No one enjoys having dark spots on their face however, dark spots or hyperpigmentation will steal the show on your face due to various reasons.
There could be dark spots from sun exposure, called sun spots or Lentigines, there could be dark spots from Oral contraceptives or hormonal imbalance or due to pregnancy called Melasma.
According to Medical News Today, Dark spots on the face can result from hyperpigmentation, when the skin produces too much melanin. Various medical and cosmetic treatments and home remedies may help remove or reduce them. They argue that many dark spots are harmless. However, if a person wants to reduce their appearance, they can usually do so by using topical treatments.
Healthline suggests these tips on how you can fade dark spots:
Hydroquinone creams and serums
Perhaps the most popular solution for skin lightening on a spot-by-spot basis is topical solutions containing hydroquinone.
It’s recommended that people only use products containing hydroquinone on a short-term basis, if at all. If you experience irritation, unusual darkening of the skin, or any other side effects, stop using it immediately.
Retinoid solutions
Products like Retin-A and Renova are an alternate solution. They contain retinoic acid, which works to increase cell turnover, speed up exfoliation, and promote new, healthy skin growth.
Laser treatments and peels
A more aggressive option for lightening dark spots is laser treatment, which uses concentrated light energy. Some laser treatments target the pigment itself, while others work by removing the skin layer by layer.
However, it is important to note that with laser skin lightening, you may experience:
- swelling
- redness
- tightness
- scarring
- infection
- changes in the skin’s texture
Chemical exfoliators
Chemical exfoliating products typically use various types of gentle acids to break up dead skin cells, or the top layer of the skin. Removing this layer can help reveal healthier and more evenly toned skin beneath.
Also see: Break the myth: Darker skin can be affected by the sun
