What Causes Dark Spots?
To have a complexion as flawless as a Disney princess may seem like a fairytale or something only achievable with the help of Pixar or Photoshop.
Unfortunately, factors come into play that can cause the appearance of uneven skin tone, dark spots or visible signs of hyperpigmentation.
So, what exactly causes us to have imperfect complexons, and most importantly, what can we do about it?
Find out below.
The Sun and Environmental Damage
You probably already know by now that protecting your skin against the sun and environmental aggressors, especially during the summer, is vital.
The effects of the sun on your skin not only include wrinkles, sun burns, and put you at risk for skin cancer, but the sun may create dark spots on your face.
So while a tan may look nice in the summer, once fall comes, you may look in the mirror and notice a more 101 Dalmatian-like complexion.
The solution:
Prevention begins with limiting your time in the sun and protecting your skin every day (Learn our skin protection tips). Incorporating skin-brightening skin care with natural brightening ingredients like bellis daisy, licorice extract, hexapeptide-2 and kojic acid into your routine can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots to create a more even-toned looking complexion.
Harsh Peels and Over-exfoliating
When it comes to exfoliating your skin it’s important to do it the healthy way.
Harsh chemical peel treatments, using exfoliating products at-home that are too aggressive, or over-exfoliating, can damage the skin and destroy the skin’s natural barrier.
When this occurs, the skin is left susceptible to free radical damage, which can trigger hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
The solution:
To avoid overly aggressive exfoliation, see an esthetician for facial peels. Also opt for gentle facial exfoliants that are safe to use at home.
Problem Skin
If you’ve never experienced problem skin, consider yourself lucky. Aside from having to deal with looking in the mirror to see problem areas on your face, once they are gone, the nightmare isn’t necessarily over – a brown spot can emerge in their place. This is why we say to let your esthetician take care of problem areas, as spots can result from picking your own skin!
The solution:
An overnight drying lotion that contains skin-brightening ingredients, like kojic acid, licorice root, and mulberry extracts, that help to even out the appearance of skin tone. Additionally, see an esthetician who can provide skincare treatments and make proper recommendations.
Hormones
An increase in hormones can also lead to dark spots.
Cholasma is a common skin condition that refers to dark spots and patches that result from an overproduction of pigment in the skin caused by hormonal changes and sun exposure.
During pregnancy this condition is known as melasma which translates to the “mask of pregnancy” but can also result from an increase in estrogen from medications such as birth control pills.
The solution:
Time. The discoloration usually begins to disappear once the hormonal trigger is removed from the environment, as in once the baby is born, changing birth control, or stopping hormone replacement therapy.
Find a qualified licensed professional who can help provide skincare treatments that will help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots.
*This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about a medical condition. Any citations to sources regarding ingredients and/or their possible benefits are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
