Having to deal with dark spots on the face is no fun. Although it is not harmful in any way, it could be spoiling your clear skin vibes. If you are looking for ways to remove dark spots from your face, you are reading the right guide.
Several factors are responsible for the formation of dark spots on the skin and the most common cause is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that happens as a result of excess melanin production in the skin.
This excess production can be triggered by skin exposure to the sun’s UV rays, aging, and more. Keep scrolling to learn more about the causes of dark spots and 21 working ways to get rid of them.
What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?
As stated earlier, hyperpigmentation is the main cause of dark spots on the skin, as it occurs when the skin produces too much melanin.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can trigger hyperpigmentation. Other factors include aging and exposure of the skin to the sun’s UV rays. However, hyperpigmentation is not the only cause of these spots on the skin.
Acne, bites, ingrown hair, burns, injuries, and harmful skin care products can all cause dark spots and patches on the skin after healing. These types of dark spots are categorized as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Ways to Remove Dark Spots From the Face
Unwanted dark spots can be annoying to deal with but there are several ways to get rid of them. This includes professional treatments, certain skincare products, and home remedies.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in clarifying and brightening skincare products. This is because it contains antioxidant properties that help to prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals like the sun’s UV rays.
As vitamin C clears skin damages such as hyperpigmentation, sun spots, aging spots, and more, it also prevents further skin damage. Another thing it does is to stop the enzymes that produce melanin from producing too much. This will help to avoid the discoloration of the skin.
Apply the serum on cleansed skin in your morning skincare routine before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. It will help to even out your skin tone by removing dark spots from your face.
SEE: How to Effectively Use a Vitamin C Serum for Skincare
2. Retinol
Here is another powerful skincare ingredient that works to treat several skin concerns including dark spots. Retinol promotes collagen production in the skin as well as cell reproduction. This helps to remove old and damaged skin cells from the skin and replace them with new ones.
You can use a retinol serum or cream to effectively get rid of dark spots on your face. Get yourself a retinol cream or serum of a concentration that works best for your skin type. Apply it to the problem areas in your nighttime routine. You should notice an improvement in a month or two.
SEE: How to Use Retinol Serum Effectively for Glowing Skin
3. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a popular skincare ingredient that has been around for a long time. It works to clear dark spots by stopping tyrosinase from producing excess melanin in the skin.
Apply the product carefully to avoid skin irritation. Misusing the ingredient can lighten the skin surrounding the dark spots as well. To avoid this, apply it to the center of the spots and carefully feed it into the edges.
4. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is mostly known for its ability to lighten the skin. It helps to suppress the activities of the pigment cells by stopping the enzyme responsible for melanin production in the skin.
It is best to opt for lower concentrations of the ingredient as it can cause irritation and inflammation for you if you have sensitive skin. With low concentrations of kojic acid, it may take months to see visible improvements.
Apply it only in your bedtime skincare routine to the problem areas.
5. Potato
This home remedy for dark spots is not a common treatment but it works effectively to lighten the problem areas of the skin. You can easily use it by placing a slice of potato on top of the dark spots. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
You can also combine potato with honey and use it as a mask on your face. To do this, grate the potato and mix it with honey, then apply it to dark spots. Allow it to absorb into the skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another common ingredient that can remove dark spots from your skin in no time. All you need is fresh lemon juice and cotton balls. Soak the cotton balls in the juice and rub them on the spots for a few minutes.
7. Oatmeal
You can also use this breakfast meal as a savor for having clear skin free from dark spots. Simply grind half a cup of oats and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to it. Scrub the affected areas of your skin with the paste and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
8. Milk
Using milk on the skin can help to reduce dark spots and promote a healthy glow. Soak a cotton ball in milk and dab it on dark spots for a few minutes. You should start noticing improvement when you do this twice a day for four weeks.
9. Soy
According to a board-certified dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner, M.D, soy extract can help to brighten the skin. Most skin-lightening products contain tons of soy extract in them.
Look for a dark spot remover cream that contains soy extract and apply it to problem areas in the morning and at night before moisturizing your skin.
