People with black skin can be prone to dark spots. This hyperpigmentation is often due to sun exposure, trauma, or inflammation. Treatments will depend on the underlying cause.
In this article, we look at home remedies and medical treatments for dark spots on black skin. We also look at methods of prevention.
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Causes
Dark spots may occur on black skin when the skin overproduces melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color.
Factors that can trigger excess melanin production include sun exposure and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.
Dark spots can also occur as a result of inflammation or trauma to the skin, such as from:
·acne
·bug bites
·burns
·cuts
·psoriasis and other skin conditions
·a reaction to skin care products
Even everyday skin care practices can contribute to the development of dark spots. Using harsh scrubs, waxing, and shaving can all cause minor skin trauma that leads to skin changes.
How to get rid of dark spots
The treatment that a person requires will depend on their skin type and the severity of the discoloration. Dark spots are not usually harmful, so it may not be necessary to seek treatment unless a person finds them bothersome.
Treatments include:
The “wait and see” approach
In some cases, no treatment may be the best option, as the spots could go away over time.
For example, this may be the case for some types of hyperpigmentation that occur during pregnancy or those that appear after an acne pimple goes away.
In the meantime, the use of sun protection can help prevent the spots from getting darker.
Sunscreen
The AAD recommend everyone to use sunscreen that: has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
protects against UVA and UVB rays (manufacturers may label it as broad spectrum) is water resistant
People should apply it to all areas of exposed skin — not just the face — and wear it year-round.
Sunscreen is available in drug stores and online.
Treatment of underlying medical conditions
Consult a dermatologist if necessary to rule out lesions. Common medical treatments include:
· prescription Topical Treatments
· Oral Medications
· Laser Treatments
· Chemical Peels
· Microneedling
· Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
· Cryotherapy
· Combination Therapies
· Long-Term Maintenance
Natural remedies
Natural remedies can effectively reduce dark spots on black skin. The most popular remedies include:
· aloe vera gel
· green tea
· lemon juice
· soy milk
· tea tree oil
· turmeric
However, there is no scientific evidence that these natural treatments lighten areas of hyperpigmentation. Some of them may even cause other skin problems. For example, lemon juice can dry out and irritate the skin.
Overall, however, these natural products are unlikely to cause harm if people use them sparingly.
Skin-lightening products
Several products are available over the counter to treat an uneven skin tone. For the best results, a person should choose a skin lightener that contains one of the following:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. When it comes to skin care, researchTrusted Source suggests that it can protect against sun damage, increase collagen levels, and reduce the formation of melanin to stop hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a very popular treatment for dark spots. Similar to vitamin C, it works by inhibiting melanin production.
Creams that contain hydroquinone are available with a prescription.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is another common skin lightener.
However, it may be less effective than other remedies for dark spots. A studyTrusted Source on a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma found that 4% hydroquinone cream was a better and faster treatment for hyperpigmentation than 0.75% kojic acid cream.
People can purchase kojic acid solutions online or in some drug stores.
Differin gel
Adapalene 0.1% gel (Differin)Trusted Source is an OTC treatment that is anti-inflammatory and helps stop acne comedones from forming.
Dermatologists may recommend it to even out a person’s skin complexion and lighten dark spots alongside preventing acne breakouts.
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Prevention
In everyday life, there are also some small habits that can solve the problem of light spots, or uneven skin tone. Very simple, as long as you insist, do not need to spend too much energy, over a long period of time, you can see significant changes in the effect:
·Apply Sunscreen Daily: sun protection prevents dark spots from getting worse and helps fade existing ones.
·Use a Multitasking Moisturizer: Choose a moisturizer with added benefits like SPF, vitamin C, or niacinamide.
·Drink Water While Doing Other Tasks: hydration helps your skin repair itself and maintain a healthy glow.
·Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase: silk reduces friction, prevents irritation, and helps your skin retain moisture overnight.
·Use a Brightening Cleanser: choose a cleanser with ingredients like vitamin C or glycolic acid.
·Apply a Overnight Mask Once a Week & Use a Toner with a Spray Bottle
·Avoid Picking at Your Skin
Of course, the above is only some methods or tips that we can effectively dilute dark spots in daily life, if the dark spot problem is more serious, or through daily care and tips can not be effectively improved, it is recommended to take a more professional treatment.