How to Get Rid of Dark Spots

Busy trying to cover those dark spots with foundation and concealer? You’re not alone. Many men and women are plagued with black and brown spots or patches on their face and body. Even though these dark spots are only superficial and don’t cause pain, they can be hard to get rid of, and some can lead to serious skin conditions. To help your skin become clear and healthy, start by learning what causes these pesky spots. From there, you can learn how to treat them with natural active ingredients that can be found in your skin care routine.

At the height of summer, who can resist sunbathing by the pool? While you’re relaxing (and bronzing), sun exposure is riddling your smooth skin with sun spots. They become darker as skin is exposed to more UV rays – that means the more time you spend outside, the darker they get. When preventive measures aren’t used, these small spots on the skin’s top layer will eventually group together, to form larger areas of discoloration on skin.

Depending on our ethnic background, lifestyle, and skin type, some people are at higher risk when it comes to sun-related skin problems. For example, fair-skinned people have a higher chance of getting sun spots (and other skin damage) due to the composition of their skin pigments. Not surprisingly, people who enjoy outdoor activities are also more likely to have sun spots than those indoors, due to prolonged exposure to UV rays.

Those taking particular medications may also need to take extra care in the sun, as their skin can be sensitized and more prone to sun damage. The same effects can be caused by chemical peels, concentrated alpha hydroxy acids, and potent retinol treatments. Sensitized and sensitive skin are both more delicate, and therefore more vulnerable to the ravaging damage of UV rays.

Also known as ‘liver spots’, these dark spots are more common for people over 50, and show up as one of the common signs of aging. However, sun exposure is still the main cause of age spots. A lack of sun protection will definitely have its repercussions, though they may not show right away. But as we age, our skin loses strength and elasticity, and signs of sun damage and signs of aging become more apparent.

While it’s not the most frequently identified cause, severe acne can be a major cause of dark spots. Acne, especially cystic acne that develops deep within the skin, can leave dark spots from scarring even after the blemishes are gone. This type of scarring develops because of the damage to skin from deep-set acne, but can be made worse by picking, popping, or squeezing the blemishes. This is why acne spot treatments with salicylic acid are arguably one of the top products in the acne skin care market.

As we’ve explained, the causes of dark spots can range from hereditary skin conditions to skin damage to signs of aging. Whether you’re dealing with the sun spots you get from a beach day, or the hyperpigmentation left after popping a pimple, your dark spots can be still be improved with strong, natural ingredients.

Face Cleanser for Dark Spots
Both nopal cactus and yuzu citrus are effective, natural skin lighteners in our Nopal Cactus Cleanser. Nopal cactus and yuzu both contain high percentages of vitamin C, which is known for its ability to stimulate cellular turnover and lighten dark spots. The benefit here is an increased rate for turning over hyperpigmented skin and replacing it with newer, brighter layers of skin.

PRO TIP: You should also gently exfoliate with a natural face scrub 1-3 times per week, to keep dead layers of skin from building up and worsening the appearance of dark spots.

Face Moisturizer for Dark Spots
You can find organic, cold-pressed hippophae rhamnoides oil (seaberry oil) in our Seaberry Moisturizer. This antioxidant-rich ingredient is a naturally reparative tool for sun damage and hyperpigmentation on skin. Using it AM and PM will help to lessen the appearance of dark spots and other signs of aging, like wrinkles and dullness.

Face Oil for Dark Spots
You can add more nourishment to your skin using our Restorative Facial Oil, which contains a combination of cold-pressed oils that promote healthier skin. Organic rosehip oil is the star ingredient in this blend; rosehip oil improves skin tone and pigmentation, making it amazing for scar lightening and repair. While sun exposure and aging lead to lose in collagen in our skin, the vitamins and fatty acids in organic rosehip oil help to regenerate skin cell while giving luxurious nourishment.

Now that you’ve have the right products to fight dark spots, incorporate these tips to prevent any further chances of getting them!

Wear Sunscreen
Sun exposure is the leading cause of dark spots and signs of aging, so regular use of SPF is crucial for preventing and getting rid of dark spots. Sunscreen should be a staple in your routine, even on a cloudy or overcast day. Look for a sunscreen with the term “broad spectrum” on the label, provide protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

While certain formulas will market longer wearability, continue to reapply your sunscreen every 80 minutes or sooner. Since melanin (the pigment that powers dark spots) is your skin’s protective response to UV exposure, any excessive sunlight can lead to an increase of dark spots while darkening your current ones. So remember to wear sun protection now, and you’ll be rewarded later with a younger, more youthful complexion.

Limit Sun Exposure
We’re not asking you to adopt the vampire lifestyle, but it’s important to realize that although sunscreen can block more than 90% of UV rays, there are still chances of sun damage. Do your best to stay away from direct sunlight, especially during the sunniest hours of the day.

If you’re enjoying a day in the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses for as much skin protection as possible. If you’re dying to get a tan, make sure to wear sunscreen and build your tan slowly, with shorter sessions in the sun rather than one long stretch.

Eat the Right Foods
Food is one of the best sources of skin nutrition. We already know how to choose food that can boost our internal health, so why not eat foods that are good for skin, too? Foods like berries, nuts, and green tea are packed with antioxidants that can boost your immune system and slow signs of aging, including age spots. Regular consumption will help your skin tolerate more UV exposure from within.

While it may not be possible to get rid of dark spots completely, there are certainly ways to manage them naturally. Both lifestyle tweaks and changes to your beauty routine can reduce the side effects of UV exposure, without having to invest in expensive laser treatments and harsh chemicals. Keep up with us here for more natural skin care guides!