3 Ways To Remove Dark Spots On Your Face According To Dermatologists

By Vanessa Richards

January 10, 2024   •   Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

dark spots on your face

Everyone desires to have a flawless face that is completely free of any spots. And why on earth not? After all, every one of us fantasizes about having a flawless appearance.

We have now been daydreaming about having crystal-clear skin! And we have tried a wide variety of treatments in an effort to get rid of those little spots. In spite of everything, those black patches might often be quite resistant to treatment.

Although dark spots may emerge at any stage, the middle years of life are often when people first notice them.

In most cases, they are the consequence of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either naturally occurring in sunshine or artificially produced in tanning salons. Sun-exposed regions, such as the face, are more likely to develop dark patches.

Additionally, the spots are linked to certain skin diseases and might be a secondary effect of certain treatments.

Symptoms of Dark Spots On Your Face

Dark Spots On Face
Photo: Pexels

Dark spots are normally innocuous, but there are situations when they might be malignant. Therefore, if you have any unusual symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor.

Even though the spots aren’t harmful, if they cause skin irritation, they may frequently be lessened or removed. Spots on the skin may vary from pale to dark brown or black in appearance. They are flattened and often oval-shaped.

They may occur anywhere on the body but are more common in areas that are often exposed to sunlight. These include the face, hands, arms, shoulders, and back.

While most spots are rather tiny on their own, sometimes they cluster together to create bigger regions of uneven skin tone.

3 Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Face

Scarring, age spots, freckles, and other skin conditions are just some of the numerous reasons that may contribute to an uneven complexion. Even while it isn’t harmful, having uneven skin may encourage some individuals to experiment with different skin-whitening solutions.

Numerous treatments and remedies on the market claim to lighten the appearance of the skin, but not all of them are made equal, and some of them might even be hazardous.

If you discover that you desire a more even complexion, knowing what to look for will help you pick a safe choice to help you achieve that goal.

1. Topical Treatments

Some of the topical bleaching creams help to fade dark spots and give you a clear skin tone. These topicals contain hydroquinone, retinoids, AHA, glycolic acid, or kojic acid as their active ingredient.

Hydroquinone Creams and Serums

Topical treatments containing hydroquinone are perhaps the most widely used method to treat dark spots. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modified the status of hydroquinone so that it could no longer be purchased without a prescription. Prior to this change, hydroquinone was sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

People should only use products that contain hydroquinone for skin discoloration for a very limited period, if at all. Moreover, it is important to consult a doctor – particularly if you have dark spots on sensitive skin.

Stop taking it immediately if you notice any negative effects, including irritation, unusually darker skin tones, or any other kind of reaction. Some of the products that we highly recommend include the following:

A. Best Serum To Achieve A Radiant Skin: Hydrossential

When it comes to skincare, you want to know that you are using products that are safe and pure. The Hydrossential serum is just that. It is made with natural ingredients that are sourced from local growers.

These growers let plants naturally reach their full maturity and use no chemical treatments. The result is a product that is safe for your skin and free of dangerous chemicals and toxins.

Shop Hydrossential at the Official Website.

Full Article: Hydrossential Reviews 2022: Does it Really Work?

B. Instant Line Smoother for Quick Action: CyaBags 5th and Glow

Dark Spots On Face

The anti-aging components in this instant line smoother may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles immediately after application. Moreover, it helps dark spots that appear on the face as a result of sun exposure.

If you use it during peak sun hours, the UV light from the sun might protect your skin color and prevent darkening.

Shop Cyabags at the Official Website.

Full Article: Cyabags 5th and Glow Reviews 2022: Does it Really Work?

Retinoid Solutions

Vitamin A is the parent compound from which retinoids are derived. They speed up the production of new skin cells, which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.

In cases of extreme hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure, medical professionals may decide to prescribe a retinoid, such as tretinoin. The effects of these products may not be seen for three to six months.

The higher the concentration of the retinoid, the greater the likelihood that it may produce discomfort. Given the risk that vitamin A can contribute to the development of birth defects, pregnancies should avoid using any products that contain retinoids.

