How to get rid of dark spots - Top 10 Remedies that works well
Get Rid Of Even The Most Stubborn Dark Spot
It’s a headache to deal with pimples and what is even more annoying is dealing with the aftermath – dark spots, which are often trickier to treat.
Getting rid of dark spots on your skin starts with understanding what causes them in the first place.
What causes dark spots?
A pimple is technically an inflammation of the skin. Due to this, some healthy skin cells are sent to help restore your skin. It’s feasible that these new skin cells have a lot of melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives skin its color. As the skin heals, darker patches of skin develop as a result of excess melanin in some skin cells.
Picking and popping pimples can also increase your chances of developing stubborn dark spots.
Another thing is people with darker skin tones are more prone to dark spots.
While there are several skin-lightening products on the market, they don’t work the same way and some are even dangerous.
Knowing what to go for can help you choose a safer option to get rid of your dark spots. Keep reading to find out the top 10 safe remedies to get rid of dark spots. They include but are not limited to safe kitchen hacks that I’ve personally tried out and have given me happy results.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an effective ingredient you can trust to get rid of dark spots and possibly stop new ones from forming. According to Dr. Zeichner, “it can help neutralize inflation and prevent breakouts, brighten dark spots left behind when pimples heal”. Vitamin C is found naturally in Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges. You can reap the benefits of this vitamin from within by eating foods containing vitamin C.
You can also apply Vitamin C topically on the skin for maximum effect. Some people use lemon juice but it’s highly acidic and causes irritation on the skin. It is safer to go for Vitamin C serum for topical application as it is less acidic to the skin. An additional benefit of Vitamin C serum is that it boosts collagen and helps slow early skin aging.
If you want to include Vitamin C serum in your routine, start slowly especially if you have sensitive skin. I remember the first time I tried Vitamin C serum, my face was irritated ( I have super sensitive skin). I had to stop, wait for my skin to get back to normal for a month, then slowly introduced it again. I started by using it once a week for two weeks, then twice a week for another two weeks, then I tried using it three times a week and now I use it alternate days. The process might feel bitterly slow but wait and trust the process.
2. Retinols
Retinol is very effective in lighting skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots. Retinol improves dark spots by boosting collagen production and hastening cell turnover rate to reveal fresher, newer and brighter skin.
It irritates skin at first, don’t apply too much at first as it can make your dark spots worse. Start slow, start with a few drops, and increase over time as your skin gets used to it.
For starters, apply one night a week, two nights a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, then alternate nights. If your skin is doing well with it, then you can apply it every night.
3. Sunscreen
Your dark spot treatment is incomplete without sunscreen. UV light from the sun speeds up the production of melanin (a natural pigment that gives skin its color), making your spot even darker and causing hyperpigmentation. Using sunscreen is essential when you will be outside. Sunscreen helps in the effective treatment of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
4. AHA/Exfoliator
AHAs are the type of organic acid that is usually used to exfoliate the skin. It’s known for helping to improve skin texture and lightens dark spots. The best AHA for fading dark spots is Glycolic Acid.
Glycolic acid helps loosen the glue that holds darker, melanin-stained dead skin cells together and removes them to reveal a brighter and healthier skin underneath.
Glycolic acid may not be very suitable for sensitive skin. Try patch test first before using. Introduce glycolic acid into your routine slowly. Don’t use every day – use once a week or two weeks. Peels with glycolic acid should only be used once a month.
5. Tomato
Tomatoes are naturally rich in lycopene which has many health benefits including sun protection. It lightens skin and more even skin tone and works well in getting rid of stubborn dark spots. Another added benefit is the fact that it tightens pores to reduce breakouts that causes dark spots.
Rather than slathering on the face, tomato works best when included in the diet, that is when taken systematically. If you feel like using it directly on your skin, you can go ahead as you will still reap its benefits. It’s safe to use on the skin. Cut into two slices and rub in a circular motion on your face to get the juice on your skin. Be gentle while doing this. Leave for 15 – 20minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. You can use it once or twice a week.
6. Turmeric
Another go-to ingredient you can easily grab in your kitchen to get rid of dark spots is turmeric. Turmeric is an effective ingredient that gives good results for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Turmeric contains curcumin, a bioactive component that has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric helps to inhibit the skin’s melanin production which causes dark spots. It lightens dark spots and radiant glow to the skin.
Turmeric is gaining popularity day after day due to its healing properties and it is considered a safe product as it does not contain potentially harmful chemicals. Turmeric is safe to apply every day.
Leave for 15-30 minutes and wash off. Do not use it overnight as turmeric has a tendency to stain your skin (especially if you have lighter skin). If you notice some yellow staining, you can wash your face with milk.
Turmeric can be mixed with natural ingredients like honey, yoghurt to improve skin health. Use up to twice or thrice a week.
7. Aloe vera
Another natural ingredient that helps to get rid of dark spots is aloe vera. “Aloesin”, a bioactive compound found in aloe vera helps to fade dark spots. Dr. Frieling says “According to a study, when applied four times per day for 15 days, aloesin is found to be effective in treating UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation.”
Aloe vera possesses quite a few skin-nourishing properties. It is also applied on wounds or burns for fast healing and to support healthy aging.
Also, aloe vera is a natural source of salicylic acid. It can help to reduce breakouts causing dark spots. It’s quite effective in treating both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory forms of acne.
Extract the gel from the green leaf and rub on the face.
8. Honey
One common ingredient we all have at home is honey. Pure honey on dark spots is one of the best ways to get rid of dark spots. Honey contains natural antioxidants that help to control wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It keeps the skin soft, glowing and healthy.
Another amazing benefit of honey is the fact that it dries up pimples. You can apply on a new breakout overnight and by morning you will notice the pimple has dried out.
You can create a DIY honey mask with turmeric, milk or simply water. Apply on your face and leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
9. Papaya
Papaya is an excellent cure for darkened skin patches, acne spots, dark elbows, and dark knuckles. It improves your complexion and gives a youthful radiance. “Proteolytic enzyme papain” makes papaya effective in the fight against acne.
Papaya is a natural exfoliant that helps to washes off the dead top layers to reveal healthy skin underneath. It lightens skin and fades dark spots. It also leaves the skin moisturized and smooth.
Blend raw papaya, take ¼ cup of the paste in a bowl, a ½ tbsp of honey and apply on the affected area. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
10. Yoghurt
Another natural skin brightening item, you may already have in your home is yoghurt. Yoghurt is an effective ingredient for, getting rid of dark spots. It contains lactic acid that naturally lightens dark spots.
Lactic acid which is one of the mildest forms of AHA is very gentle on the skin. It improves skin tone and texture and reduces redness. You can mix it with milk, turmeric or honey for added benefits. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
Getting rid of dark spots requires a lot of patience as it often takes a long time to fade away. Don’t expect an overnight miracle. Give it time and consistently apply whichever solution that’s best suited for you.
