Top 4 Causes of Dark Spots and How to Remove Them From Your Face

Freckles might be adorable on little kids, but dark spots that become more prevalent as we age, not so much. Although dark spots are usually harmless, many people desire to get rid of them. Read on to learn what dark spots are, what helps create them, and what you can do to get rid of them.

What Are Dark Spots?

Dark spots are hyperpigmentation that is caused when melanin is overproduced within the body.

What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?

Unfortunately, dark spots can originate from many different sources, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, scarring, and genetics. Let’s chat about these culprits in greater detail.

Sun Exposure

Do you enjoy soaking in the rays? Be careful, as you might be setting yourself up for an increase in dark spots. Ultraviolet light (UV) speeds up the production of melanin resulting in dark spots. According to a German study, researchers discovered that skin damage from UV light could happen in as little as 5-10 minutes, depending on your skin type.

Hormonal Changes

Ever heard the term Pregnancy Mask? Well, unfortunately, it sticks around for many women even after pregnancy. Pregnancy Mask refers to the increase in melasma as the estrogen and progesterone hormones increase during pregnancy. This causes dark brown patches of skin to be more prevalent on the face, and although these spots will fade in color, they often do not go away completely.

It isn’t just pregnancy that causes hormonal changes; as women go through menopause, the drop in hormones can also wreak havoc on the skin. Yes, as we age, our skin continues to change. The older we become, the higher the amount of sun exposure our skin has received. This can cause melanin to be produced in higher concentrations causing “age spots” that become more visible during and after menopause.

Scarring

Scarring also causes hyperpigmentation. Whether you suffer from acne or have a sore on your face, you have the possibility that the skin will remain a different color even after the area heals.

Genetics

If your parents or grandparents have dark spots, you might be headed down the same path. This is because genetics plays a significant role in melanin regulation and production within the body.  

Do Dark Spots Go Away?

Dark spots can go away, but it takes time and changing your behavior. Unfortunately, there is no overnight cure for vanquishing hyperpigmentation, but there are ways to combat it at home and with the help of spa professionals.

At Home Solutions

Pump the Vitamin C

We are not suggesting that you start downing orange juice but instead invest in products containing a high concentration of vitamin C. It is known to brighten skin and drastically diminish dark spots by impeding melanin production. A noticeable change in skin tone should be seen within three weeks of using a vitamin C serum or product. Look for products that contain a high level of vitamin C and come in an opaque bottle. You might wonder why the bottle matters. It matters because exposure to light decreases the effectiveness of vitamin C.

There are so many serums available on the market that it can be challenging to select the right one. Not sure which Vitamin C Serum to try? MintPear’s C Your Health Vitamin C Serum is a daily dark spot corrector that improves collagen production, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone, and fades hyperpigmentation and melasma. Learn how Rita’s dark spots reduced within three weeks as she documented her experience.

Exfoliating for the Win

Exfoliating just twice a week can make a massive impact on your skin’s appearance. It removes dead skin cells, which is essential when you remember that we lose 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells every day! The renewal process also speeds up with regular exfoliating. You can use a washcloth to exfoliate or enlist the help of an exfoliating product. Our Pumpkin Enzyme Exfoliating Masque gently exfoliates your skin with a combination of fruit enzymes, alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), and 5% Glycolic Acid to unveil more radiant-looking skin. It is critical to not over-exfoliate as it can damage your skin.

Focus on Products that Repair

Once the damage has been done, it is time to look into products that can help repair and nourish your skin. Nighttime is the perfect time to add these products to your skincare regimen. Adding products that focus on healing to your nighttime skincare routine allows them to seep deeper into recently cleansed skin for maximum results. Rosehip is an excellent ingredient in nighttime serums as it is nourishing in addition to a natural anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it has been tied to a reduction in hyperpigmentation, resulting in clearer and more youthful-looking skin. MintPear’s Rosehip Night Serum is an all-natural, organic, and pure nighttime treatment that creates a more even skin tone.

Spa Treatments

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently removes dead skin cells by sanding your skin with a microdermabrasion instrument. It diminishes the appearance of hyperpigmentation, scarring, and skin damage.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels dissolve the top layers of skin with the assistance of chemicals. The peel strength can be adjusted to target more or fewer layers of skin. The deeper the peel, the longer the recovery process, but the more drastic the results.

Laser Treatments

Although laser treatments can be pricey, these high-energy pulsing lasers effectively target any unwanted brown or red spots. As the areas zapped by the laser heal, the discolored areas diminish, revealing a more even skin tone. However, it might take multiple sessions to receive the desired result.

How to Avoid Getting New Dark Spots

Limit Sun Exposure

It might sound easy to limit sun exposure, but as we stated previously, skin damage can still occur within even five minutes, which could be the time it takes to walk outside to your car. Protect your skin by wearing hats and clothes that shade your skin.

Do Not Pick

It might be tempting to squeeze that red bump on your skin, but that can cause damage and scarring, leading to skin discoloration. In addition, popping pimples drive bacteria deeper into the skin resulting in more significant inflammation. If something needs to be done, call and schedule a facial for some professional help.

Wear Sunscreen

It is vital to wear sunscreen even when it is cloudy as UV rays are still there. Look for a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, and remember to reapply often, especially if swimming or sweating.

FAQ

Does salt remove dark spots?

No, salt doesn’t remove dark spots. However, it can help to cleanse pores to remove dirt and oil. This helps to shrink pores and decrease acne, which can reduce the potential for future dark spots. Even so, there are faster and more efficient solutions.

Can lemon remove dark spots?

Lemon does contain vitamin C, which works as a lightning agent; however, applying lemon directly to your face can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin or open sores. Therefore, it is wiser to select a vitamin C product instead of using just lemon.

Bottom Line

Unfortunately, our skin continues to change, and we need to be proactive and reactive to achieve the level of skin health we desire. However, with a combination of preventative measures and pinpointed skincare routines, we can win the battle against dark spots.