How To Treat Dark Spots
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation is something nearly everyone deals with at some point in their lives. Dark spots can stem from many causes but are relatively easy to treat and remove.
Let’s take a look at what dark spots are and how to treat them.
What Are Dark Spots?
Also known as hyperpigmentation, dark spots appear when the skin produces too much melanin.
Dark spots can result from aging, sun exposure, or hormonal changes such as pregnancy. It can also appear from skin damage such as acne scars, cuts/burns, ingrown hairs, aggressive skincare products, and scarring from skin conditions like psoriasis.
How to treat dark spots
Use a topical treatment
Many over-the-counter products can work effectively to treat dark spots. The key is to look for lightening and brightening ingredients such as retinoids, kojic acid, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants, and hydroquinone.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A and do an amazing job of increasing cell turnover. This allows the skin to renew itself at a faster than normal rate, thus working to lighten dark spots. Retinoids are easy to find over-the-counter, however if you’re looking for higher concentrations we recommend speaking with your dermatologist for a prescription.
Retinoids can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, so we highly recommend wearing a factor 50+ sunscreen daily when using retinoids. Retinoids are not recommended for those that are pregnant.
Kojic Acid
Another popular treatment for hyperpigmentation is kojic acid. However, it may not be as effective for intense discoloration and can be irritating to those with sensitive skin.
If you have light pigmentation, kojic acid may be a great choice to incorporate into your routine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an incredible lightening agent and antioxidant. Most dermatologists recommend everyone to be using a vitamin C serum in their daily routine! Paired with daily sunscreen use, vitamin C has been proven to lighten dark spots immensely over time as well as provide some anti-aging benefits.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants use acids like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) to break down the top layer of the skin and remove dead skin cells. Similar to retinoids, by removing the top layer of the skin chemical exfoliants also lighten hyperpigmentation. With continued use, each layer removed from the skin will lighten dark spots more and more until they have been completely removed.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is another popular choice for lightening dark spots. It works by reducing the production of melanin in the skin. It can cause skin irritation in those that are sensitive, especially with higher concentrations. It can also lighten the skin around a dark spot if the user is not careful when applying it.
We recommend speaking to your esthetician or dermatologist before using hydroquinone.
See an esthetician for treatments
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a method of exfoliation and is administered by estheticians, it can help improve the skin’s tone, texture, and lighten dark spots. This treatment works by physically exfoliating the top layer of the skin, and over a number of treatments will effectively remove hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peels
Similar to the previous exfoliation methods listed, chemical peels remove the top layers of the skin to lighten dark spots, improve texture and tone, as well as help heal acne. With a number of treatments depending on severity, hyperpigmentation can be completely removed.
It’s important to remember…
If you’re unsure which treatment or product would be right for you, make sure to consult an esthetician or dermatologist. A skincare professional will be able to properly assess your skin and guide you to the best treatment plan for you.
A crucial step in the journey to lightening dark spots is to always wear sun protection. Skipping sunscreen will reverse all the work you’ve done to lighten those spots. Wearing daily sun protection not only prevents those dark spots from becoming darker, but will also be a huge help in evening out your skin tone.
