Dark spots or pigmentation can happen anywhere on your body, but you may be most concerned about spots on your complexion. Freckles, age spots and even scarring can stand out and cause an uneven complexion, even under makeup.
While spots are not usually an indication of anything serious, it’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your dermatologist, who can examine them and monitor your skin for any changes. Your doctor will check for a lentigo maligna, which looks like an age spot but is a warning sign for melanoma (skin cancer).
Many people with a concern for dark spots in their complexion are searching for an effective means of reducing their appearance, while others want to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The good news is that there are products today that can help restore your skin to its youthful, even-toned look. Keep reading to find out what dark spots are and how you can prevent them from cropping up in the future.
What causes dark spots on your face?
Dark spots on your face can be the result of a number of different environmental and physical factors, but the main underlying cause is hyperpigmentation, a condition in which the skin produces too much of the pigment melanin. Below are just some of the causes of dark spots on the face, and how you can preserve a bright, spot-free complexion.
Sun exposure
Too much time in the sun, or not adequately protecting your skin from aging UV rays, can speed up the production of melanin, leading to sun spots. Did you know you’re more at risk of developing spots on your complexion if you have a lighter skin tone and are prone to burning easily? Dermatologists recommend protecting your skin from the sun year-round, regardless of skin tone.
Since your face and hands are more often exposed, you’ll probably find that these are your biggest problem areas for hyperpigmentation. To keep yourself protected, try to limit your time in the sun from 10am and 2pm, when the sun is strongest and highest in the sky. Be sure, too, to apply a sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above every day, all year round, even on cloudy or overcast days.
Pollution
You may not be aware of the direct impact that environmental factors such as pollution can have on your skin. Exposure to air pollution caused by exhaust fumes and manufacturing can lead to free-radical damage and inflammation. Then result for your complexion? Hyperpigmentation. Often. particles from pollution are so small that they’re able to become embedded in the skin’s layers, causing pigment-producing cells to go into overdrive, and leading to visible dark spots on the complexion.
One way to prevent pollution-induced hyperpigmentation is to cleanse your skin as soon as you get home each day. By doing so, you wash away pollutant particles before they have the chance to sink in. Products containing antioxidants, like our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser, help clear the skin of harmful pollutants and toxins.
Acne
When a pimple finally goes away, you may think your problems are over. But acne can cause pigmentation, even after the skin has healed. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and is the skin’s natural response to inflammation and damage.
You can avoid dark spots caused by PIH by reducing the opportunity for them to appear in the first place. To keep acne at bay, make sure you’re cleansing your face twice a day, keep makeup brushes clean, and always remove your makeup before bed. While it may be tempting to pick at a blemish, doing so can cause the inflammation to last longer than it otherwise may. Anything that prolongs skin inflammation can increase your chances of post-inflammatory dark spots.
Aging
If you sunbathed frequently without sunscreen when you were younger, you may be surprised by the effect of sunlight on your skin in your 40s. Sun damage is one of the main causes of skin aging because the ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate into the skin and damage the elastic fibers that keep the skin firm and wrinkle-free.
While you can't go back in time to reduce past sun exposure, you can protect your skin from further damage by following our sun exposure tips above.
How to remove dark spots on your face
The good news is that there are many treatments available for targeting an uneven skin tone. These products contain different ingredients, each with their own benefits and instructions for use.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to reduce the number of pigmented cells, as well as reverse any damage caused by aging, leading to a reduction in dark spots. Since the body doesn’t produce this essential nutrient on its own, incorporating vitamin C skincare products into your daily routine is the best solution for brightening your complexion and minimizing the look of dark spots.
Retinol
Known for its transformative effects on the skin, retinol is a popular ingredient for reducing dark spots. Products containing retinol work by boosting your skin’s renewal process, which helps to diminish signs of aging on your complexion. Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is another way it diminishes dark spots. Not only will dark spots be reduced, but wrinkles and sagging skin will also begin to diminish, and the effects of retinol products will continue to work just as effectively over time.
If you have an uneven skin tone, consider treating it overnight. At night, the skin’s cells regenerate fastest due to the increased blood flow to the skin, helping your skin to better absorb topical treatments. Want to treat dark spots while you sleep? Check out our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Night Serum Capsules. Made with our highest dose of 20% pure Vitamin C, 100% of women saw a visible reduction in dark spots in just 4 weeks.
For skincare tips and advice take a look at our blog, or discover more about hyperpigmentation and how to prevent it.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to remove dark spots on face? ›
Laser treatments and peels
Some laser treatments target the pigment itself, while others work by removing the skin layer by layer. With this method, the darkened layers of skin are burned off. There are several different types of laser treatment. This solution works faster than topical products.
Hydroquinone is a very popular treatment for dark spots. Similar to vitamin C, it works by inhibiting melanin production. Creams that contain hydroquinone are available with a prescription. Kojic acid is another common skin lightener.
