How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Face? Causes & Treatment

In the hustle-bustle of today's world, our skin faces a lot of challenges. No matter whether they are due to genetics ,unhealthy habits, busy schedules, pollution, or there is too much Sun exposure. All of these factors can lead to one common issue, which is dark spots or patches on the skin, which are often referred to as hyperpigmentation.
This condition affects people of all ages and both men and women. Well, it is important to know that many dark spots are not harmful. However, they can affect us, how we feel about our appearance. Fortunately, there are some tropical treatments that are available in the market which can help you to reduce or remove these spots.
However, it is of utmost importance to keep your skin clean and well cared for. Let us further dive into this article which will help you understand what exactly causes dark spots and help this step-by-step guide for you towards the most effective ways to treat them.

What are Dark Spots?

Well, these dark patches on the face, which is often referred to as hyperpigmentation, happen when the skin produces too much melanin. Melanin is the pigment which is responsible for the natural colour of one's skin. Therefore, the overproduction of this pigment can lead to dark spots on the face. Further, these dark spots could also be triggered by factors such as ageing, nutritional deficiencies ,excess sun exposure, acne, and skin conditions like eczema. Therefore, these elements can disrupt the balance of melanin in the skin, which leads to the uneven pigmentation.

What are the causes of Dark Spots on Face?

There could be a variety of reasons for dark spots on the face. Some of the following different causes of dark spots on the face are mentioned below: 

1. Sun exposure: Staying outside in the direct sunlight without applying sunscreen may result in skin pigmentation and it will eventually take the space for the black patches. Sun spots are most likely to appear on hands, face, or arms because they are exposed the most in the sun. 

2. Inflammation: Dark patches may appear if an individual is experiencing skin inflammation. The few conditions that can cause inflammation are eczema, psoriasis, skin damage, acne, etc.

3. Change in hormones: Women experience a lot of hormonal changes in their body that could either be resulted by ageing or conditions like pregnancy and even menopause. Therefore, dark patches and pigmentation on the face can appear because of these changes. However, certain diseases which could change hormones is melasma, which can itself bring down the brown spots on the skin.

4. Side effects of medication: Medication plays one of the most important roles and certain medications end up resulting in black patches. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines which are often referred to as NSAIDs or psychiatric medications are the main contributors for the same. 
5. Diabetes: Diabetes may cause some areas of the skin to darken. The acanthosis nigricans which cause darker velvety skin are some of the illnesses where people can confuse for age spots.

6. Liver Diseases: There are advanced liver diseases or even liver failure, which could result in the degradation of melanin. 
7. Addison's Disease: This is a rare disorder in which the adrenal glands do not function, which can cause the darkening of the skin.

How to get rid of Dark Spots on Face? 

Many over-the-counter (OTC) products can help lighten dark spots. These often include active ingredients like kojic acid, retinoids, chemical exfoliants, vitamin C, and azelaic acid. While these products come with usage instructions on the label, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist before starting any new treatment, as some products may have potential risks.

Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of some common treatments:

1. Hydroquinone  
Hydroquinone is widely used for treating hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production. However, it's banned in some countries due to safety concerns. A 2020 animal study indicated that hydroquinone might disrupt the skin’s top layer, potentially increasing the risk of environmental damage and UV exposure, which could elevate the likelihood of skin cancer. While further human research is necessary, it's known that hydroquinone can irritate the skin and, if not applied carefully, might lighten areas of skin surrounding dark spots.

2. Kojic Acid  
Kojic acid is another popular choice for treating hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production. Besides its skin-lightening effects, kojic acid also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it can cause skin irritation and may trigger contact dermatitis in some individuals, making it unsuitable for everyone.

3. Retinoids  
Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, help fade dark spots by increasing the turnover of new skin cells. Stronger retinoids, like tretinoin, are often prescribed for severe cases, though they may take 3–6 months to show results and are more likely to cause irritation. Pregnant women should avoid retinoids due to the potential risk of birth defects, and anyone using them should apply SPF daily, as retinoids make the skin more sensitive to UV light.

4. Chemical Exfoliants  
Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), help fade dark spots by dissolving the top layer of skin cells and promoting new cell turnover. These exfoliants are often suitable for dry or sensitive skin but, like retinoids, they can increase sun sensitivity.

Cosmetic procedures for dark spots on Face 

If the topical products aren't effectively reducing the hyperpigmentation, some people may consider the cosmetic procedures as an alternative for the same. The following are some of the alternatives that you can try:

1. Laser therapy: In laser therapy, a dermatologist usually uses a focused beam of light wherein it is targeted and it reduces the areas of discoloration or hyperpigmented areas. However, there is a risk that the laser treatment sometimes can worsen the discoloration. Therefore, a patch test is crucial and advised before proceeding with the treatment. 

2. Chemical peels: These chemical peels are stronger versions of the over-the-counter acid exfoliant. It works on the deeper layer of the skin, but it is important to note that it requires a longer recovery time than usual.

