How to Get Rid of Dark Spots
Dark spots are types of darker patches or pigments that suddenly appear on the skin. Dark spots are also called hyperpigmentation, and they are caused by an excess production of melanin at a single spot on any part of your skin. They`re also caused by extended periods of exposure to sunlight.
Dark spots usually surface on the skin around the arms, legs, and face. We are always more worried about the spots on our face than any other part of our body. It is a common skin condition, and it is a harmless one. Dark spots can appear on their own, but sometimes, it`s a symptom of another skin condition.
For some of us, dark spots are a distressing and embarrassing fact about our appearance, so we continue to look for effective remedies to them. We will be examining the factors leading to the development of black spots, how best to naturally combat them, and some facts about dark spots.
2 Common Causes of Dark Spots
Increased Melanin
You might have heard the term melanin before now; it is that pigment that gives color to your skin, hair and even your eyes. Hyperpigmentation, which you know as dark spots, surfaces on the face due to a spike in the production of melanin on specific points. The increase in melanin production on your skin may be as a result of extended periods of exposure of your skin to intense sunlight most of the time. Your body produces more melanin in response to sunlight exposure.
Hormonal Imbalance
Dark spots can also come up as a result of hormonal imbalance; some types of hormonal changes gradually make your skin develop hyperpigmentation. Some medications are the most provoking catalysts for increased melanin; some of such medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tetracycline, and psychotropic drugs.
3 Types of Dark Spots
Lentigines
Lentigines are types of dark spots developed as a result of excessive exposure to sunlight. It is a more common type of dark spot surfacing on the skin of older people.
Melasma
This type of dark spot occurs as a result of the disturbance and imbalance of hormones. These dark spots may appear during pregnancy or after menopause.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
These black spots surface in the aftermath of other skin conditions such as bums, acne, pimples and soon on. This is as a result of sebum oxidization.
6 Natural Remedies for Dark Spots
You definitely don’t fancy dark spots popping up on your face unannounced and defiantly, so you are most likely looking for a working method to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Even if you guessed right about how dark spots take so long to fade away, you are still in a hurry to get them out of your skin. However, you don’t want some harsh aftereffects caused by whatever treatment you choose to use. Let`s discuss the best natural options to deal with hyperpigmentation.
Aloe Vera
You probably already know how instrumental aloe vera can be when treating skin conditions. The compound named aloin is a major component of the aloe vera plant, and it is an active substance for erasing the pigment in these dark spots. All you need to do is get some freshly extracted gel from the aloe vera plant, mix this gel until it is even in texture and color, then apply it on the area affected by the dark spot. Rinse the aloe vera off your skin twenty minutes after applying it. Do this every day and expect a quick removal of the dark spots.
Cucumber
The antioxidants in cucumber can help you eliminate dark spots from your skin because they lighten the darker parts of your skin. Blend a piece of cucumber into a less watery paste and apply it on your face. Wash your face half an hour after applying the cucumber paste on your face. Repeat this once every day.
Lemon Juice
The flavonoids in lemons and some of its antioxidants can also reverse the darkening of the affected parts of your skin. You can have a face wash with lemon juice to deal with the dark spots on your skin. Use a cotton swab to rub a mixture of lemon juice and water on your face. Allow this lemon solution to dry up on your face for 30 minutes before you rinse your face with some warm water. You may be allergic to lemon juice and your skin might react badly to it with a hot burning sensation. You must discontinue using lemon juice on your skin if this is so. You must also use sunscreen on your skin before stepping out of your house. Try this lemon juice remedy once every day until you begin to notice positive changes.
Turmeric
You can also combat dark spots with turmeric. This fascinating root has some powerful healing properties to offer you. Turmeric has an antioxidant known as curcumin which is very active in the reversal of excess skin melanin production. Make a paste out of turmeric powder and a few drops of water. Rub this turmeric paste on the affected parts of your skin and leave for half an hour. Wash your face with warm water and repeat the process in the coming days. You may find out that your skin reacts badly to turmeric; this may be an allergic reaction. If this is so, don’t use this treatment method.
Parsley
Parsley is filled with vitamin C, and it has other properties that can lighten up your skin. Parsley can be a super effective and natural remedy for dark spots on your skin. Use a blender to blend two tablespoons of parsley leaves and rub this blend on the affected parts of your skin. Rinse this off your face with water 30 minutes after. You can repeat this treatment every day.
Orange Peel
You can also get rid of hyperpigmentation using orange peels; they contain a powerful flavonoid called hesperidin. Hesperidin has a noticeable skin-lightening effect, and this is invaluable when removing dark spots. Blend dried up orange peels into a smooth powder, then mix it with a few drops of powder before rubbing it into your affected skin. Allow this paste to stay on your face for about half an hour before washing it off with water. Repeat this every day.
Given the compatibility of these natural remedies with your skin, you can choose from one of these remedies or a combination of two or three of them. They are mild but very effective ways to erase dark spots. However, you might need to see a dermatologist if you suffer from a more severe form of dark spots.
There are some well-known procedures used by dermatologists to remove dark spots. Let`s explore them.
3 Procedures for Dark Spot Removal
Chemical Peels
The dermatologist applies a chemical solution to the area of your skin affected by the black spot and this peels off the surface of the affected skin. This exfoliating process helps to lighten the darkened area.
Laser Therapy
Your dermatologist might opt for laser therapy for a quick and precise erasure of your hyperpigmentation. This therapy uses special laser rays to remove excess deposits of melanin in order to let the spots fade away.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion removes the outermost layer of the affected skin so that your body produces more collagen and reduces the incidents of black spots.
Now that you have found out about some remedies for your black spots, here are some quick facts about black spots.
Facts about Dark Spots
There are some factors that lead to the development of black spots. You must be extremely careful about how your skin is faring under different circumstances and keep it from extreme conditions.
- Your hormones can turn against you and increase the occurrence of dark spots appearing on your skin.
- Dark spots are not limited to a part of your body; they can surface on any area of your skin.
- Dark spots come in shades and different qualities, your treatment option may depend on the severity of your dark spots.
- Vitamin C and antioxidants are one of the greatest enemies of your dark spots; you might want to up your Vitamin C supply henceforth.
- Exfoliate your skin frequently, it works well against black spots.
Now that you Know…
A few black spots can alter the look of your skin completely and, although harmless, it is understandable that you most definitely don’t want any of them on you for too long. But whenever they pop up, you can always rely on the remedies we have discussed. For preventive purposes, you will do well to use a sunscreen with SPF 40 or above whenever you intend to step out to protect yourself from excessive exposure to the sun. You can also choose to avoid the most intense rays of the afternoon sun by staying indoors from just before midday till evening.