Turn on any TV show, TikTok, or YouTube video, and you’ll see someone with flawless-looking skin. While we know the power of makeup is playing a role in these scenarios, it doesn’t make looking at the dark spots on your face any easier. But, are there ways to diminish these spots of hyperpigmentation without caking on the makeup?
What causes dark spots on the face?
Dark spots may occur when the skin overproduces melanin. The excess production of melanin is typically caused by sun exposure or hormonal changes. But, dark spots can be caused by a number of different reasons. Even your everyday skincare practices can contribute to dark spots. For example, using scrubs, waxing, and shaving can cause minor skin trauma, which leads to skin changes. That’s because dark spots can also result from inflammation or trauma to the skin, such as from:
- Acne
- Bug bites
- Burns
- Cuts
- Psoriasis or other skin conditions
- Reactions to skincare products
3 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Your Face
1. Natural Remedies
One way to minimize the appearance of dark spots and even out your skin tone may be closer than you think. Some foods and spices found in the kitchen can be used to exfoliate the skin and remove these pesky pigments. However, each solution should be applied differently and may require additional skincare treatment.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been shown to inhibit the skin’s melanin production. This means you can use it to fade dark spots. Make a mask using one part turmeric to one part honey. To enhance the lightening process, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. Be cautious with using lemon juice, though, as it can be sensitive on some skin and shouldn’t be brought into contact with open skin — such as recently broken pimples or cuts.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains a natural depigmenting compound known as aloin. Whether ingested as an aloe vera drink or applied directly to the face, this ingredient can be incredibly beneficial for reducing dark spots and scarring. When used on the face, it has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment. Simply apply aloe vera to your dark spots before bedtime, then rinse your face with warm water when you wake up the next morning.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can help lighten skin pigmentation and may improve the overall appearance of your skin. You’ll need to mix an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Then, you can apply the solution to your dark patches and leave for five to seven minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out.
Yogurt
Yogurt, like many dairy products, can break down dead skin cells thanks to lactic acid. That’s why yogurt can make an extremely good exfoliant for dark spots. You can either apply yogurt to clean skin alone or mix it with additional, helpful ingredients — such as honey. Exfoliate and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to rinse gently so as not to irritate your skin.
2. Medicated Remedies
Topicals and over-the-counter products can also help to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Many of these products contain the same ingredients found in your natural remedies — such as vitamin C, retinol, lactic acid, vitamin E, niacin, hydroquinone, and kojic acid. The most effective medicated remedies include:
- Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum
- L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Corrector
- Hyper Skin Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum
- GLYTONE Enhance Brightening Complex with Azelaic & Glycolic Acids
- NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash
3. Cosmetic Remedies
For longer-lasting results, some people find cosmetic treatments to be more worthwhile for reducing and removing dark spots. One of the most common cosmetic procedures is laser resurfacing. This uses a laser to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Clear+Brilliant
Clear+Brilliant is a gentle resurfacing laser for dark spots and wrinkles. This procedure not only improves skin tone but can also help texture and give a brighter, more youthful appearance to the skin. Clear+Brilliant produces thousands of tiny dots in the desired skin area to treat damaged or pigmented skin. These areas produce new skin, improving the area of the dots and the surrounding skin — reducing the appearance of dark spots and improving the overall tone.
Fraxel Restore & Dual Treatments
Fraxel Restore and Dual Treatments penetrate deeply to treat both the surface of the skin and promote new collagen growth or remodeling. Using many microscopic laser beams, the procedure creates tiny spots or holes in the skin to remove old, damaged skin cells. Then, the body’s natural healing process comes and replaces these fractional areas with fresh, healthy, new skin. This process is done over and over again as your body tries to heal all these tiny microscopic areas of damage that were created by the Fraxel laser beam. As a result, the dark spots on your face are eliminated.
Contact Innovations Medical for Cosmetic Procedures
If you’re looking to remove dark spots on your face, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if cosmetic treatment is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.