How to Fade Dark Spots
If you’ve ever had them, then you know how problematic they can be. Dark spots are spots that appear darker than your skin tone. Generally, there are various culprits to blame and sometimes dark spots go away on their own. Other times they don’t.
Read on as we uncover the big, how to fade dark spots.
First, the culprits
Dark spots occur when there is an overproduction of melanin in the skin. This production can be triggered by various things; hormones are one common cause of dark spots. Both estrogen and progesterone can contribute to the increase in melanin production. Pregnant women may experience this during pregnancy, but it just as easily goes away after childbirth in some cases.
Dark spots also known as sunspots can be caused by sun exposure. It’s no secret that sun exposure can leave you with discoloration, and this is especially true in summer. Unfortunately, this would hardly go away on its own and would require special care to fade.
Other culprits are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, injuries, pimples, bug bites, or scratches. These spots can fade naturally in weeks to months or still benefit from fading measures.
The big how
Not everyone can wait for the dermatologist’s appointment to get rid of the annoying dark spots. You can get the solutions you need right here with these dermatologists recommended home remedies and products.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best topical antioxidants for protecting the skin and blocking free radicals. It is equally effective in inhibiting melanin production and lightening the skin. The best part about Vitamin C as a sure way to fade dark spots is it only lightens the problem areas. Grab products like Vitamin C Ester CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex 20% by Perricone MD to use this solution.
- Retinol
Retinol is widely known for helping keep youthful skin, but fading dark spots by improving collagen production is yet another one of its qualities. Retinol is effective enough to give fast results, but it’s quick to cause skin irritation. Hence, dermatologists’ advise to go slow on the application even if it takes weeks to see results. Try out products like Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night by PCA Skin for retinol treatment.
- Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is derived from fermented rice or mushrooms. It’s a popular skin lightener that can be combined with hydroquinone for the best results. It’s better to use kojic acid in small amounts or combine it with Vitamin C and hydroquinone for faster results. Products like SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, a dark spot serum with kojic acid are a great start.
- Hydroquinone
Some describe this ingredient as the king of dark spots. If you know hydroquinone, you might agree. Hydroquinone is highly effective for bleaching or lighting hyperpigmentation. Still, it’s highly irritating and should be recommended by your dermatologist before use.
Other solutions for fading dark spots
- Tranexamic acid
- Hydrocolloid patches
- Soy extract
- Laser treatments
- Skin brightening routine with home items like yogurt, papaya, tomatoes, turmeric, or aloe vera.
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