Aging with grace is easier said than done. Especially when you have to deal with one of the first signs of aging – dark spots. You will find them on all parts of the body that have been constantly exposed to the sun.
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging skin and dark spots. Several other factors contribute to the development of these spots. Would you like to know more about dark spots and how they can be treated naturally? Read on!
Dark spots are often a result of hyperpigmentation. They occur when certain areas of your skin produce more melanin than the others. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin, eyes, and hair their color.
A few factors that can further increase a person’s risk of developing dark spots are listed below.
Let us now understand the characteristics or symptoms of dark spots on the skin.
Dark spots on the skin can be light to dark brown, depending on the skin tone of the affected person. These spots will be similar in texture to your skin and do not pain or protrude.
Such spots can vary in their size and may develop on any part of the body. However, most dark spots occur in areas that are constantly exposed to the sun like:
Lighter spots fade in a few months in persons with darker skin tones. However, deeper colored spots can take years to fade.
Although dark spots are rarely a medical concern, people get them removed due to cosmetic reasons.
If you visit a doctor to get these spots removed, they may recommend any of the following treatments for you.
The common medical treatments prescribed for the removal of dark spots are:
Most medical treatments for lightening dark spots are quite expensive. And topical skin lightening creams are associated with many unwanted side effects like uneven pigmentation.
Hence, many are now turning to natural alternatives to get rid of dark spots. There are several home remedies, like the ones mentioned below, which can help in lightening those stubborn spots.
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Tomato is a rich source of lycopene, which provides additional protection to your skin from the harmful UV radiation (1). These activities of tomato can help prevent dark spots caused by sun damage.
¼ glass of tomato juice
You may do this daily.
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Olive oil exhibits protective effects on your skin when applied topically. It can prevent sun damage, which is one of the main causes of dark spots (2).
1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil
You may do this once daily.
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Nutmeg has anti-photoaging effects that can protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun (3). It can, thus, also help with dark spots caused by sun damage.
You may do this 1-2 times daily.
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Sandalwood possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties that can help in treating inflammatory skin conditions known to cause dark spots (4).
You may do this once daily.
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Oatmeal is widely used to treat several inflammatory skin conditions known to cause dark spots, like pruritus and acne, due to its anti-inflammatory activities (5).
You may do this once daily.
Image: Shutterstock
Aloe vera contains aloin, an active component that causes melanin aggregation and helps in lightening dark spots or hyperpigmentation on the skin (6).
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel
You may do this once daily.
Image: Shutterstock
Lemon (citrus) peel contains nobiletin, a tyrosine inhibitor that can help in lightening dark spots on the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin (7).
You may do this once daily.
Image: Shutterstock
Cucumber has skin whitening properties that can be used to lighten dark spots (8).
½ cucumber
You may do this once daily.
Use any of a combination of these remedies to lighten dark spots. Here are a few tips that can help.
Follow these tips and remedies religiously to treat the dark spots on your skin and prevent them from worsening.
Hope this post addressed all your queries related to dark spots on the skin. Do you have any remedies or tips up your sleeve that have helped you deal with dark spots? Don’t forget to share them with us in the comments section below.
When to see a doctor for dark spots?
If you notice the shape or size of the dark spots changing, see a doctor immediately. You must also see a doctor if the dark spots begin to bleed or sores begin to appear on them.
Can a dermatologist remove dark spots?
A dermatologist can suggest creams and procedures to help you get rid of the dark spots. Laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and cryotherapy are a few medical procedures used to treat dark spots on your skin.
Does vitamin C fade dark spots?
Yes, vitamin C can fade dark spots when applied topically due to its depigmenting properties, which reduce the production of melanin.
Why do we get dark spots on the skin?
One of the most common causes of developing dark spots on the skin is sun damage. Other causes include hormonal imbalance, certain prescription medications, inflammatory skin conditions, and any trauma to the skin.
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Author
Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.
Read full bio of Shaheen Naser