Removing Dark Spots is not Easy. Here’s How it’s Done

Whatever is causing your dark spots, there are a range of ways to reduce their appearance – whether it’s a slight lifestyle change, a new product in your skincare routine, or an in-office treatment. By following these steps, dark spots can become a bad memory.

Although uneven skin tone is an aesthetic issue rather than a skin condition, most people with this condition don’t give up until they find a way to remove dark spots. There are several types of dark spots, such as sunspots, age spots, melasma and post-acne marks, and they all have one thing in common: they are faces that result from the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. Although they are harmless, dark spots can be frustrating because they are unable to maintain the perfectly even tone that is the most sought-after feature for most of us.

This article has all the answers for you, including ingredients, products and interventions on how to lighten dark spots and how to prevent uneven skin tone in the first place. Let’s continue.

What causes dark spots?
UV exposure is the primary cause of dark spots, which are caused by excess melanin (the pigment that darkens the skin) and can lead to irregularly toned patches and hyperpigmentation. Melanin production is a natural skin response that prevents UV damage from further weakening DNA and skin. Other causes of dark spots include aging, hormonal changes, acne, or scarring. [1]

How to remove dark spots
Since dark spots are the result of excess melanin in the skin, you should address them with treatments that work at a deeper level to reduce the amount of pigment in the cells. It is also important to exfoliate regularly to dissolve the dead cells of excess pigment on the surface of the skin.

The good news is that there are many ingredients and cosmetic procedures that can help you lighten dark spots, which brings us to the next section:

Sun Protection
Since sun damage is a major cause of dark spots, it’s no surprise that sunscreen is the first line of defense against excessive hyperpigmentation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine, and reapplying it every two hours when you spend time outdoors is key to maintaining an even skin tone.

We recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 because it provides UVA and UVB protection, is fragrance-free, offers mineral sun protection and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Let’s say you wear makeup daily and find reapplying sunscreen a problematic task. In that case, consider Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder, which makes it easy to reapply even under makeup while containing earth-sourced minerals that provide broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are so effective as a preventative measure against further dark spots that you should also include them in your daily beauty regimen. Sun exposure and other causes, such as smog and pollution, can lead to an increase in free radicals, which can damage the skin’s structure and increase melanin. Antioxidants have a mitigating effect on dark spots because they provide electrons to incomplete free radical molecules, preventing them from damaging the skin and causing uneven skin tone. [2]

Although they are most effective in preventing discoloration in the first place, some antioxidants such as vitamin C, resveratrol, and niacinamide also have a brightening effect because they interfere with melanin production. In short, vitamin C is most effective at preventing UV-induced hyperpigmentation, which is why it is often added to sunscreen formulations, such as our favorite vitamin C-infused sunscreens. [3]

Retinol
Another tried-and-true treatment for dark spots is retinol – a vitamin A derivative with antioxidant properties. The gist is as follows: Because of its ability to promote cell renewal, retinol removes old cells that have accumulated too much pigment and brings new, brighter cells to the surface, thereby reducing discoloration over time. In addition, retinol helps fade dark spots by blocking the activity of melanin-producing cells (melanocytes). According to studies, it reduces hyperpigmentation by 60% and contributes to the proper distribution of pigment in the skin. [4] For maximum benefit, use retinol serum at least once every two days at night.

Exfoliation
Weekly exfoliation is essential for removing dark spots because it slows the buildup of dead, discolored cells and reveals evenly pigmented skin. Chemical exfoliants containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic and glycolic acids loosen the bonds between cells and remove the superficial pigment layer to reveal fresh, evenly pigmented skin. In addition, both glycolic and lactic acids interfere with melanin production and produce a whitening effect with long-term use. [5] Therefore, if your skin is more active once or twice a week, consider using an ethanolic acid peel or a mild lactic acid peel and watch how the dark spots disappear.

Dark spot cosmetic surgery
If none of these methods are right for you, or if you want dramatic results, then in-office procedures such as laser treatments, chemical peels, cryotherapy or dermabrasion may be your best option. They work amazingly well in harsher conditions and results can be seen after the first session once the skin has recovered. Just make sure you put yourself in the hands of a professional with experience in these types of treatments.

Ingredients that can reduce dark spots
For maximum benefit, it’s best to know these key skin lightening ingredients and incorporate them into your skin care routine.

Hydroquinone
Kojic acid
Tretinoin
Alpha Arbutin
Retinol
Vitamin C
Glycolic acid
Tranexamic acid
Green Tea
Resorcinol
Niacinamide
Glucosamine

Do natural remedies work for dark spots?
Some natural remedies can address dark spots because they contain skin lightening compounds. For example, coconut milk has been found to lighten dark spots after four weeks of use. [6] Simply soak a cotton ball, pat the hyperpigmented area with coconut milk, and rinse off with warm water after one hour. Other natural remedies for hyperpigmentation include mulberry, licorice, arbutin, green tea, and turmeric. [7]

Final Words
Some dark spots do fade on their own through a natural skin exfoliation process that takes place every 28 days. However, as we age, the natural process of shedding dead cells slows down, so exfoliants must be used to support this process. In addition, it is important to adhere to a diligent skin care routine that includes conditioning ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide, daily application of sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and the use of antioxidants. And, for stubborn dark spots, you can resort to cosmetic procedures, such as laser peels or chemical peels, if necessary.