Skincare

Dark Spots On Skin Causes, Prevention And Remedies

Natural Remedies To Remove Dark Spots

Our skin cells produce a natural pigment known as melanin which gives colour to our skin. Dark spots are caused when some areas of our skin start producing more melanin than usual. This kind of hyperpigmentation is most commonly seen on areas of our skin that are exposed to sunlight, such as our face, arms, neck, back or shoulders. Let’s understand the causes behind dark spots on face, and how to remove dark spots naturally.

Causes Of Dark Spots On Skin

  • Sun Damage
  • Prolonged sun exposure can change the colour and texture of our skin, leading to photodamage, sun spots or hyperpigmentation. This is more common in people with lighter complexions, compared to people with duskier skin tones. Irrespective of this factor, it is important to protect one’s skin from sun damage to prevent dark spots and loss of vitality in your skin in the long run.

  • Ageing
  • As we age, the thickness of our skin starts reducing naturally, and our skin starts losing collagen and elasticity, making it more susceptible to getting sun spots and hyperpigmentation.

  • Pimples
  • Hyperpigmentation pimples are different from other kinds of acne and lesions. Instead of leaving behind scars such as icepick, boxcar or rolling scars, hyperpigmentation acne leads to brown scarring which appears as dark spots. While some of this scarring remains in the dermis, other forms of scarring might go into the deeper layers of the skin and become permanent. Prolonged sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation can aggravate the intensity of such spots.

  • Hormonal Changes
  • Hormonal fluctuations can cause melasma, a skin condition that creates hyperpigmentation and brown spots on some parts of your skin. Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone may stimulate the overproduction of melanin in the skin of women, leading to dark spots.

    This form of hyperpigmentation is more common in people who have duskier skin tones, where the skin is already producing more melanin. It is also a common skin condition seen in pregnant and nursing women.

  • Inflammation
  • Inflammation and trauma to the skin caused by injury, hair removal, bug bites, burn wounds, itchiness, getting a tattoo or piercing, or inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, and allergies caused by cosmetics, can lead to dark spots or skin darkening. Even the post-inflammatory wound healing process may leave behind scarring and residual brown spots on the skin after recovery.

  • Lifestyle Stressors
  • Habits such as smoking and drinking, having improper eating and sleeping routines, dehydration, and leading a stressful lifestyle may lead to nutrient deficiency, stress-induced diseases, dark spots and skin-darkening on your face in the long run.

  • Diseases
  • Health imbalances manifesting in liver disease, diabetes, loss of kidney function, and hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may lead to dark spots and black or brown patches on the skin. 

  • Medication
  • Research indicates that certain medications, such as steroids or antimalarials may cause drug-induced pigmentation and dark spots on the skin, as a side effect. This form of hyperpigmentation can also develop on your nails.

    Easy Tips And Home Remedies For Dark Spots On Face

  • Protect Your Skin From Sun-Damage
  • Protecting your skin from getting sun-damaged is the first step towards preventing the formation of dark spots, as well as reducing the impact of sun exposure on already existing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Ultraviolet radiation is present in our atmosphere both while we are indoors as well as outdoors.

    • Use water-resistant sunscreen on your skin to protect it against damage caused by sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
    • Prevent sun exposure as much as possible.
    • Avoid going in the sun during peak daylight hours when the chances of getting sun damage are maximum.
    • While travelling outdoors during the day, keep your skin covered by wearing full-length clothing, a hat, scarf and sunglasses.
  • Use Skin-Brightening Ingredients
  • According to a study, aloesin, a compound present in Aloe Vera, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots on your skin, especially after ultraviolet damage. It also inhibits the appearance of melasma.

    Take some Organic Aloe Vera Juice on a cotton pad and dab it on your face after cleansing your skin. Or simply spray it on the affected areas of your skin like a refreshing mist.

    Another study shows that compounds such as glabrene and isoliquiritigenin found in licorice root help to lighten dark spots and inhibit the overproduction of melanin in our skin.

    Diy Licorice Root Face Mask To Remove Dark Spots On Skin

    Ingredients:

    • Finely powdered oats
    • Licorice root powder
    • Bulgarian rose water

    Method:

    • Grind some oats into a fine powder. Take one teaspoon of this oat flour in a bowl.
    • Add ¼ teaspoon of licorice root powder to the oat flour.
    • Add some Bulgarian Rose Water to the dry ingredients, and make a paste. Leave the mixture for a minute or two and allow the oats to swell and get soft.
    • Cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser, and pat your skin dry. Apply the mask to the affected areas of your skin and allow it to dry.
    • Once the mask dries, wipe it gently with a soft and damp cloth, or simply rinse it off with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry.
    • Follow up with an organic toner and moisturiser. Apply sunscreen daily.

    This mask can be used once or twice a week. The oat flour creates a gentle and soothing base for the mask, and the rose water helps to soothe inflammation. The licorice root helps to fade dark spots with consistent use.

    It can also be used to remove dark spots caused by pimples, brown or black marks on your legs, nose, arms, neck, shoulders and back, and to reduce dark patches on your face and neck.

    Note - Patch test the remedy on a small area of your jawline or inner arm before applying it directly to your face or body. In case of redness or signs of irritation, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water and discontinue using the product or remedy.

    Juicy Chemistry Products That Help To Remove Dark Spots 

  • Gentle Cleansers
  • Juicy Chemistry’s Carrot, Rosehip and Neroli Organic Soap lightens pigmentation and scars. Our Lime, Ginger and Rice Organic Soap reduces skin discolouration and brightens skin tone. 

     

  • Hydrating Toners
  • Juicy Chemistry flower waters are 100% natural and cosmos certified organic. They are prepared by the method of steam distillation. Our Bulgarian Rose Water is clinically proven to brighten the natural tone of your skin. It also provides anti-ageing benefits to mature skin.

  • Moisturising Oils
  • Juicy Chemistry Saffron and Red Raspberry Facial Oil is a moisturising day oil that enhances your skin tone and imparts glow. Our Helichrysum and Rosehip Facial Oil is a quick absorbing oil meant for night-time use. It repairs sun-damaged skin while reducing dark spots. 

  • Gentle Scrubs And Masks
  • Our Saffron, Rose and Australian Sandalwood Face Scrub provides gentle exfoliation, brightens skin tone and improves the texture of your skin. Juicy Chemistry Kakadu Plum, Matcha and Blood Orange Face Mask promotes an even and brighter skin tone.

     

  • Natural Serums
  • Our natural serums are formulated with active ingredients that are derived from cellular extracts of plants. Juicy Chemistry’s Vitamin C Brightening Serum is made with vitamin C rich kakadu plum cellular extract that brightens your skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation. Our AHA Polishing Serum gently exfoliates your skin, reduces dark spots and gives you a natural glow.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to remove dark spots caused by pimples? Which is the best serum for dark spots in India?

    Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum and AHA Polishing Serum are effective against acne scars and dark spots.

    Which soap is best for pimples and dark spots?

    Our Tea Tree, Neem And Rosemary Soap is effective in controlling pimples and our Carrot, Neroli And Rosehip Soap tackles dark spots.

    Where can I find the best face wash for pimples and dark spots in India?

    Juicy Chemistry cleansers are handmade, natural and organic. Our Hemp, Tea Tree And Neem Face Wash reduces acne, acne scars and blemishes.

    Suggest the best facial kit for pimples and dark spots.

    Try one of our Beginner Friendly Kits to tackle acne and hyperpigmentation effectively.

    References

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4155956/ 

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542253/ 

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10897874_Glabrene_and_Isoliquiritigenin_as_Tyrosinase_Inhibitors_from_Licorice_Roots 

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