10. Azelaic Acid
Dr. Zeichner recommends using azelaic acid as a treatment for dark spots on the face. It works effectively to stop the production of excess melanin in the skin. To treat dark spots with it, look for a gel or serum that contains azelaic acid and apply it all over your face once or twice daily.
11. Lasers
Even though it’s expensive, lasers are the best treatment for removing dark spots from the face. The procedure involves the use of a focused beam of light that targets the pigment particles in the skin. It works effectively to rid the skin of dark spots.
12. Chemical Peels
Using chemical peels will help to exfoliate the skin by removing old damaged skin cells. This will help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and flow up the skin. Consistent use of chemical peels can help to enhance cell reproduction and this helps to remove dark spots from the face.
SEE: How to Exfoliate the Body: The Safest and Best Methods
13. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a well-known non-chemical exfoliating procedure for treating dark spots. The process involves the use of tiny particles to get rid of dead skin cells. It works effectively without tampering with the skin tissues.
The treatment works best for mild hyperpigmentation conditions. It takes about 4 to 6 treatment sessions to fade off dark spots.
14. Microneedling
This dark spot treatment is done using a stainless steel roller that contains hundreds of tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the spot. This is to rebuild collagen production in the skin cells and to improve skin elasticity.
It is done in conjunction with topical treatments like vitamin C. Infusing vitamin C into the skin once the barrier is opened will help to lighten dark spots quickly.
Hyaluronic acid serum can also be used for darker skin tones. When done correctly, you will see a clearer complexion and tone a week after the treatment.
15. Buttermilk
Buttermilk also helps to fade off black spots from the facial skin without stinging or causing unwanted side effects. You can soak a cotton ball into buttermilk and apply it to affected areas of your skin. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
16. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can help to minimize the appearance of dark spots on the skin. All you need is an aloe Vera juice or gel. Apply it to your skin once or twice daily and you will notice the effects in just a few weeks.
SEE: Health Benefits of Aloe Vera That Makes It the Wonder Plant
17. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder works effectively to remove dark spots from the face. However, you have to combine it with other ingredients to speed up its effects. You can use turmeric powder with milk and lemon juice. Mix all ingredients and apply it to your face for about 10 minutes before rinsing off.
18. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene properties which have lots of health benefits that include fading off spots and protecting the skin from the sun. Apply the pulp of tomato juice on your skin in a circular motion before going out every day.
19. Papaya
The papain properties of papaya extract help to even out skin tone by exfoliating the skin. Apply the pulp of papaya to the affected areas of your face. Wait for about 20 minutes before washing it off.
You can also combine it with lime juice. Mix the ingredients and apply them to your skin. Wait for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.
20. Sugar Cube
Exfoliate your skin with sugar cubes to remove dark spots from your face. Simple scrub away dark spots gently every day. This will effectively remove dead skin cells and replace them with fresh new ones. Therefore improving the appearance of the skin.
21. Onion Juice
Onions also work to treat dark spots on the skin. Grate your onion and soak a cotton ball in the juice and apply it to the problem areas of your skin. It will significantly reduce black spots on the skin. Do the treatment two to three times daily for quicker results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can almond oil help to remove dark spots?
Yes, it can. Almond oil can help to clear dark spots from your skin as it contains vitamin E properties that can reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Using almond oil consistently on your face will help to even out your skin tone and texture.
Can frankincense oil help to reduce dark spots?
Yes, it can. Using frankincense oil will help to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
The oil contains properties that encourage skin cell regeneration. This helps to replace old skin cells with new ones, giving the skin a beautiful and glowing look.
Can castor oil help to reduce dark spots?
Yes, it can. Castor oil can help to reduce dark spots on the skin. Using castor oil consistently on your skin will help to even out your skin tone and make your face appear younger and brighter.
Massage the oil gently on your dark spots and let it sit in your skin for a few hours before rinsing it off. It’s best to apply it in your morning routine, rinse it off at the beginning of your bedtime routine and apply it again at the end.
Conclusion
Several factors contribute to the development of dark spots on the skin. The dark spots on your skin may be due to sun exposure, injuries, acne, and more. Luckily, you can use simple treatments like home remedies to remove dark spots from your face.
If you do not notice any change in the appearance of dark spots on your skin after 2 months of using DIY treatments, visit a professional for medical procedures.
Thanks for reading.
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