Many experts agree that the sun is the biggest cause of skin damage.
The sun breaks down the components of our skin that keep it strong and healthy. It's also responsible for the formation of dark spots.
But dark spots can be the result of more than just sun damage. Luckily, the list of potential dark spot treatments is as lengthy as the number of causes.
If you're wondering how to get rid of dark spots, and why they formed in the first place, read this guide to their causes, treatments, and remedies.
What Are Dark Spots?
Dark spots are more scientifically known as hyperpigmentation. Many people also refer to them as sun spots or age spots.
These are spots on the skin that are darker than your regular skin tone. They can be light brown, dark brown, or anything in between, depending on your skin. They also range in size and shape and can appear on your face, hands, shoulders, and back.
Dark Spot Causes
Melanin is the broad term for complex polymers that give colour to our eyes, hair, and skin. You get dark spots when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than it should.
But what causes your skin to produce more melanin in some places than others? There's a few, including:
Sun damage from direct exposure to the sun or even tanning beds.
Medication that increases skin pigmentation.
Inflammation from acne, eczema, psoriasis, or injuries like a wound or cut.
Hormonal changes that lead to melasma, especially during pregnancy.
Irritation from cosmetic products.
Although dark spots aren't dangerous in any way and don't require treatment, many people dislike the impact they have on their skin tone. Dark spots have a negative impact on your complexion and can make you appear older than you are, for example.
How to Get Rid of Dark Spots
There's no need to suffer from dark spots. These days, there are plenty of options for dark spot treatments. We've listed some of the best dark spot remedies in more detail below.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This combination makes for powerful dark spot treatment. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and also allows moisture to be absorbed into the skin.
Dead Sea Mud Mask
Dead sea mud masks contain shea butter. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for combatting dark spots that are caused by inflammation. But dead sea mud also helps clear clogged pores. Cleaner pores mean fewer breakouts and acne, in turn, reducing scarring and dark spots left behind by comedones.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well-known for its brightening effects. By brightening your skin, it has an impact on dark spots that have already formed. Vitamin C can also be used as a preventative treatment. Because it's packed with antioxidants, it helps fight free radicals that cause oxidative damage. That oxidative damage dulls your complexion and makes you lose colour.
Laser Therapy
Of all the dark spot treatments out there, laser therapy is the most expensive. But it's also the most effective.
Laser therapy uses precise laser beams to break up pigment particles. Over the course of six or more treatments, discoloration is broken up and you'll never know the dark spots were ever there.