3. Microdermabrasion: This process or treatment basically exfoliates the skin by using tiny particles to remove the dead cells of the skin. While there is no recovery period, the skin may be temporarily irritated or swollen afterwards. It is important to note that the people who are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or those who have used iso-creatinine in the past six months may not be the suitable candidates for the above-mentioned alternatives.

It’s important to note that individuals prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or scarring, or those who have used isotretinoin in the past six months, may not be suitable candidates for microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy.

Key Factors in Determining the Most Effective Treatment for Dark Spots 
Well, it is important to note that how a person uses products for hyperpigmentation could depend on a variety of factors. The following factors are:

1. Skin Tone: For those whose skin tones are darker, it is important to be cautious that while using hyperpigmentation treatments, using the wrong product or a product which is too strong can lighten areas of the skin that are not accepted, which often leads to an uneven skin tone. Additionally, there are risks that some treatments can even worsen the hyperpigmentation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, which is often referred to as the AAD, the following skin treatments are recommended:

• Azelaic acid

• Glycolic acid

• Kojic acid

• Retinoids (e.g., retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, tazarotene)

• Vitamin C

Therefore, consulting a dermatologist who has experience training in hyperpigmentation in darkened skin is crucial so that one can find the best approach. 

2. Underlying conditions: It is important to address if there are any underlying skin conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation, which can prevent new dark spots from forming. For example, people who have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to acne, treatment may or may not focus on both fading of the dark spots. 

These treatment options includes-

• BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which can fade discoloration and treat acne

• Retinoids, used either topically or orally

• Diet or lifestyle changes

3. Sun Damage: For hyperpigmentation, which is caused by the skin damage, additional, adding sunscreen to your daily dose of routine is very much essential. The sunscreen helps to prevent further dark spots from worsening and also helps us in protecting against the damaging UV radiation. Furthermore, Vitamin C can also be an effective solution for treating sun damage as it contains the production of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin.

4. Medications: Certain tropical, or even oral medications can cause or worsen hyperpigmentation. To identify if this is a potential side effect, it is important to check the label if you are using any medication. If a hyperpigmentation is concerned, a healthcare professional can work in giving the guidance to address it in the best way possible. According to the American Association of Dermatology, which is also referred to as AAD, once the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation is removed, the dark spots usually fade within 6-12 months. However, if there are very dark spots, then it may take longer than usual. 

5. Hormonal changes: Dark spots that occur or develop due to hormonal changes can be challenging to prevent. However, a mild discoloration often fades if the hormonal trigger is no more present. Melasma, which is a more persistent form of hyperpigmentation which is caused by hormonal changes, can be particularly stubborn. For those who are pregnant or nursing, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure if there are any treatments or procedures that we can do for the hyperpigmentation which are for the most safe to use.

Essential Things to Avoid for Preventing Dark Spots on Your Face 

Skin lightening process could be very risky. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology, AAD, has strongly advised against liquid bleach on the skin.

• While bleach is commonly used for cleaning, applying it to skin can lead to several burns and damages which are long-lasting. In addition, there are some skin lightening products that may contain hidden ingredients which could be harmful for the skin.

For example, steroids are sometimes added to these products, even without being listed on the label. They should never be used on skin without proper medical guidance. Otherwise, it can cause serious side effects. Even more concerning is the presence of mercury in the skin lightening process.

• Mercury is a highly toxic substance which can cause a lot of health problems. Unfortunately, it may not be clearly labelled as mercury. However, we see that they appear in the names of mercuric, calomel, cinnabar, and dash. Therefore, to ensure safety while using these products, it is very much important to purchase them from reputable companies or from online stores which are trusted. Also, another safer option is to obtain these products directly from a dermatologist, which could be both effective and safe

• Secondly, it is important to strictly follow the usage instructions on the label. One should not use these products in larger amounts than recommended and even frequently. Overuse of these can result in skin irritation and other side effects. However, if you are experiencing any side effects using a skin lightening product, it is recommended to stop it immediately and contact a dermatologist.

• Furthermore, avoiding the Sun in the peak hours can also help. UV radiations are the greatest between 10 Am to 2 pm. Therefore, it is recommended not to go outside during that peak time. However, if you're going outside, you have to be very diligent about wearing masks, applying sunscreen etc.

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? With the right treatments, the areas of discoloration will appear. However it is important to note that there isn't any one stop solution or fit me all approach that works if the topic of skin is concerned. Reach out to a healthcare professional if you're going through the problems discussed above.

FAQs 

Q1: What is the best facial treatment for dark spots on the face?

Photo facials are one of the best dark spot treatments that can even target pigment issues like dark spots, brown spots, sun damage, and red spots.

Q2: Can dark spots be removed permanently?
Hyperpigmentation which is often called dark spots in simple language is a chronic problem. Some of them can be reduced with treatments but others can be lightened. Therefore, it may take several months or even a year for the treatment.