If you have small dark spots, brown spots or marks on your face, then believe me you are not alone. Many girls at some point of time have to face the marks left after pigmentation or pimples.
Sometimes after the pimple heals, a big scar remains at the same place, sometimes due to sunlight, the color of the skin starts changing and sometimes due to change in hormones, pigmentation appears on the face.
The good thing is that many dark spots can be lightened with skincare, for this, instead of harsh home remedies, proper skincare is better & more important.
Today we will understand in simple words what Dark spots are, why they are formed and which habits can be included in our routine to improve their appearance.
What are Dark Spots?
Dark spots, commonly known as Hyperpigmentation, cause a part of the skin to appear darker than the surrounding skin.
These spots can be light brown, dark brown or even tawny in color. These spots can be seen not only on the face but also on the hands and neck.
The skin gets its natural color from melanin. When the Melanin present in the skin becomes too much or starts accumulating at a particular place, it can appear as a grayish or dark spot.
Why do dark spots occur?
There can be many reasons for dark spots and every person’s skin is different.
1. Dark Spots left behind after pimples
This is a very common reason, when after the pimple heals, a post-inflammatory or brown mark remains at this place, then it can be called hyperpigmentation.
If we repeatedly touch and press the pimple then the wound and irritation may increase which may later make the mark more visible. It is better to let the pimple heal.
2. Sunlight
Sunlight can cause pigmentation. If you go out every day and don’t give your skin the proper treatment, existing dark spots can appear darker.
That’s why sunscreen should not be reserved only for summer or special occasions.
3. Rubbing the skin excessively
Sometimes while cleaning the face, we rub too much or use scrub frequently. This can cause irritation and damage to the skin, it is important to be gentle with the face.
4. Hormonal changes
Due to hormones, facial pigmentation occurs in women & dark patches can be seen around the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. If necessary, a dermatologist can be consulted to find out the reason for such pigmentation.
5. Irritation from skincare products
Not every product suits every skin. If you feel irritation on the skin after using a cream, scrub or other product, then continuing to use it causes itching. Sometimes in our efforts to eliminate dark spots, we end up spoiling our skin.
Easy methods to reduce dark spots
Now let’s talk about easy and safe methods which you can include in your daily skincare routine.
1. Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine
If you want to adopt one good habit when it comes to dark spots, then sunscreen is very important.
Use broad spectrum sunscreen after your skincare routine in the morning. If you stay outside for a long time, reapply as per the product’s instructions.
Sunscreen can prevent sun-related pigmentation from getting darker.
2. Be gentle with the face
Avoid using the scrub daily and also avoid rubbing your face.
While washing the face, do it gently instead of rubbing it too hard. Cleaning the skin does not mean that it is necessary to rub it with force.
3. Avoid squeezing pimples
I know that when a pimple appears on the face, it is very tempting to squeeze it, but try not to do so because it can cause irritation on the pimple, after which the number of marks can increase. If you get acne again and again, instead of giving attention only to dark spots, it is important to manage acne also.
4. Use Aloe Vera carefully
Aloe Vera may reduce dark spots but it is not a magic cure for dark spots.
If you want to use aloe vera gel, then always try it first on a small area of the skin.
If there is itching, redness or irritation, stop using it.
5. Do not apply lemon directly on the face
This is especially important to remember.
You will find many home remedies on the internet to use lime juice for dark spots, but it is not advisable to apply the real lime juice on the face.
It can cause irritation on the skin which can also lead to the issue of pigmentation. Remember, if something is natural it does not mean that it is safe for everyone’s skin.
6. Take care of the skin moisture barrier
Keeping the skin barrier healthy is always an important part of skincare.
Some skincare products can cause irritation, so use skincare products according to your skin type. Use a simple moisturizer. Avoid using too many new products at one time.
7. Be Patient
Dark spots do not disappear overnight, especially old spots, it takes time to lighten, so it is not a good idea to switch to a new product every few days or try some free home remedies.
Simple Routine + Sunscreen + Consistency = Better Skincare
What to avoid for dark spots?
Harming the skin while trying to remove dark spots is not beneficial at all.
Avoid these things:
- Applying lemon juice on the face
- Using harsh remedies, such as baking soda
- Rubbing the skin hard
- Squeezing the pimples
- Excessive exfoliation
- Trying a new skincare product every few days
- Using products that cause irritation and redness
- Ignoring sunscreen
If after using a product your skin starts burning, becomes very red or starts itching continuously, then do not keep using it just because you have to tolerate some discomfort to get the result.
Irritation is not always a sign of good results in skincare.
When should one consult a dermatologist?
If pigmentation is increasing rapidly and there is a noticeable change in an existing spot, or if you are feeling irritation after using any product, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.
Want to learn more about Glass Skin? Read our guide on Korean Glass Skin
FAQs
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots can develop due to pimples, sunlight, skin irritation, rubbing, hormonal changes.
Can sunscreen help with dark spots?
Yes, sunscreen helps protect the skin and prevents dark spots from becoming darker.
Can lemon remove dark spots?
It is better to avoid applying lemon on the face as it can cause irritation on the skin.
Does squeezing pimples cause dark spots?
Squeezing pimples can increase irritation and may leave darker marks.
Do dark spots disappear overnight?
No, dark spots usually take time to lighten so consistency is important.
Can scrubbing remove dark spots?
Harsh and frequent scrubbing can irritate the skin so it’s better to be gentle with the skin.
In the End
To be honest, we do not need to fight with our pimples due to dark spots.
Skin care is not magic that gives results in one night. Give your skin some time and make your own routine which suits you.
And remember Your natural skin is beautiful too.
Dark spots are not a mark of your beauty.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Bolo Hoor is not a medical institution. If you have a skin, hair, or eye concern, consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional.