Sunspots, dark spots caused by pimples, tinea versicolor – whatever the cause, dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be damaging to your self-confidence. You’ll be glad to know that these issues are not permanent, and you can resolve them with home remedies and over-the-counter medication.
It takes time and consistent effort to reduce dark spots, but they’re worth the extra attention when they go away. Here are 6 tips that you can do to help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation that can help you be confident under your own skin.
1 – Wear Sunscreen Whenever You Can
The first way of helping repair skin damage is to start with sunscreen. Using sunscreen is vital in protecting you from the harmful rays of the sun. While the sun helps give you Vitamin D, it also contains harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.
When you apply sunscreen, it’s important to cover everything that your clothes don’t, including your face, neck, and arms. This is because these areas are among the most prone to dark spots from consistent sun exposure.
The get the protection you need, start with getting a sunscreen that provides SPF 30 or higher. You want something that has broad-spectrum protection and contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. If you have oily skin, get something that is non-comedogenic or does not clog the pores.
2 – Vitamin C is the Key!
A critical part of a healthy skin routine is Vitamin C, both oral and in serum form. If you’re having dark spots on your skin during your period, chances are you’re experiencing hormone-related issues. When you have elevated hormone levels, you’re more likely to get higher concentrations of melanin.
Studies show that Vitamin C can lower progesterone levels while increasing estrogen levels during your period. It can also help improve your iron absorption when ingested, so you get healthier red blood cells and better blood circulation.
Vitamin C serum on your skin can slowly remove dark spots by blocking melanin production, preventing existing dark spots from getting darker. It also absorbs straight into your cells, which can help remove free radicals on your skin cells.
3 – Don’t Pick Your Acne and Blemishes
With acne-prone skin, dark spots come from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When a pimple or acne pops, bacteria inflames that specific area of your skin. So if you pick the acne, you’re making the clog even worse than it originally is.
To correct acne-based hyperpigmentation, there are several ways to do it, but the best way is to keep your skin clean and clear. When you get acne, don’t pick the blemish! Instead, add an OTC topical cream to help reduce the inflammation. Keeping your skin moisturized can also reduce instances of acne.
It’s vital not to touch your dark spots and blemishes as much as possible, especially if they’re from acne and pimples. Not only are hands generally dirty and ridden with bacteria, you’ll also experience more pain from pushing out the infection.
If you already have dark spots, you want a product with a mix of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) to revitalize the skin. Even then, the best way is always to wash your face at least once a day, preferably in the evening, to remove makeup, dirt, and grime you get.
4 – Get Prescription-Strength Medication
Once in a while, you’ll likely find dark spots or hyperpigmentation that don’t respond well to OTC treatments and even home remedies. When this happens, your next best option is to get prescription medication from a dermatologist.
Visiting a dermatologist gives you several crucial benefits that you won’t find anywhere else. For starters, a professional opinion can help you diagnose the real problems behind your dark spots. From there, they can give you prescription-strength medication that you can’t access over the counter.
Prescription-strength hydroquinone is among the most usual products that exfoliate and fade dark spots. But, regardless of what they give, it’s vital to follow the doctor’s orders on how often you have to apply it. Overuse of products such as hydroquinone can cause lasting damage and increased sun sensitivity.
5 – Try Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is something that you hear all the time and it’s a great in-office solution for hyperpigmentation. The process is generally mechanical, using a diamond-tipped handpiece, crystal-emitting handpiece, or hydradermabrasion to exfoliate your skin gently. As it’s minimally invasive, it’s a preferred method for those unwilling to spend more time with other procedures.
Microdermabrasion works well for most skin concerns that relate to the general cosmetic condition of the skin. These include hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne and acne scars, and even sun damage. The cost of the entire process differs depending on your location.
If you opt for this route, expect mild tenderness of the skin, swelling, and redness. However, there is minimal downtime needed when you undergo the procedure, so you can immediately continue your daily life after the procedure. Then again, you’d want to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
6 – See If A Chemical Peel Works
If you’re not the type who has time for a few hours of dermatological procedures, the next best thing is to opt for a chemical peel. Much like hydroquinone, chemical peels exfoliate your skin and remove its dull appearance. This will help reflect light better and create a better, healthier glow.
Over time, chemical peels can have a positive effect on your skin due to their exfoliating effects. In addition, they can stimulate your skin’s collagen production, together with reducing the appearance of dark spots. You want to beware, however, of peeling agents that are too harsh on the skin.
Some concentrations of chemical peels can cause chemical burns on your skin. Many can be especially harsh for sensitive skin. It’s important to talk to your dermatologist to ensure that the chemical peel won’t further damage your skin.
The Bottom Line
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be frustrating conditions. They can sap your confidence and make you feel ashamed of your skin, but remember that you’re not alone. Many people suffer from these skin issues, and some solutions make them go away.
If you or a loved one suffers from this issue, follow the tips above, and you should be on the way to clearer, fairer-looking skin. Dealing with dark spots can be a thing of the past with these tried and tested solutions.