How do I remove dark spots on my face naturally? ›- Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container.
- Apply to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes.
- Rinse using lukewarm water.
- Repeat twice daily you achieve the results you desire.
- Drink Plenty Of Water. Drinking plenty of water can do wonders to your skin. ...
- Lemon Juice And Yogurt Face Mask. We all know that lemons have a number of benefits. ...
- Buttermilk. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Tomatoes. ...
- Papaya. ...
- Honey.
Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.
Do dark spots go away? ›Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Can baking soda remove dark spots? ›Does baking soda help remove dark spots? A. Owing to its bleaching properties, baking soda can help fade away black marks and spots on the skin. However, it's important that you mix baking soda with other natural ingredients as it can be harsh on your skin if used topically.
Does Colgate remove dark spots? ›Colgate can get rid of pimples and dark spots
Dabbing a little bit of classic Colgate on the pimple and leaving it to dry overnight will help to dry it up and reduce the swelling around it. Remember to moisturise your skin in the morning though! Colgate can also help to clear any dark spots you might have.
The hydrogen peroxide helps moisten age spots to dissolve them without damaging surrounding skin. Some people need more than one treatment in order to dissolve an age spot completely, especially if it's large or very dark.
How can I remove dark spots in 5 minutes at home? ›- Nov 21, 2020. Home remedies to get rid of dark spots. ...
- Potato. Grate a potato and mix it with 1 teaspoon honey. ...
- Buttermilk. Take 4 teaspoons of buttermilk and mix it with 2 teaspoons of tomato juice. ...
- Lemon juice. Squeeze out some fresh lemon juice and rub it on your dark spots. ...
- Oatmeal. ...
- Milk. ...
- Aloe vera. ...
- Turmeric.
Do any dark spot removers work? ›
Some of the most effective active ingredients to treat dark spots are acids — like tranexamic, glycolic and kojic acids. “Retinoids can also treat dark spots by accelerating cell turnover,” he adds.
Can dark spots on face be removed? ›Buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps remove dead skin and lightens the dark spots. Apply buttermilk directly on the dark spots on your face with the help of cotton. Keep it for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with clean water and see the results.
What color gets rid of dark spots on face? ›Typically, yellow is the most neutralizing, but orange or green might tackle under-eye spots or sun damage better. Your best bet is to start with yellow or purple and experiment until you find the right combination for your skin. One area of your face may require a different shade than another.
What makes dark spots worse? ›Your skin has a protective layer called the acidic mantle. If you wash or exfoliate too much, it upsets the balance, causing your skin to dry out. Dryness and irritation can actually trigger an overproduction of melanin, worsening the dark spots that you are attempting to treat.
What vitamin helps clear dark spots? ›Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
Why my dark spots won't go away? ›More inflammation in the skin can make PIH more noticeable (in size and color). Its root cause is increased melanin production; the inflammation triggers the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to release more pigment. This darkens and discolors the affected area, lingering after the blemish or wound has healed.
Will apple cider vinegar remove dark spots? ›Apple cider vinegar for dark spots
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that may help lighten skin pigmentation and improve the overall appearance of your skin. To use this remedy you need to mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Apply to your dark patches and leave on 5 to 7 minutes.
Fade Blemishes & Discoloration
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. Over time this treatment will lighten those spots and make them much less noticeable.
Can toothpaste remove dark spots? 'To a certain extent, yes,' Dr Ward surprisingly tells us. 'It has long been known that putting toothpaste on spots will help to dry them out and zap them up.
Does Vaseline help with dark spots? ›So to answer if vaseline removes dark spots - No, regular Vaseline is just petroleum jelly that seals in moisture and doesn't contain any ingredient that would remove dark spots.
Is witch hazel good for dark spots? ›
Yes. Since witch hazel is a natural astringent it helps in the treatment of bruises, reduces pigmentation and calms redness on the skin. It helps in skin brightening and reducing age spots.
Will peroxide lighten dark spots on face? ›Because hydrogen peroxide has very strong bleaching properties, it can lighten dark skin areas such as dark spots caused by sun damage, aging, scars or hormonal changes.
Is it OK to put hydrogen peroxide on your face? ›Hydrogen peroxide used to be a popular antiseptic for cleaning wounds and treating acne. But it's not a good idea to use it for those purposes, since it can irritate your skin.
What is the easiest way to get rid of spots at home? ›Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin). After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball. Let it sit for 5 to 20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry. Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as needed.
How do you get rid of a spot in 2 hours? ›- 6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast. ...
- Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
- Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
- Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
- Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
- Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
- Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.
Apply the paste on the dark spots and leave it for 15 minutes. Allow it to dry and then wash off with cold water.
What vitamin gets rid of dark spots? ›Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
How to get rid of dark spots with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›With baking soda:
Take one spoon of baking soda and one spoon of hydrogen peroxide and mix them in a bowl. Pat your face dry and apply it all over your face. Let it dry for at least 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.