Because retinoids make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, it is essential to apply sunscreen with a sufficient sun protection factor (SPF) to the face on a daily basis when taking retinoids. Some of the best skin-lightening products that contain retinoids are as follows:

Vitamin C

Many skin-lightening products contain Vitamin C due to its ability to prevent melanin formation, which makes it useful for treating dark skin tones and fading dark spots. It also has the potential to help brighten the look of your skin. Following Vitamin C products are best for removing dark marks and acne scars.

A. Best Potent Serum: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Dark Spots On Face

A healthy and radiant complexion is important for everyone, which is why they created a vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid to help improve skin tone, texture, and hydration. This lightweight serum has a gel texture that quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.

In addition to vitamin c, this facial serum also contains three essential ceramides that help to restore and maintain the skin barrier. Ceramides are essential for locking in moisture and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.

With regular use, this vitamin c serum will leave your skin looking and feeling its best.

Shop at Amazon Official Store

B. Best Medically Tested: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Dark Spots On Face

This is truly a revolutionary product. Not only does it maximize the potency of its delicate ingredients, but it also keeps the formula fresh. This vitamin C serum is packed with a powerful antioxidant complex of 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E to reveal a brighter, firmer, and more even-looking complexion.

In addition, the powerful and soothing formula helps enzymatically dissolve surface dead skin cells as it hydrates and soothes. As a result, the appearance of signs of aging and photodamage are noticeably diminished, replaced by incredible radiance and luminosity.

Shop at Amazon Official Store

Antioxidant Serums

The levels of vitamin C in the skin may become reduced when there is an overwhelming exposure to oxidative stress, which can be caused by pollution or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

Sunlight may be harmful since it can generate free radicals. These are atoms that lack an electron in their structure.

Free radicals look for other atoms from which they can “take” an electron, which may cause substantial damage to the skin since it exposes it to more oxidative stress.

Antioxidants are found in high concentrations in topical vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent damage to healthy cells by “donating” free radicals with one electron, which neutralizes the harmful effects of the radicals.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid may lighten skin that has been stained by melanin because it has the same feature that makes it beneficial for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This allows it to treat both conditions simultaneously. If you have patchy or blotchy skin, azelaic acid may help in skin lightening.

Kojic Acid

Another common therapy for hyperpigmentation is the use of kojic acid. On the other hand, its efficacy may not compare well to that of other therapies.

The treatment of melasma with kojic acid and hydroquinone is super effective for treating dark spots. Because kojic acid has the potential to irritate delicate skin, it is possible that it is not appropriate for all users.

Soya

There is some evidence that treatments containing certain natural substances may help lighten black spots on the skin. These include soya, mulberry, licorice extracts, and niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Natural therapies are promising in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

2. Cosmetic Procedures

Different cosmetic procedures are available to lighten dark spots on any body part. These include laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc.

Laser Treatments and Peels

Another option to treat dark skin tones due to sun exposure is laser treatment. Laser therapy, which utilizes focused light energy, is an alternative that is considered to be harsher than other options to fade dark spots.

While some laser treatments concentrate on eliminating the pigment directly, others operate by peeling away the top layers of skin one by one. This leads to evenly toned skin beneath.

Using this technique, the layers of the skin that have become darker are removed by burning.

This approach works more quickly than products that are applied topically. However, there are dangers involved. You could feel the following after having laser skin lightening done:

  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Tightness
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Changes in the texture of the upper skin layer

Chemical Exfoliators

Chemical peels are used as chemical exfoliants, which exfoliate the skin by removing the top layer. This might lead to the underlying skin being healthier and more uniformly toned as a consequence. However, inflammation of the skin is a danger that may be considered.

Some of the most commonly used chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and help you get rid of dark spots include the following:

  • Salicylic acid
  • Glycolic acid
  • Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
  • Mandelic acid
  • Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)
  • Lactic acid
  • Azelaic acid

Physical Exfoliators

The process of physical exfoliation is known as microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion may be performed in two different ways. Both options include the manual exfoliation of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.

Crystal microdermabrasion is a kind of exfoliation that removes dull skin cells by using a wand that rubs against the skin and tiny crystals that are sprayed from a machine.

Instead of using a diamond tip, the abrasive end of a wand is utilized for this reason while performing diamond-tipped microdermabrasion.

These methods are regarded to have minimal risk, even though the skin may remain pink for some time following. You should consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss the options.

