Dark Spots on Skin: Breaking Down Causes, Treatments and Prevention Tips - Dr Prateek Chauhan
What are dark spots?
Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, occur when excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, causes certain areas to appear darker than the surrounding skin.
These spots can vary in size and are typically found on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, shoulders, and hands.
How to Identify and Treat Dark Spots on Your Skin?
Have you ever noticed stubborn patches on your skin that won’t seem to fade, no matter how much you try to maintain an even, glowing complexion?
Dark spots can be those pesky visitors on your skin, showing up unexpectedly and lingering longer than you'd like.
Whether caused by sun exposure, hormonal shifts, or simply the passage of time, understanding the reasons behind these spots is the first step in treating and preventing them.
Let’s dive into what causes dark spots and explore effective ways to achieve clearer, brighter skin.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots can form due to various factors:
1. Sun exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, which may lead to sun spots or age spots.
2. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy or the use of birth control can trigger melasma, a common form of dark spots.
3. Skin inflammation: Conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots after the skin heals.
4. Medication side effects: Some medications can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, making it more prone to dark spots.
5. Genetics: Our genes play a significant role in skin tone, with up to 125 genes influencing how much melanin our skin produces. People with darker skin generally have higher melanin levels than those with lighter skin tones.
Are dark spots the same as hyperpigmentation?
Dark spots are a form of hyperpigmentation, which refers to any area of the skin that appears darker than the surrounding skin.
While dark spots typically refer to small, isolated patches, hyperpigmentation can encompass larger, more widespread areas of discolouration.
How to prevent dark spots?
Prevention is essential to keep dark spots at bay. Here are some habits to adopt for healthier, clearer skin:
1. Avoid heavy sun hours
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to stay in shaded areas or wear protective hats during this time.
2. Use sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
3. Be gentle with your skin
Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes, as this can lead to scarring and dark spots.
4. Use antioxidants
Add ingredients like Vitamin C or alpha arbutin to your skincare routine to help neutralize free radicals and prevent the appearance of new dark spots.
How long does it take for dark spots to disappear?
The time it takes for dark spots to disappear depends on factors like their cause and depth in the skin.
While some spots may begin to lighten in just a few months, those that are slightly darker than your natural skin tone typically take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to completely fade.
Why Sunscreen is a Must for Preventing Dark Spots
Sunscreen is your first line of defence against harmful UV rays, which are one of the main culprits behind dark spots.
By using sunscreen daily, you not only prevent existing spots from darkening, but also reduce the chances of new ones appearing on your skin.
Solutions for Stubborn Dark Spots
If you're facing persistent dark spots, here are some treatments that can help:
1. Targeted Topical Treatments
Look for products with active ingredients like retinoids, hydroquinone, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin. These ingredients are known to lighten dark spots and improve overall skin tone.
2. Laser Therapy
Targeted light therapy can break down the excess melanin in dark spots, helping them fade and leaving you with more even skin over time.
Dark spots can be stubborn, but with a combination of consistent care and the right treatments, a clearer complexion is possible.
Patience is important, as results from treatments often take time to appear. Don't forget to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine to help prevent new spots from forming.
3. Chemical peels
Chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin, making dark spots less prominent and promoting the growth of new, fresh skin.
Ingredients That Might Help Achieve Bright, Even-Toned Skin
It’s essential to visit a dermatologist for proper guidance when dealing with skin issues. A lot of people tend to use potent steroids like Betnovate cream from quacks or medical stores without a prescription.
Initially, it may seem effective, but over time it can lead to Total Steroid Dependent Face (TSDF), resulting in long-term damage to the skin, making it thinner, weaker, and prone to further issues. It’s always best to seek professional advice to avoid complications and ensure healthy, glowing skin.
- Azelaic Acid – Helps lighten hyperpigmentation and reduces inflammation, making it effective for dark spots and acne-related pigmentation.
- Glycolic Acid – A chemical exfoliant (AHA) that removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and gradually fades dark spots over time.
- Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, reduces dark spots, and protects against UV-induced damage.
- Alpha Arbutin – Inhibits melanin production, making it effective for fading dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation.
- Kojic Acid – Reduces melanin production, helping to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
- Retinols – Accelerate cell turnover, helping to fade dark spots and improve skin texture.
Dr Prateek Chauhan (MBBS, MD (Dermatology, Leprology)) is a Clinical Dermatologist and Leprologist at Ultra Health Skin Clinic. He has over 4 years of experience in the field of Dermatology.