What to Know About Dark Spots: Causes and Treatments
Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, on your skin, appears when certain areas begin producing higher levels of melanin than usual. Melanin is what gives your hair, skin, and eyes their color.
While there’s no reason to be worried about dark spots on your skin and treatment isn’t mandatory, some people dislike the way they look. Other names that dark spots go by include sunspots or age spots. Regardless of what you call them if you are dealing with this issue and want to know what treatment options are available, there’s good news – you will find several.
Before diving into the specific treatment options and how to find a Beverly Hills MD dark spot corrector coupon, find out more specifics about these spots.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dark Spots
Dark spots on your skin may range from a dark to light brown. The color usually depends on your skin tone. The spots keep the same texture as your skin, and they are never painful.
Dark spots may vary in size and can appear on any part of your body. They are mostly seen on the parts of your skin that are most often exposed to sunlight. These areas include (but aren’t limited to) the shoulders, back of the hands, back, and face.
If you have a darker skin complexion, a spot that’s a few shades darker than your skin will likely face away within six months to a year. If the coloration is deeper, it may take more time to fade. A deep color change may make the spot appear gray or blue; however, the spot could also be a darker shade of brown than your natural skin color.
Common Causes of Dark Spots
Several things can cause dark spots. One of the most common causes is prolonged exposure to the sun. Spots caused by the sun are often called liver spots, solar lentigines, or sunspots and usually appear after being in direct sunlight or the tanning bed.
Another potential cause is hormonal changes. For example, the skin condition melasma can cause small areas of skin discoloration. This condition is most often seen in women and particularly while they are pregnant. Hormones could cause melasma.
Some medications may increase your skin pigmentation, causing dark spots. The most common medications that cause this problem include psychotropic drugs, tetracyclines, and NSAIDs.
Other possible causes of dark spots on your skin include diabetes, irritation to your skin, inflammation, and wound healing.
Treating and Removing Dark Spots
No treatment is necessary for dark spots. However, if you don’t like how they look, you will find several treatment options.
For example, a dermatologist can offer procedures or creams that will lighten the spots. Sometimes, they can be removed. A procedure to remove the spot is more expensive than the creams, and they are more likely to cause side effects. Even though this is true, they also work faster.
Usually, the right treatment option is dependent on the size and cause of your dark spot or spots, and where it is on your body. Some treatments your dermatologist may recommend include microdermabrasion, laser treatment, cryotherapy, creams, or chemical peels.
At-Home Treatment Options for Dark Spots
Along with dermatological procedures and the use of prescription medications, you may find that home remedies are effective at fading the dark spots on your skin. For example, many over-the-counter creams are being sold to help lighten the skin. While they aren’t as reliable or fast working as the prescription options, they may still provide you with the desired benefits.
Another option is products that use natural ingredients. Some substances proven somewhat effective include mulberry, licorice extracts, and soy. While the studies related to the use of these substances for dark spots is limited, some researchers have claimed the natural treatments offered promise in helping to lighten cases of hyperpigmentation.
One study even suggested that using aloe vera gel on the area where the dark spot is located can help reduce melasma. It’s considered safe and effective for pregnant women to use, too.
Even though cosmetics cannot lighting your dark spots, they can be used to hide them. You can use a cream-based concealer to reduce the appearance of these spots.
What to Avoid When Dealing with Dark Spots
If you use an unproven and untested treatment, it could aggravate your skin. For example, never use abrasive scrubs or lemon juice. These can make the situation worse.
If you are dealing with dark spots you want gone, working with your dermatologist is best. They can provide tips to help you prevent more from appearing in the future, too. Knowing what to do and what options you have can help ensure you make an informed decision. While dark spots aren’t dangerous, getting rid of them is a top priority for many.