What Causes Dark Spots & How to Reduce Their Appearance?

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WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS & HOW TO REDUCE THEIR APPEARANCE?

Uneven skin tone occurs because of external and biological triggers like UV radiation and scarring. The resulting discolouration often presents as brown or black spots on face, shoulders, chest and back, and become more commonplace as we age.

All skin types can experience dark spots on face. Some discolouration is unavoidable, but fortunately anti-ageing skincare routines can target their appearance and provide highly efficacious results. To fade dark spots and improve skin evenness and clarity, targeted and specific ingredients can be applied. In this guide we will explore what to use for dark spots on your face depending on the root cause.

A variety of formulas can fade brown spots on face and visibly increase brightness across the complexion. To curate your anti-dark spot skincare routine , this guide helps determine what causes dark spots on face for you and the right habits to regain radiant looking skin.

WHAT ARE DARK SPOTS ON SKIN?

Ranging from light, brown or black spots on face and skin, dark spots occur naturally and cumulatively. Dark spots on face can range in size, with the colour usually dependant on a person’s skin tone. When sun exposure is what causes dark spots on face to appear, they also tend to appear on the following areas:

● The back of hands

● Shoulders

● Chest area

● Back

WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS ON FACE?

Brown spots on the face refer to hyperpigmentation – where skin produces an excess amount of melanin, resulting in the darkening of certain areas. While this phenomenon is most often associated with sun exposure, a number of triggers can cause dark spots on the face. These include:

● Dark spots from acne redness and scarring

● UV radiation

● Genetics

● Pregnancy

● Hormone imbalances

INGREDIENTS THAT HELP REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF DARK SPOTS ON FACE

It can be tricky introducing new ingredients to an already established skincare routine. Some potent ingredients can positively enhance one another, but some combinations should be avoided. Fortunately, there are a number of options available when deciding what to use for dark spots on the face.

● Niacinamide:

An essential nutrient, niacinamide is sourced from vitamin B3. When used topically in skincare formulations, niacinamide can help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation in skin.

● Retinol:

The vitamin A derivative is singularly capable at encouraging cellular turnover, achieving fresher looking skin in the stratum corneum. This allows retinol to help visibly fade dark spots over time..

● Vitamin C:

For those wondering ‘does vitamin C fade dark spots?’, this antioxidant is one of the most efficacious addressors of brown or black spots on face. The radiance-boosting substance helps to reduce hyperpigmentation.

● Chemical exfoliation:

AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy Acids) encourage skin cell renewal. Ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid can reduce the appearance of dark spots from acne alongside signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

YOUR LA ROCHE-POSAY SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR DARK SPOTS

While what causes dark spots on face can vary, there are universal steps that can assist. Opt for a combination of chemical exfoliants, potent serums and non-comedogenic moisturisers to help fade the appearance of black and brown spots on face. Below are gentle products and targeted formulas for dark spots from acne and more.

1. USE AN EXFOLIATING CLEANSER

Cleansing is the universal first step of all skincare routines. Before serums and moisture should be placed on skin, impurities and dead skin cells need to be cleared. An exfoliative cleanser is the optimal type for dark spots on face. To fade dark spots, Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser can be used in both AM and PM routines. The inclusion of salicylic acid and micro-exfoliant LHA clears pores and helps new skin reach surface levels. For those addressing dark spots from acne, Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Clay Mask can also be implemented twice a week to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

2. APPLY AN EFFICACIOUS SERUM

After skin is properly cleansed, potent ingredients can permeate deep layers and target concerns. For sensitive skin types or those seeking a gentle option, Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum contains 10 percent niacinamide and new active

ingredient Melasyl to fight hyperpigmentation and dark spots. For mature skin looking to reduce brown spots on face, a combination of Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum and Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum can be applied. The hydrating nature of hyaluronic acid counteracts retinol’s drying effect – just make sure to restrict application of retinol-based products to evening use only.

For those addressing dark spots from acne, a combination of Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum and Vitamin C 10 Brightening Serum can be used. Vitamin C and salicylic acid boost each other’s brightening ability.

3.TARGETED MOISTURISER

A corrective moisturiser can be applied next to seal in moisture. It is important that formulas are non-comedogenic, to ensure a clarified skin texture. For oily skin types, Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Imperfections Moisturiser hydrates skin without clogging pores, whilst stimulating cell renewal with niacinamide and procerad. For dulled or maturing skin, vitamin C-rich Redermic Vitamin C 10 Firming Moisturiser can be applied to brighten and firm skin.

4.APPLY SPF

To help prevent future dark spots on face and body occurring, broad spectrum sun protection should be applied daily. Especially in Australia, the risks associated with UV radiation are high. Opt for skin-type specific sunscreen, and pair with sun smart apparel to protect skin against the occurrence of brown spots on face and body.

Discover how to build an anti-ageing skincare routine next.