creme Libre Exfoliating Face Mask fruit acids non abrasively take away dead cells, tighten pores and improve radiance.
Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
The sunlight and visible light spectrum is responsible for the great majority of hyperpigmentation, hence the number one way to both prevent and treat dark marks is properly using and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 40+ with HEVL/blue light protection and taking additional sun protective measures with sunglasses, UPF clothing and seeking the shade when possible.
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