Ah, dark spots. A telltale sign that our skin is starting to age (or perhaps that we haven’t been quite as loyal to our SPF lately as we should have been). But fear not, for there are a handful of tried and tested topical remedies that have been proven to fade dark spots and even skin tone.
What are dark spots?
Dark spots on the skin are often caused by hyperpigmentation, a condition that occurs when the skin produces too much melanin - the natural brown pigment that gives skin its colour. The spots range from a very light brown to dark brown, depending on individual skin tone. Dark spots are more nuanced than you might think, there are a whole host of different causes - almost as many as there are treatments.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots can result from acne scarring, the natural ageing process, hormone fluctuations or skin inflammation - just to name a few. However, as you may have guessed, the most common cause is sun exposure. When our skin is exposed to the sun, it naturally produces melanin to block UV and protect skin cells against damaging UV rays. When the skin produces an uneven increase in melanin, any excess spills between cells and causes dark spots.
How can you prevent dark spots?
As we move into the warmer months and inevitably spend more time outdoors, it’s more important than ever to slip, slop slap. SPF is the best preventative measure when it comes to dark spots. Even on the days when you’re in the office from 9-5 and only outdoors for small windows of time, it’s important to remember to wear sunscreen and reapply at least once during the day.
How can I get rid of dark spots?
While prevention is key, the good news is there are a number of ways you can fade dark spots. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that defends skin cells against pollution, ultraviolet light and environmental damage. When used daily as part of your morning skincare routine, Vitamin C accelerates the skin’s natural process of regeneration to diminish the appearance of dark spots and even overall skin tone. Vitamin C also inhibits enzymatic processes that produce melanin in the skin to help reduce pigmentation.
Using a gentle chemical exfoliant will also help fade dark spots as dead skin cells are often the cells responsible for holding onto excess pigment. An exfoliating serum will loosen and dissolve the bonds that hold onto old cells to reveal an even skin tone and overall complexion. And lastly, a regenerative powerhouse like retinol will increase skin cell turnover to gradually fade dark spots. Retinol also inhibits excess melanin production to reduce skin discolouration.
TLDR; the ultimate routine for fading dark spots will look a little something like this:
AM
- Cleanse your skin and gently pat dry
- Apply 2-3 drops of Vitamin C serum to your face and neck
- Wait a moment for the serum to completely absorb and follow with moisturiser, SPF (50, please) and a large flat white
PM
- Cleanse your skin and gently pat dry
- Apply two to three drops of Retinol Night Renewal Serum or AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum to your fingers and gently smooth across your face and neck
- Allow the serum to absorb for five to ten minutes and finish with a nourishing moisturiser, a binge-worthy TV series and a good night’s sleep
Before you go, always remember to use Retinol Night Renewal Serum and AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum on alternate nights to avoid irritation.
