Wearing SPF 30 sunscreen could help prevent aging spots from getting darker in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, that won’t help existing dark spots on the face fade. Instead, you need a plan to eliminate dark spots altogether. Looking for dark spot removal tips? Keep reading!
Here are a few topical treatments, cosmetic procedures, and home remedies that might help. With these tips, you could eliminate dark spots on your face for good.
Discover how to remove dark spots from your skin with these simple solutions today for Dark Spot Removal.
What Causes Dark Spots?
Before we discuss how to eliminate dark spots on the face, let’s answer a question that’s likely on your mind.
What are the dark spots on my face?
Dark spots are usually the result of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. It can develop when the body produces too much melanin.
Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color.
However, you can also experience hyperpigmentation due to scarring, aging, and sun exposure. Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy can cause spots to form, too.
Over time, skin damage can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH develops due to:
- Ingrown hairs
- Acne
- Bites, cuts, and burns
- Harsh skincare products
- Scarring from psoriasis or other conditions
- Excessive or incorrect hair removal techniques
For the most part, dark spots are harmless. However, many people want to reduce the appearance of dark spots on the face.
Dark Spot Removal Topical Treatments
If you want to remove the dark spots on your face, consider using over-the-counter products. Certain ingredients can help spots fade, including:
- Azelaic acid
- Vitamin C
- Retinoids
- Chemical exfoliants
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of each product. Otherwise, talk to your dermatologist. They’ll let you know if there are any potential pros and cons of using each product.
Kojic acid is a popular treatment for hyperpigmentation. However, it could possibly cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. It’s not as effective as other treatment options, either.
In one study, researchers compared using kojic acid versus hydroquinone for people with melasma. The study concluded that hydroquinone was more effective.
Hydroquinone is another popular ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation. It can help by reducing the production of melanin. However, over-the-counter products won’t have as much hydroquinone as prescription products.
It’s also important to note that hydroquinone could cause cancer in rats. Scientists haven’t proven that it occurs in humans, though.
Hydroquinone might cause irritation, especially if you use higher concentrations. It could lighten the skin around your dark spots, too. Make sure to consult a dermatologist and apply with care.
You might want to try retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, instead. Retinoids can increase the turnover of new skin cells. This process could help eliminate dark spots on your face with time.
You might try a professional-strength retinoid like tretinoin if you have severe hyperpigmentation. However, it can take 3 to 6 months to work.
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, are acids that dissolve the top layer of your skin cells. You can try alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acid) or beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid).
Consult your dermatologist before trying a topical solution.
Dark Spot Removal Cosmetic Procedures
You might find that cosmetic procedures are more effective dark spot remover treatment options. If your topical solutions don’t work, consider one of these cosmetic procedures.
Make sure to request these procedures from a trained, licensed professional. A skin rejuvenation treatment like a chemical peel might help.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels contain acids and other compounds that are applied to your face as a mask. Over a week, the peel will turn over the top layers of your dead skin. This process can help exfoliate the skin.
At the same time, it can help reveal a new, smoother layer.
Regular chemical peels might help reduce dark spots on the face. They’re also beneficial for reducing the appearance of acne, wrinkles, and scars.
Make sure a trained professional applies your chemical peel. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment can combine light and the power of technology to rejuvenate your skin. This treatment option works well for certain types of dark age spots.
The treatment works by delimiting a bright light through a laser. The dark spot absorbs the light, allowing the spot to fade.
You might also consider laser treatment if you have scars.
After treatment new cells will grow, revealing smoother skin.
A single treatment can help remove several dark spots. If you have deeper damage, however, you might require more than one treatment.
Microdermabrasion
If you have a lighter, mild case of hyperpigmentation, talk to your medspa provider about microdermabrasion.
This form of treatment involves using a rapidly rotating device that will “sand” the skin. It can treat the top layer of your skin to remove dead skin cells. The process can reveal a smoother layer.
Microneedling
You can also talk to your medspa provider about microneedling. Microneedling involves a device with several tiny needles. The needles will puncture the top layer of your skin gently.
The process can help rejuvenate the top layer of your skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and spots.
You can also ask about RF microneedling. The needles will enter the skin cool while letting out a radiofrequency current. Then, the needles will slowly heat the collagen under your skin.
Dark Spot Removal Home Remedies
You can also talk with your medspa provider about remedies you can use to treat hyperpigmentation at home. For example, you can try:
- Lemon juice
- Turmeric
- Tea tree oil
- Pomegranate extract
- Licorice root
- Beta carotene
- Aloe Vera gel
- Green tea
- Soy milk
However, there’s limited evidence to back up claims that these options work.
Otherwise, make sure to know what to avoid. For example, you shouldn’t use liquid bleach on the skin. Avoid products that contain mercury (sometimes listed as hydrargyri oxydum rubrum or cinnabaris).
Make sure to consult your dermatologist or a professional first.
Eliminating Dark Spots on the Face: Procedures, Treatments, and More
Sometimes, hyperpigmentation can fade on its own in time. If you want to remove dark spots on the face, consider these treatment options. Visit an experienced team at your local medpa to get started.
Interested in skin rejuvenation options to get rid of your dark spots? We can help.
Request a consultation with our team today to get started.