The chemical compound that gives color to human skin is called melanin; an excess of it can cause freckles, sunspots and other darker areas on the skin. These areas on the face, also called hyperpigmentation, are caused by exposure to sunlight, hormonal fluctuations and are the side effect of some medicines. This is not a serious condition, but if you have it, you will probably want clear, glowing skin. You can treat the underlying cause, use a chemical peel, or try a natural whitener. Read on to learn more about the causes of these spots and how to get rid of them.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Identify the Cause
Step 1. Learn about the different types of stains
Since they can be generated by many different factors, you need to recognize them in order to understand how to intervene. Here is a brief description of the three types of hyperpigmentation.
- Freckles. They are spots caused by exposure to UV rays. 90% of people over 60 have these signs, although many young women and men have them. They are distributed on the skin without a precise pattern.
- Melasma. This kind of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal changes. Some women may notice them on their cheeks during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. They can also be a side effect of the contraceptive pill and hormone therapy. Melasma can also appear in cases of thyroid dysfunction.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In this case the spots are the result of trauma to the skin (psoriasis, burns, acne and some aggressive treatments).
Step 2. Find out the cause of your spots
Once you understand what kind of problem you are dealing with, you can start appropriate treatment or change your lifestyle to prevent the signs from becoming visible. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you often go to tanning salons or do you get a lot of sun exposure? If you have a tendency to spend a lot of time in the sun and don't wear sunscreen, freckles may form. Topical treatments and sun protection are the best techniques to get rid of this type of hyperpigmentation.
- Do you suffer from any medical condition that you are treating with drugs? Are you pregnant, do you use contraceptives or take hormones? Then you may have melasma. In this case the treatment is a little more complex, but some methods could make a difference.
- Have you suffered from severe acne, had plastic surgery or had any other skin conditions? Then you may be facing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Step 3. See a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis
He is able, through a backlit magnifying glass, to analyze the skin very closely and understand what causes the dark spots. It will also conduct a physical check-up and ask you questions to understand your lifestyle and arrive at a more accurate diagnosis. The dermatologist will propose the best treatment for the spots that are already present on the face and will advise you what to do to prevent others.
- Since hyperpigmentation is a fairly common situation that many people are looking for a solution to, there are also a number of products on the market that promise to be effective and quick. A visit to the dermatologist will help you understand which active ingredients work for you and which do not.
- Some of the best treatments are only available by prescription, so here's another good reason to go to the dermatologist.
- Finally, it is very important to rule out the possibility of melanoma or another type of skin cancer as the main cause of the spots. A whole body examination at least once a year should be the rule for preventing and promptly treating skin cancers.
Part 2 of 4: Proven Effective Treatments
Step 1. Start with a manual exfoliation
If the dark spots have only been appearing for a month or two, there is a possibility that they are only affecting the surface layer of the skin. You may be able to get rid of it simply with a good face scrub. The term exfoliation means the removal of the outermost and superficial layer of the skin, bringing to the surface the underlying, fresh and young one.
- Find a cleanser with exfoliating properties that contains microparticles so you can rub it on your face. You can also make your own with ground almonds (or oatmeal) mixed with your usual cleansing milk. Apply it in circular motions.
- Electric exfoliating brushes (like Clarisonic) go deeper than a scrub. Their function is to eliminate the layer of dead cells from the face. You can find them in the pharmacy.
Step 2. Try acidic topical treatment
There are over-the-counter products but also on prescription. These are creams, lotions, ointments and gels that contain alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinoids. Their application removes the superficial layers of the skin allowing the regrowth of new and fresh cells. The skin appears younger. These treatments are indicated for all types of hyperpigmentation.
- Among the alpha-hydroxy acids we can mention glycolic acid, mandelic acid, citric lactic acid. They are mainly extracted from fruit and vegetables. They are effective in exfoliating the skin without being too aggressive on sensitive skin. They are available in the form of serums, creams, peels and moisturizing lotions.
- Beta-hydroxy acid is also known as salicylic acid. It is a common ingredient in many non-prescription medications and skin treatments. It is found in the form of cream, serum, peeling and cleansing.
- Retinoids, also known as tretinoin or retinol-A, are the acidic form of vitamin A. They are very effective in treating acne and dark spots. They can be found in gels and more concentrated formulations only on prescription.
- If you're looking for an over-the-counter product, look for one that has a combination of these ingredients: hydroquinone, cucumber, soy, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, and arbutin.
Step 3. Consider the chemical peel
If surface treatments aren't enough to fade hyperpigmentation, consider this solution as well. Chemical peels literally remove the first few layers of the skin and often contain the aforementioned acids in high concentrations. They are classified according to three levels of strength: light, medium and deep.
- Light peels usually include alpha hydroxy acids, with glycolic and lactic acid being the most commonly used. They are considered the most effective for dark spots.
- Medium peels include trichloroacetic acid. Many recommend it for the treatment of very dark spots caused by sun damage. To enjoy all the benefits, the treatment should be repeated every 2 weeks until the hyperpigmentation disappears. This method is not recommended for people with a dark complexion as it may cause many more blemishes after healing.
- Deep chemical peels use phenolic acid (or phenol) as the active ingredient. They are performed for deep wrinkles but also to repair severe sun damage. Phenol-based peels are very aggressive and are given after anesthesia. It will take several months to heal and to appreciate the first results.
Step 4. Microdermabrasion
It is a procedure that uses fine crystals to "sand" the skin and eliminate dark spots. In this way, the first layer of skin is removed and replaced by new and fresh cells. The treatment is carried out once a month for several months.
