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Stocksy
Anybody who has ever experienced discoloration anddark spotscan attest to the frustration that comes along with it.
Meet the Experts
What Causes Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots?
Stocksy
If its something likemelasma, it could be triggered by hormonal changes."
Can Scarring Cause Dark Spots?
Yes, scarring can also lead to discoloration.
(And yes, technically, scarringispost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.)
What Types of Dark Spots are Easiest to Get Rid Of?
Some dark spots are easier to treat than others.
However, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and conditions like melasma are harder but not impossible to tackle.
Exfoliate with Papaya
Whats a surefire way to brighten the overall tone of your skin?
“Papaya specifically will help brighten and give the skin a youthful radiance,” she adds.
Keep on for 15-20 minutes.
These sunspots accumulate over the years.
Whether you usechemical or mineral sunscreenis completely up to you.
Lactic acid is an AHA, which improves discoloration and age spots, Dr. Engelman says.
This acid is gentler on the skin than other chemical exfoliants.
Since it is derived from dairy, it helps to correct pH imbalances.
It works to improve tone and texture, and reduces redness.
Enter:laser resurfacing treatments.
“This key in of laser creates little micro-channels, or little wounds.
To fade dark spots with turmeric, make amaskusing one part turmeric to one part honey.
Turmeric is also found to lighten hyperpigmentation.
We love Glow Recipe’sStrawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serumas it combines both types of acids with protective antioxidants.
The presence of Vitamin E and niacin help with hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone, she says.
“There are many different kinds and the concentrations and combinations used will determine the depth of the peel. "
Tomatoes are naturally rich in lycopene, which has multiple potential health benefits, including sun protection.
Not a fan of tomatoes?
Look to other similarly-huedfruitsand veggies, like guava, pink grapefruit, watermelon, and red sweet peppers.
But don’t apply to the skinthis benefit is reaped strictly through diet.
“I also use retinoids or a topicaltranexamic acid.
Its always based on a patients needs and usually requires custom combinations and more than one treatment.”
The most important thing is to treat right away, Dr. Engelman explains.
Dont have an aloe plant on hand?
Aloe verais a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to fade dark spots in skin of color.
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Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.
Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation?
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2018;11(2):28-37.
Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation?
A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2018;11(2):28-37.
Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules.
Tomato paste rich in lycopene protects against cutaneous photodamage in humans in vivo: a randomized controlled trial.
2016;34(2):77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826
