Have you ever been victimized by the culture that shames you for drinking tea or forces you to gulp down concoctions with questionable ingredients to get rid of the dark spots or just melanin on your skin?
If the answer is, yes! Then we are here to bust the myths surrounding dark spots, which, by the way, are not a result of overconsuming a hot beverage. Then why is your skin getting darker? Well, It is part of a very natural process that a lot of melanin-rich skin tones deal with that is referred to as hyperpigmentation.
While there isn't one direct correlation between hyperpigmentation, there are several factors that can lead to it. We have compiled a guide for you to identify these causes and symptoms to effectively get rid of these dark spots.
The condition on the skin that we generally refer to as dark spots, is a pigmentation disorder called hyperpigmentation. It causes some of the areas of the skin to appear darker than others.
While they aren't painful or itchy, they manifest on the skin as brown, black, grey, pink or red patches, which can cause people to become self-conscious.
• Acne
• Bug bites
• Facial trauma
• Psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions
• Allergic reaction to cosmetics
Pigmentation in facial and neck regions that are common in middle-aged women is generally related to endogenous (hormones) along with exogenous factors (such as the use of cosmetics or perfumes, or sun exposure) (1).
While there is no overnight treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders, there are various therapeutic modalities that ensure results.
• Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is excellent for pigmentation on the face. Research was conducted to study the effects of aloe vera on chemotherapy-induced hyperpigmentation and it was found that it showed encouraging signs of fading post chemo hyperpigmentation (2). You can simply incorporate it by applying it every day before bed (check for allergies prior) and the substance in aloe vera called aloin will help lighten the skin and it acts as a non-toxic hyperpigmentation therapy.
• Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help in getting rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots by preventing the overproduction of melanin. It can also be beneficial for melasma, one of the severe forms of hyperpigmentation.
• Rice Water
Fermented rice water has been the golden goose of Asian skincare. It is rich in antioxidants that include vitamins B and vitamin E that help promote cell growth and keep the blood flow stimulated to keep the skin youthful, smooth and bright.
It can be incorporated into daily skin care routine simply by dabbling cotton into the rice water and keeping it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
• Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds are known to contain an oil that is rich in polyphenols and bioflavonoids which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can help fade blemishes, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. They are amazing at regenerating sun damaged skin which makes them great for hyperpigmentation.
• Sunscreen
The leading cause of hyperpigmentation is exposure to the sun, so it is only logical that you lather up with sunscreen always! Sunscreen creates a protective layer against the harmful UV rays that prevents the flare-up of melasma and hyperpigmentation. Without sunscreen the existing dark spots can get worse hence, always wear it both indoors and outdoors.
• Vitamin C Serum
Serums that are rich in Vitamin C are essential for treating hyperpigmentation. Used widely by dermatologists as a treatment for the Depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva. You can always rely on a serum that is predominantly Vitamin C infused.
• Kojic Acid
Kojic acids are used in creams, gels and cosmetics as a bleaching agent. It is similar to a chemical called hydroquinone which is also an excellent treatment for hyperpigmentation caused by hormone medication. Kojic acid helps prevent the skin from forming an enzyme that creates melanin which helps in reducing dark spots and sun damage.
• Retinoids
The enzyme that is integral for the formation of melanin, known as tyrosinase can be mitigated by retinol which helps decrease the onset of new hyperpigmentation on the skin. Research has shown that topical retinoids are proven treatments for melasma due to their anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help with acne, which is one of the causes of hyperpigmentation, and early and aggressive treatment with retinol is encouraged (3).
• Laser Therapy
A study has shown that Laser treatments are extremely effective in the treatment of melasma and hyperpigmentation. These procedures have an intense pulsed light focused on the melanin within the hyperpigmented areas, which helps in the reduction of the same. These are administered by highly skilled practitioners and dermatologists.
• Chemical Peel
A chemical solution is applied to the layers of skin that helps in making way for the growth of new skin and reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Cryotherapy
This procedure involves liquid nitrogen that is used to freeze and eliminate any excess melanin in the hyperpigmented areas, eventually fading away from the dark spots.
• Microdermabrasion
This process involves the meticulous removal of the outer skin layer through microdermabrasion. Fine crystals are propelled onto the skin's surface at a very high velocity, followed by rapid removal through suction. This helps the quick removal of deep discolourations and the skin regenerates.
While the process of curing dark spots may seem prolonged, successful results are achievable with consistency and discipline towards the treatment routine. The home remedies and skincare routines are generally safe for everyone to use; however, the medical procedures need to be reviewed carefully by your healthcare professional. Some preventative measures for dark spots like wearing sunscreen, and protective clothing while going out and picking shade on sunny days will help prevent the forming of new dark spots or stop the existing ones from worsening.
FAQs
1. How do you fade dark spots on dark skin?
You can use topical treatments like dark spots removing cream with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, Arbutin and kojic acid.
2. How do you color correct dark spots on dark skin?
You can use orange or peach colored tone corrector.
3. What fades dark spots the fastest?
Anti-pigmentation serum fades dark spots the fastest.
4. Do dark spots fade naturally?
Yes, dark spots can fade naturally over time.
5. How to remove dark spots in 5 minutes?
It is very difficult to remove dark spots in 5 minutes, but you can use a high-quality anti-pigmentation serum to remove dark spots in a few days.
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