3. Skin Supplements

Skin supplements are important to treat existing dark spots and prevent them from recurring. Taking Vitamin C and Vitamin B3 supplements is a good way to prevent facial melasma and dark spots. However, don’t forget to consult your doctor before starting any supplements.

Some of the skin supplements that you can try and discuss with your dermatologist include the following:

A. Best in Restoring Youthful Glow: HydraLyft

Dark Spots On Face

This is a skincare product that aids in restoring the health of the skin by lowering enzymes that break down collagen into MMP-1. This is accomplished by the product’s inclusion of hyaluronic acid.

Utilizing natural extract facilitates the recovery of the skin from swelling as well as damaged skin cells. In this way, it reverses the damage caused by UV exposure and helps reduce skin pigment leading to spots on the face.

Shop HydraLyft at the Official Website.

Full Article: HydraLyft Reviews 2022: Does it Really Work?

B. Best Glutathione-Inducing Supplement: GRS Ultra

Dark Spots On Face

This supplement helps the body produce more glutathione and slows down the effects of aging to a lesser extent. Because it includes components that have antioxidative characteristics and helps eliminate toxins from your body, GRS Ultra is good for treating skin conditions.

Shop GRS Ultra at the Official Website.

Full Article: GRS Ultra Reviews 2022: Does it Really Work?

C. Best Supplement To Achieve A Holistic Healthy Skin: Derma Prime Plus

Dark Spots On Face

This is an amazing supplement that is super effective and all-natural. Hence, while you treat your skin condition due to increased melanin production, you don’t have to worry about the side effects. It will hasten the healing process, remove existing spots, and prevent more from occurring.

Shop Derma Prime Plus at the Official Website.

Full Article: Derma Prime Plus Reviews 2022: Does it Really Work?

Causes Of Dark Spots

Dark Spots On Face
Photo: Pexels

Black patches may be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:

Sun damage

Individuals can acquire dark spots after being exposed to the sun or tanning beds. These spots go by a variety of names, including sunspots, solar lentigines, and liver spots.

Hormonal changes

Melasma is a skin disorder that causes the darkening of the skin in the form of discrete patches. Women, particularly pregnant women, are more likely to suffer from this illness than males.

Side effects of medications

Some pharmaceuticals have been linked to a rise in hyperpigmentation and the development of black patches. Tetracyclines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (also known as NSAIDs), and psychiatric drugs are the most likely offenders in this scenario.

Inflammation

A history of inflammatory skin may result in the development of dark patches. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis are just some of the skin conditions that may lead to inflammation, along with other potential causes, such as trauma to the skin.

Irritation

Products intended for the skin or hair intended for cosmetic use might irritate the skin, leading to the development of black spots.

Diabetes

Diabetes may cause regions of the skin to darken, leading to a more uneven appearance.

Preventing Dark Spots

Several things may be done to lessen the likelihood of black spots and avoid their darkening:

  • Make sure you always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days.
  • Additional skin protection may be achieved by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Acne and other skin problems that might irritate should be treated as soon as possible.
  • Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it is at its peak intensity.

Conclusion

Dark spots may gradually go away on their own after some time. Both over-the-counter (OTC) remedies and prescription medications may safely remove regions of discoloration.

A person’s skin type, tone, and the underlying reason for their hyperpigmentation are all factors that a dermatologist would consider when providing advice on the most effective treatments.

Individuals must see a medical professional without delay if preexisting black spots expand, transform, or proliferate.

So, consult your dermatologist for dark spots and choose the best therapy for you.

>>Related Article: 13 Ways How to Get Clear Skin: Dermatologist-Approved Tips

Dark Spots On Face FAQs

Does sun exposure cause dark spots?

Yes, sun exposure can lead to increase oxidative stress, which might cause dark spots on the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to wear normal or tinted sunscreen when outside.

Are dark spots because of dead skin cells?

Over time, dead cells make skin dull and darker. The buildup causes blemishes, dark spots, and fine wrinkles. With age, the normal skin cycle slows, causing dead skin cell accumulation and a dark, dreary look.

Vanessa Richards

Vanessa is a mom of 3 lovely children and a software geek. Outside of her career as a health and wellness instructor. She enjoys writing and researching on topics such as finance, software, health and culinary.

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