- Rely on an experienced doctor. Skin abrasion leads to irritation and possibly hyperpigmentation can even get worse. If something goes wrong, you may be very dissatisfied with the results.
- Microdermabrasion shouldn't be done too often because you need to give your skin time to heal.
Step 5. Laser treatment
Also called "pulsed light therapy", it uses rapid pulses of light that destroy pigmented cells. Darker areas absorb light and are vaporized or destroyed. The body reacts by forming a crust and then new clear and fresh skin. The laser is very effective but it is painful and expensive.
- Laser treatments are the best solution for very old stains. In fact, the hyperpigmentation that has existed for years has entered deep into the skin layers and topical treatments are not able to eliminate it.
- If you have very fair skin, 4-5 laser sessions should be enough to get rid of the spots.
Part 3 of 4: Home Remedies
Step 1. Rub the skin with citrus fruits
These fruits contain abundant vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is very useful for clearing the surface layer of the skin without causing damage. Here are some tips on how to use it.
- Squeeze the juice and dab it on your skin. For centuries, women have used lemon juice to whiten their skin, but you can also rely on orange, grapefruit or lime if you prefer. Cut the fruit in half and squeeze it over a bowl. With a cotton swab, dab the liquid on the dark spots. Wait 20 minutes, then rinse off. You can repeat the treatment 1-2 times a day.
- Make a lemon juice and honey mask. Combine the juice of half a lemon with two teaspoons of honey, mix well and spread it all over your face. Wait for it to work for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Make a citrus and milk powder scrub. Mix the citrus juice in equal parts with water and powdered milk (one teaspoon for each will suffice) and mix well. Massage the powder on your face, then rinse.
Step 2. Try Vitamin E
It is a very strong antioxidant that repairs damaged cells and strengthens healthy ones. You can use it as a topical treatment or take advantage of all its blessings by eating foods that are rich in it.
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Topical application:
massage pure vitamin E oil directly onto the spots. With daily constancy you will get good results.
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Foods:
Incorporate foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts (almonds, peanuts, pine nuts), sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, and dried apricots into your diet.
Step 3. Slice a papaya
This fruit contains an enzyme called papain which is able to exfoliate the skin and reveal a fresh, new layer of skin. Papaya also contains vitamins C and E so it is a great treatment for dark spots. Papain is much more concentrated in unripe fruit, but you can use ripe ones as well. Peel it and remove the seeds, and then try one of the following techniques:
- Slice a piece of papaya and place it on the stains you want to get rid of. Keep it on for 20-30 minutes. Repeat this procedure twice a day if you want the best results.
- Make a papaya face mask. Cut the fruit into pieces and then blend it until you get a smooth paste. Apply the cream to your face and neck. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Step 4. Try aloe vera
It is a plant with multiple benefits. It is a great moisturizer and is effective against sunburn. It is also capable of fading hyperpigmentation. If you have a plant at home, peel off a leaf and mash the gelatinous pulp in your hand and apply it to the spots. There are also commercial products, but to be sure of their effectiveness check that they are 100% aloe vera.
Step 5. Try the red onion
Onions have acidic properties that are capable of whitening the skin. They are worth using if you don't have lemon on hand. Peel a red onion, cut it into small pieces and work it in a juicer or blender. Use a cotton ball to dab the juice on the dark spots. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Part 4 of 4: Prevention
Step 1. Limit sun exposure
UV rays are the most common cause of dark spots. No matter what kind of hyperpigmentation you have, the sun only makes the situation worse. The best preventative measure is to avoid being outdoors for a long time. Here are some other tips to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays.
- Put on sunscreen; even in winter, don't forget to spread a 15 or higher protection cream on your face.
- When the sun is high and intense, wear sunglasses and a hat. Protect the rest of your face with a high factor sunscreen.
- Don't use tanning beds. Direct exposure to UV rays is dangerous for the skin (and internal organs).
- Don't sunbathe. When the tan wears off, some spots will remain.
Step 2. Check your medications
If you suffer from melasma and are on drug therapy, you can get rid of the spots by changing the type of medicine. Talk to your doctor and discuss your concerns with him. Find a solution with fewer side effects together.
Step 3. Find professional skin care treatments
Hyperpigmentation could be caused by inadequate or incorrectly conducted treatments. Deep chemical peels or plastic surgery sometimes leave unpleasant memories behind. Before undergoing any invasive treatment, make sure that the doctor / technician who will administer them is specialized and very experienced.
Step 4. Keep your hands off your face
Whenever you find a pimple on your face, don't try to squeeze, rub, or touch it. The more you touch a pimple, the greater the chances of developing a dark spot. Remember, dark spots appear when pimples fade!
Advice
- Be patient. Often, dark spots on the skin can be stubborn and it takes time for them to fade. You must apply the method you have chosen with tenacity and consistency.
- When you are dehydrated, the cell turnover in the skin slows down. Drink plenty of water to help your body fight blemishes.
Warnings
- Remember to apply a sunscreen when using any product that lightens the skin.
- Hydroquinone, a product known for its lightening effect on the skin, has been linked to cancer, pigment cell damage, dermatitis and other skin problems. Dermatologists typically don't recommend this unless all other methods have proved ineffective.
- Always follow the instructions on the package when using any stain removal medications.
- Pregnant or nursing women should not use salicylic acid.
- If you are allergic to aspirin, do not use products that contain salicylic acid.
- If you decide to undergo treatment from your doctor, dermatologist or beautician, always follow their instructions very carefully after the treatment.
- Don't expose yourself to the sun with lemon juice on your face, you'll get burned.
