Dark spots on the face can affect your self-confidence. Melanin is the natural chemical responsible for your skin color, and too much of it can lead to liver spots, freckles, and other patches. These spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are possibly caused by sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, or as a side-effect of certain medications. While it is not a serious condition, the dark spots will prevent you from having a bright and clear skin. This article will give you tips on how you can deal with this problem.
Find out what’s causing the dark spots
There are many reasons why you have dark spots. One possibility is when you frequently go tanning under the sun or on a tanning bed. Another possibility would be the medications that you take. Are you pregnant or are taking any hormone pills? You should also check whether you have had plastic surgery, severe acne, or any other chronic skin conditions. Some cases respond well to topical treatments and disappear with time, but others might need a more intensive method.
See your dermatologist
A dermatologist will have a magnifying lamp to assess your skin better and see what has been causing the dark spots. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, and will most likely ask you several questions about your lifestyle. The consultation will help you know the best treatments for your dark spots, and prevent them from showing up in the future.
Try topical acid treatments
Topical acid treatment products are available over-the-counter and by prescription. These products contain beta hydroxy acids, hydroxy acids, or retinoids. Applying one will remove the dead skin cells on the top layer to allow fresh ones to grow. Such treatments are used for all types of hyperpigmentation to rejuvenate the skin.
Consider chemical peel
A chemical peel is another option if the topical treatment will not suffice. This treatment method will literally get rid of the top layer of the skin. It often contains acids in high concentrations to remove the darks spots. They are classified in three strength levels: light, moderate/medium, and deep.
Try exfoliation
This is a good option when your dark spots have only been there for a month or two. Exfoliation is the process of getting rid of the top layer of the skin to bring the new one to the surface. Unlike chemical peeling, however, this is milder. You can find an exfoliating cleanser with tiny particles to scrub off the skin’s top layer gently.
It is also possible to make your own exfoliating mixture. Simply mix ground oatmeal or raw almonds with your regular cleanser, and apply it on affected areas in a circular motion. There are electric exfoliators that dig deeper than the standard exfoliating cleanser, which you can find in drugstores or online.
Consider laser treatments
Laser treatments are also effective in getting rid of the dark spots, and other skin problems. For this case, the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment will work best. This therapy uses light pulses to destroy the affected areas and stop the over-production of melanin. The pigmented areas will absorb the light and disappear. The skin heals quickly by forming a scab, and eventually grow new and fresh skin. This type of treatment, however, can be expensive and a bit painful.
Check out microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses fine crystals to blast the dark spots and allow for the fresh layer of skin to grow in its place. The treatment is normally done once a month for several months. The treatment interval will allow the skin to heal naturally and prepare for the next session. It is important, however, to find a reputable practitioner to perform the therapy. If done wrong, your skin might become irritated and the results might be disappointing.
Try home remedies
Citrus fruits have tons of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, and citric acid. Rubbing your skin with citrus will help get rid of the skin’s top layer without causing any damage. This home remedy is easy to prepare. Simply squeeze some juice, and gently dab it on the skin. You can also make a honey and lemon face mask, or a citrus and milk scrub. There are plenty of home remedy recipes that you can find online, but try to test it on one area first to check for possible negative reactions.
Put aloe vera
Aloe vera offers plenty of health benefits. It is, in fact, an excellent moisturizer. It is also used for healing sunburns, and getting rid of dark spots. Break the aloe vera plant into small pieces, squeeze the pulp, and apply it to the affected areas. If you do not have an aloe plant, you can find aloe gels in stores. Make sure to purchase a 100 percent pure aloe vera product for best results.
Take vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It helps repair the damaged cells to allow for new ones to grow. You can use it as a topical treatment or by eating foods rich in this vitamin. For topical application, simply massage the vitamin E oil onto the dark spots daily. You can also consume foods rich in vitamin E, including nuts, wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, and dried apricots.
Avoid UV exposure
Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of dark spots. Staying out in the sun too long can further worsen the problem. Stay away from the harmful UV rays to protect your skin. If it is unavoidable, make sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher – even in the winter. Wear sunglasses and a nice hat, too. Do not use tanning beds and avoid too much sun bathing or the dark spots will never go away.
Be cautious when considering skin treatments
Hyperpigmentation can be a result of a failed skin treatment. It is crucial to find a reputable professional to avoid regrets in the future. Deep chemical peels or plastic surgery can leave dark spots behind, so make sure to do thorough research before getting any kind of skin treatment. Make sure the physician or technician has adequate experience in the area, as well as a solid track record.
Don’t touch your face
Leave that zit alone! Keep your hands off your face as much as you can. If you have a pimple, stay away from it and do not attempt to touch it. Touching a pimple will increase your chances of developing those dark spots. If you have any issues on your facial skin, then see your trusted dermatologist and see what can be done. Remember that pimples can cause dark spots, too, so make sure to resist the temptation and allow them to heal naturally or let the professionals do their thing.
Also read: Best Vitamin C Serum