Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation as we call them, are a common skin condition, not usually harmful. However, these unwanted spots can often impact your appearance and cause your confidence to dip. By understanding what causes dark spots and what you can do to reduce them, it is possible to achieve radiant, glowing skin free from all forms of spots and marks.
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What are dark spots?
In simple words, dark spots appear when one particular area of the skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin. This happens when an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for our natural skin colour, is produced. These spots are more noticeable on the face but can also appear on the hands, neck, and other parts of the body.
Common causes of dark spots on the face
Dark spots can be an outcome of multiple reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of dark spots on face.
1. Sun exposure
Sun damage is one of the leading causes behind hyperpigmentation. When your skin is exposed to the UV rays of the skin, it triggers melanin production as a response. Over time, this can lead to the development of sunspots. Unprotected exposure to the sun can also make any existing hyperpigmentation worse.
2. Acne
This is probably the most common reason behind dark spots. After a pimple heals, it often leaves behind a dark mark, known as PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This happens as the skin produces an excessive amount of melanin in response to the inflammation caused by acne.
3. Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations owing to various reasons such as pregnancy and birth control can also cause dark patches or spots to appear on the skin. This is known as Melasma and appears in the form of brown spots or patches, usually on the cheeks and forehead.
4. Skin inflammation
Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis can leave behind dark spots. When inflamed, the skin is triggered to produce more melanin, which eventually leads to hyperpigmentation.
5. Medication
Medicines such as birth control pills, some anti-inflammatory drugs and more may also result in the user developing hyperpigmentation sometimes.
How to treat dark spots on the face?
In order to reduce hyperpigmentation undoubtedly, you need a structured and regular skincare routine in place. Here are some ways to combat those unwanted dark spots!
1. Sun protection
A sunscreen is probably the most important skincare essential that you are going to need, in your war with hyperpigmentation. Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it even on days you are staying indoors. If you are outside, make sure to reapply it every few hours.
2. Topical skincare actives
There are numerous effective active ingredients such as Retinol, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin that help reduce the appearance of dark spots. One ingredient that especially stands out here is Thiamidol. Developed and patented by Eucerin, this ingredient works by reducing the production of melanin, and starts showing results in as little as two weeks with consistent use. Eucerin India’s anti-pigment range features Thiamidol as the key ingredient in its products, and consists of two face serums, a day cream with SPF 30, as well as a night cream. These products are specifically designed to target hyperpigmentation and can be a great addition to your skincare routine.
3. Chemical peels
Chemical peels are typically the topical application of an active ingredient in a very high concentration which exfoliates the top layer of the skin and gradually leads the dark spots to fade away. Depending on the intensity of your hyperpigmentation, you may need multiple sessions to achieve best results. However, do note that chemical peels can only be performed by a dermatologist and trying to do it at home might leave you with severely damaged skin.
4. In-clinic skin treatments
Thanks to the advancement in skincare science, we now also have various treatments available at a dermatologist’s clinic. These include various laser treatments that can be performed not only on the face but also on other body parts.
Conclusion
Dark spots on the face are very common, and can be caused by multiple reasons, including acne, sun damage and hormonal fluctuations in the body. There are effective solutions available to deal with hyperpigmentation. While you focus on treating the existing dark spots, also practice a holistic skincare regime to prevent them from further occurring. Remember that achieving flawless skin is a journey and to see desired results, you must stay consistent and patient. Check out Eucerin India’s anti-pigment range to find targeted solutions for your hyperpigmentation issues.