How To Erase The Look Of Dark Spots
Do you notice uneven skin tone or the appearance of dark spots on your face? Cheeks that were once clear now shaded by faint brown spots? If these signs of age and sun damage are appearing on your complexion, now is the time to take steps to remove dark spots on your face. We introduce some of the best skin care ingredients to apply for uneven skin tone, as well as a few different treatments to improve the appearance of unwanted dark spots.
What are dark spots? | Ingredients | Dark Spots Skincare Routine | Professional spa treatments
What are dark spots?
According to Medical News Today, dark spots can appear from light to dark brown, depending on a person's skin tone. They vary in size, are painless, and can be anywhere, but you'll usually see them in areas that are more exposed to the sun. These dark spots shouldn't be painful. Factors like skin irritation from acne, waxing, and harsh peels can also cause dark spots. "Dark spots … are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes," says plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, M.D. in SELF magazine. That extra melanin can be triggered by hormones, the sun, and aging, she says.
Dark spots are common in the following areas:
- back of Hand
- face
- back
- Shoulders
How to get rid of dark spots: ingredients
Now that you understand what dark spots are, here are the top ingredients for treating uneven skin tone, followed by a skin care routine and some professional treatment recommendations.
Licorice root
According to this medical study, licorice root extract is an effective botanical ingredient to package your dark spots. It improves dark spots by dispersing and inhibiting melanin production. Dr. Michele Green, a certified dermatologist and RealSelf employee from New York City, explains that licorice root contains two components that help reduce discoloration, glabridin and liquiritin: "Glabridin helps tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin, which leads to pigmentation, to retrain. Liquiritin helps break down and remove melanin and pigment spots in the skin. ”Taken together, these two elements make licorice root an effective ingredient in getting rid of pigmentation.
Azelaic acid
Another natural ingredient, azelaic acid, is also effective for erasing dark spots. This acid works by inhibiting melanocytes as well as the tyrosinase enzyme. By curbing pigment production at the beginning of the process, this ingredient stops uneven skin tone, like dark spots, before it starts.
Natural hydroquinone alternatives
Eminence Organics uses African potato and tara tree ingredients that act similarly to hydroquinone, a chemical compound commonly used to lighten the skin. These two ingredients work together to inhibit the development and activity of tyrosinase. By reducing the amount of pigment produced, these ingredients stop dark spots from progressing.
vitamin C
Another ingredient that you might want to add to your arsenal is vitamin C. This study shows that vitamin C derivatives have been shown to decrease melanin synthesis, an important process in reducing the appearance of dark spots. A popular skin care ingredient, this antioxidant works not just on dark spots, but in a variety of solutions from collagen production to wrinkle prevention.
A skin care routine for dark spots
To remove the appearance of dark spots, our Product Development Director, Colette Liebermann, recommends the following products. The Stone Crop Gel Wash contains stone harvest as a cleaning agent, which improves the appearance of uneven skin tone and moisturizes the skin. It also contains chamomile to revitalize and balance the complexion and shea butter to help moisturize it.
Then you can use the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, a revitalizing toner for all skin types, especially for complexions with uneven skin tone. The mist contains stone fruit juice, which moisturizes all skin types, as well as lavender, a soothing herb. Jasmine supplies the skin with carotenoids and vitamins C and P, which also support the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel improves texture and skin tone, while Lactic Acid exfoliates and speeds up the removal of dead skin cells. Licorice root and daisy flowers brighten the appearance of your complexion. Another natural brightener in this peel is our natural hydroquinone alternative made from African potatoes and tare trees.
Now for the best part – masking! Erase the appearance of dark spots with the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot. It contains a Biocomplex2 ™, a booster of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid to improve the appearance of your complexion with a hot tingling sensation.
The Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System is a three-stage peeling and peptide system that helps you to achieve radiant skin. The set contains the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator and the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. Not only will the clarity and texture of your skin be improved, but your complexion will also look radiant.
Before applying the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream, the second to last step in reducing the appearance of dark spots is to apply the Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum. This lightweight serum contains stabilized vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The inclusion of leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, and broccoli sprouts) offers a formula rich in antioxidants for younger looking skin.
Professional spa treatments
Sometimes using the right home care ingredients is not enough when you suffer from stubborn dark spots. Professional treatment at your dermatologist, spa, or medispa can also be important to even out skin tone and remove dark spots on the face. Before booking any treatment, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor to find out which professional options will best suit your skin condition and complexion, as well as your history and current medication. Here are some of the most popular treatments for tackling stubborn dark spots:
Chemical peels
A chemical peel, which uses acid to remove the top layers of the skin, can be effective in treating uneven skin tone. Treatment can use a variety of acids, including lactic and salicylic acids.
Laser peelings or laser resurfacing
As Mayo Clinic explains, laser scrubs are targeted beams of light that are used to reduce dark spots. There are two types of laser treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatments remove thin layers of skin, while non-ablative laser treatments are less invasive and work primarily to stimulate new collagen, which helps remove some of the pigments caused by sun damage and promote the production of protein building blocks.
Intensive pulsed light therapy
With this type of non-ablative laser treatment, light energy penetrates the skin until the melanin is there. The heat breaks down the pigments, which rise to the surface of the skin as crusts or are transported away via the lymphatic system.
Microdermabrasion
In microdermabrasion, a jet of abrasive substances is aimed at the surface of the skin and removes dead skin cells. As the superficial layers of the skin are removed, dark spots appear lighter. Further advantages are faster cell renewal and increased collagen production, which also promote the appearance of healthy, even skin.
With all of these treatment options and a skin care routine, you now know how to remove dark spots on your face and are ready to address the problem. Which of the above skin care products or treatments have worked best for you? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
This article was originally written June 2017.