Dark spots appear as dark patches over your face, it causes discoloration on your face. Dark spots can lead to uneven skin and dark spots over the face.
There are plenty of reasons behind having these patches, extensive exposure to the sun can be dangerous for the skin. In this article, we have discussed some remedies to remove dark spots at home.
What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be caused due to extensive production of melanin in certain areas of your skin. It is very important to remove dark spots at home. Melanin gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes.
Exposure to sunlight can trigger the production of melanin.
Hormonal imbalance can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots on the skin.
Certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psychotropic drugs, or tetracyclines can lead to increased melanin production
Types of Dark Spots:
Various kinds of dark spots can appear over your skin due for certain reasons. Here we are going to discuss a few causes of dark spots:
1. Melasma:
It is caused by hormonal fluctuations and is become prominent during pregnancy and menopause. Melasma is a common skin condition that causes patches of dark, discolored skin on the face.
The condition is more common in women, particularly those with darker skin tones, and is often triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control use. While melasma is not harmful, it can be a cosmetic concern for many individuals, leading to a decrease in self-confidence and self-esteem.
2. Lentigines:
Lentigines, also known as age spots or liver spots, are small, flat, and pigmented spots that appear on the skin as a result of sun exposure and aging. They are commonly found on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. They are caused because of extensive sun exposure and are common in ages over 60 years.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:
It is caused by skin problems and bacterial infections like acne, burns, etc. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to a common skin condition characterized by the darkening of an area of skin following inflammation, injury, or trauma.
PIH occurs due to the overproduction of melanin, which is the pigment that gives color to our skin and is a natural response to skin injury or inflammation.
Remove Dark Spots at Home:
Here are some of the remedies to get rid of the dark spots at home. These spots are usually formed when sebum gets oxidized, and they do not indicate skin damage.
Dark spots can disappear on their own or may stay forever on your face. However here are some remedies you can try at home or consult a dermatologist.
1. Green Coconut Water:
Coconut has cytokinins and antioxidants that help to eliminate acne, sagging skin, and deep scar acne. It keeps your skin healthy and young.
Get the coconut water, dip the cotton in it, and wipe it all over your face. Then after 20 minutes wash it using lukewarm water. For better results wash your face with coconut water every day.
2. Lemon Juice:
Lemons are a rich source of flavonoids and other antioxidants. Which helps in fighting the dark spots on your face and lightens them.
Use it with the sun’s cream or if you are allergic to lemon, avoid using this remedy and try another.
3. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera contains aloin, it is a compound that has melanocytic effects that help in depigmenting dark spots.
You need aloe vera gel and a spoon. Extract the gel with the help of the spoon then take the cotton swab dip it into the gel and apply it over your face. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse it off. For better results do this daily.
4. Iced Green Tea:
Green tea contains a high amount of antioxidants, that fight free radicals that damage your skin. It has antiseptic properties which kill germs and bacteria in the skin and helps in getting healthy smooth skin.
Take warm water and prepare green tea then remove the tea bag and freeze the green tea water. Once it becomes like an ice cube apply it all over your face.
5. Orange Peel:
Orange peels contain hesperidin, a potent flavonoid that has skin lightening effect. This may also help in removing the dark spots on your skin.
Dry the peels and grind them, then add the powder to the water apply the mixture with the cotton swap daily and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
6. Turmeric:
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-melanogenic effects. It helps in lightening the spots.
Take a teaspoon of turmeric powder mix it with a little bit of water and make it a paste. Apply the mixture to the affected areas for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse it off.
7. Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties and it prevents skin infections, wounds, and sores.
Take a tea tree oil in your palm and gently rub it over the dark spots.
8. Cucumber:
Cucumber has cooling effects on the skin, it cleanses and refreshes the skin and helps in reducing the skin’s dark spots and sunburn.
Take some cucumber and grind them, apply the juice all over your face, and leave it for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off the lukewarm water.
9. Yoghurt and Honey Mask
Yoghurt contains alpha hydroxy acids that help in reducing the redness of pimples, acne scars, and other blemishes.
10. Fenugreek (methi) and Rosewater Mask:
Fenugreek has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the growth of pimples, blackheads, and other skin infections. It helps in nourishing your skin.
Soak a hand full of fenugreek seeds in a bowl. Leave them to soak for at least 5 hours. Grind it to make a paste and add a few drops of rose water, before applying the mask wash your face with warm water. Let it dry for 15 minutes then rinse it off.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Dark Spots:
- Wear sunblock cream with SPF 40 or above before going into the sunlight.
- Reapply after 4 hours in case of continuous exposure to the sun.
- Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your face from getting directly into the sun.
- Treat inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis immediately to prevent dark spots on the skin.
- Avoid going in the sun between 10 am to 4 pm because the sun is intense in these hours.
By following these remedies, one can eliminate the low to mild dark spots. However, if the condition is worsening then give a visit to your dermatologist because it can be a serious medical issue as well.
Also having an allergy to any of the ingredients can make the situation contradicting rather than curing it. Apply day and night creams properly keeping your face moisturized can solve a lot of skin issues without harming them.