Dark spots can appear on all skin types whether you are light or dark skinned and primarily appear due to sun exposure. Dark spots on darker skin occur because of the over production of melanin. Excess melanin production can happen as a result from the sun as well as pregnancy. Additionally, dark spots can arise when the skin has experienced trauma such as acne, bug bites, burns, cuts, and skin conditions such as psoriasis. You can also personally cause your skin to develop dark spots by using harsh scrubs or shaving with a dull blade.
There are various steps you can take to get rid of dark spots or diminish their appearance. The first step is waiting it out and seeing if the dark spot goes away on its own. Often, dark spots will appear after you had a pimple or gone through any hormonal changes. It is very important to use SPF daily especially when you notice a dark spot forming. On the other hand, if you notice that there is discoloration after you have introduced a skin care product or new medication, then it is strongly advised that you immediately stop using them. Your skin may be experiencing a reaction and can worsen over time. If you suffer from skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis, it is especially important to treat these underlying skin conditions as they make your skin more susceptible to dark spots.
There are people who claim that natural remedies such as aloe vera gel, green tea, soy milk, tea tree oil, and turmeric have helped in reducing the appearance of dark spots. There is no current research to back these claims; however, using natural products sparingly shouldn’t cause damage to your skin. You can also purchase skin brightening products such as vitamin c, hydroquinone, kojic acid, and Differin gel. Vitamin c is a powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen, helps protect your skin against the sun, and reduces hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is like vitamin c in that it works to prohibit melanin production. Kojic acid is an acid-based solution that also helps with skin lightening and can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Lastly, Differin gel is an over-the-counter medication that helps prevent acne as well as evening out the skin’s complexion.
There are a couple treatments that should be avoided because they can do more harm than good. Avoid using liquid bleach on your skin—this can cause permanent damage and burn the skin. Applying lemon on the skin can also be harmful especially if you have sensitive skin. Lastly, you want to avoid using products with mercury as it can cause skin rashes, scarring, discoloration, and nerve damage. Taking proper care of your skin is something that needs to be done consistently to reduce as much damage as possible.
