There are many skin issues that some people are struggling with. Among those, one of the most annoying next to breakouts is the dark spots. People who deal with hyperpigmentation know how frustrating skin discoloration can be to treat or cover-up. But there are now lots of dark spot treatments out there that many people turn to. But for some, it’s quite challenging to know where to start. It’s because when it comes to skincare treatments, there are many factors needed to be considered, such as the ingredients to look for and as well as which product can get rid of the dark spots permanently.
If you’ve been suffering from dark spots due to hyperpigmentation and are looking for effective ways to get rid of them, we’re here to help you. Today, we are giving you some of the best tips on how to get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
What Causes Dark Spots?
Before we give you the tips, let us first understand the causes of dark spots. Hyperpigmentation or dark spots are due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes. This can be triggered by various things, including hormones, sun rays, and aging. In addition to that, other factors like skin irritation, waxing, and harsh scrubs can also cause dark spots on the skin.
It is also possible for dark spots to come from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from injuries, acne, scratches, and bug bites. These can all fade naturally in a few weeks or months, but those that are caused by sun damage or melasma need topical or laser intervention if you’d like to get rid of them.
How Do You Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots Fast?
There are various ways on how to treat dark spots on the skin. However, it is also important to consult with a dermatologist, as they can tell you what type of skin discoloration you have. This way, you can determine the cause and the best treatment options for your skin.
But if you are looking for ways on how to treat them at home with products that you can easily buy, we’re here to help. Here are some of the best ingredients and products that can help in fading and getting rid of dark spots on your skin.
1. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a popular ingredient used in skin lighteners. Today, you can buy a kojic acid skin cream in stores and online, which is perfect for dark spots. For best results, it should be used in conjunction with hydroquinone. It is an antioxidant that has the ability to inhibit the production of excess pigment. Using it together with other brightening ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and tranexamic acid can significantly speed up the process, fading the dark spots faster.
However, people with sensitive skin should only use a small number of doses of kojic acid during nighttime because inflammation and irritation can be their side effects. Also, when you use topical kojic acid, the results will not be instant. You will likely see improvements in hyperpigmentation with the use of topical kojic acid within several months. If you are looking for a great product, you can try the Papaya Kojic Acid Glutathione, which is available on mybloommy.com.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can also be used as a topical antioxidant. It can help block free radicals from causing oxidative damage to the skin, which can lead to wrinkles and a dull complexion. Vitamin C also inhibits an enzymatic process that produces melanin in the skin, which can help reduce the dark coloration of the skin. In addition to that, vitamin C can also target to lighten only the problem pigmentation areas and not your whole skin. There are many vitamin C serums you can buy today. You only need to massage a few drops of it daily onto cleansed skin before you apply sunscreen in the morning.
3. Hydroquinone
When it comes to getting rid of dark spots, hydroquinone is one of the best. This ingredient can be bought over-the-counter in concentrations of 2% or less but can also be prescribed in concentrations of 4% or greater. This ingredient works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which helps in the production of melanin. The effects of hydroquinone are possible to be seen in as early as two weeks. But it is mostly seen from 8 to 12 weeks of use. This also depends on some factors, like the extent of hyperpigmentation, how long it has been there, and how deeply it penetrates.
However, like other products used on the skin, you should also be cautious as hydroquinone can cause dryness, redness, and burning, which are signs of an allergic reaction to the ingredients. It is also important to apply it to the center of the targeted area and feather toward the edges to avoid “ghosting” or the inadvertent lightening of the skin outside the affected area.
4. Glycolic Acid
Instead of using a facial scrub, which is too aggressive on the skin, it is better to opt for a chemical exfoliant or acid. Glycolic acid is one of the chemical exfoliants that you can try. It is an alpha hydroxy acid or AHA, which helps dissolve and shed the “glue” between discolored and dead skin cells. This way, you can achieve clearer, brighter, and more glowing skin.
Aside from that, exfoliating your skin chemically can also make it better in absorbing other spot treatments and brightening serums that you wish to use afterward. It can make other skincare products more effective.
5. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is another type of chemical exfoliant, and it is among the beta hydroxy acids or BHA. This is a great ingredient to treat dark spots caused by acne. In addition to helping with irritation and redness, it also helps clear excess oil from the pores. Therefore, it is a treatment and a cure in one. If you are looking into gently exfoliating your skin to get rid of dark spots, salicylic acid is a great option. There are many serums and toners out there that contain salicylic acid.
6. Retinol
Retinoids, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can work wonders when it comes to improving dark spots. Aside from that, it can also smoothen fine lines and exfoliate the skin by stimulating collagen production and speeding up cell turnover. This can churn out fresher, brighter, and newer skin.
However, you need to make sure that you start low and go slow when you use retinoids. It’s because it is also known for irritating the skin at first. What you need to do is apply it one night a week for one week, then two nights a week for two weeks. If your skin does not get irritated, then you can use it up to three nights a week for three weeks, and eventually every other night. The process may be slow, but you need to trust it to see the results.
These are some of the best ingredients and products that you can use to get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots on your skin. But remember that it is still important to consult with a dermatologist before you try using skincare products. And if you want to prevent having dark spots on your skin, one of the best ways is by always applying sunscreen to your skin. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or more can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays, which is usually the cause of dark spots for most people.
We hope the information in this article helps you find the best solution in getting rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.