Game Changer: How to Get Rid of Dark Spots

What Causes Dark Spots?

In general, hyperpigmentation spots occur when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits on the skin. If you're looking to get rid of dark spots rather than just let them fade away on their own over time, it's important to know what caused them. That way, you can tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Some common causes of dark spots include:

• Sun damage
• Skin irritation from topical products
• Acne
• Hormonal imbalances from birth control or pregnancy
• Environmental causes like pollution

Can Dark Spots Go Away?

With the right treatments, dark spots will go away, though it could take anywhere between three months to several years. The fading time will vary depending on the person and their skin tone, as well as how severe the dark spots were in the first place. Of course, you can also speed up the process quite a bit with the help of laser treatments, creams and other topical skin care products.

Topical Treatments for Dark Spots

If you're wondering how to get rid of dark spots on your face, the good news is that there are lots of at-home treatments you can use to reduce, fade and even prevent them from appearing at all. Powerful serums, chemical exfoliants and other skin-lightening products are all possibilities to consider. Keep in mind that in order to see results, you'll need to be patient and use these treatments consistently for several weeks or months.

Before you start your regimen, it's important to see a board-certified dermatologist first, just to rule out the possibility of anything more serious like skin cancer. Your doctor can also assess your skin to see if you could benefit from a prescription-only product rather than applying something you can purchase yourself.

Here are some topical treatments that help get rid of dark spots:

Use SPF Daily

Think of your sunscreen like a shield. Applying sun protection with a high SPF of at least 30 every day is essential, not only to minimize sun damage but to also protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Too much sun exposure could lead to you developing more dark spots later.

Incorporate Vitamin C Serum

In addition to blocking pigment production and brightening your skin overall, vitamin C serum is an antioxidant that carries many wonderful properties. It can:

• Help shield your skin from damaging free radicals that dull your complexion and cause premature signs of aging like wrinkles.
• Give you that radiant, even-toned glow you've been looking for.
• Limit the enzyme tyrosinase, which decreases the melanin formation that causes dark spots.

Use Kojic Acid

Similar to vitamin C, kojic acid is also an antioxidant that can protect your skin from the damaging effects of pollution and UV rays. Made from fermented rice, this ingredient is used in many cosmetic products because it limits the production of melanin on the skin.

Get Professional Treatments

While at-home treatments can go a long way in getting rid of dark spots, sometimes it's time to call in the professionals. In-office treatments may be more expensive but can also provide the most impactful results, sometimes within only one or two sessions.

Zap Dark Spots with Lasers

Laser treatments for dark spots may involve the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) lasers. The laser emits a light that the dark spot absorbs, causing it to form a crust and eventually flake off. While some light therapies can achieve results without damaging the skin's surface, more aggressive lasers work by removing the top layer of skin.

Get a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are an effective way to diminish signs of aging on not just your face but also other areas such as your décolleté and hands. Dermatologists use them to wipe out dead skin cells, achieving a smoother, brighter complexion while erasing unsightly age spots, melasma and acne scars. Through varying concentrations of alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids, or even a combination of both, a chemical peel effectively removes the outermost layer of your skin. If you're interested in trying one, keep the following in mind:

• Depending on the condition you're treating and how strong of a chemical peel you need, you could experience some swelling and blistering. Factor in downtime at home accordingly.
• For lighter peels, you could get away with having them done over your lunch break and head back to the office immediately afterward.

No matter which option you choose, it's important to stay out of the sun afterwards to let your skin heal properly and reduce the chance of scarring or infection.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliating treatment. It involves the use of a minimally abrasive, handheld device that physically removes the dull surface layer of your skin. It can also help to thicken the collagen in your skin, along with reducing acne, scars, and areas of hyperpigmentation. Usually a series of treatments are needed to achieve the best results. You can often find the service offered at non-medical spas as well as by dermatologists.

If you've been dealing with dark spots on your skin, adding some of the correctors above to your skin care regimen or booking a treatment with a professional can help get you the complexion you've always dreamed of. Whichever treatment you choose, be patient. The results may take a few sessions or weeks, but they'll be worth waiting for.