Dermatologists Suggest 6 Effective Ways To Treat Dark Spots

According to David E. Bank, MD, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations, acne scars, or excessive sun exposure.

There are numerous skin-care products available for treating black spots so it can be difficult to know where to begin. 

What components ought to be included? And most importantly, which ones will effectively eliminate dark areas on your face? 

Read on to discover which choice might be your best bet.

6 remedies for hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C

As a topical antioxidant, vitamin C can help prevent free radicals from oxidizing skin cells and creating wrinkles and fine lines. 

According to Sumayah Jamal, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group, this ingredient also blocks enzymatic mechanisms that make melanin in the skin.

Thus, it can help diminish the dark color of your skin.

Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology claims that vitamin C is among the most reliable natural chemicals you can rely on to lighten existing spots and maybe stop the formation of new ones.

Hydroquinone

Products for hyperpigmentation frequently contain the active component hydroquinone since melanin production is decreased as a result of its action.

Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology claims that hydroquinone functions biologically by preventing the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase.

It promotes the synthesis of melanin and naturally, melanin production decreases as tyrosinase production increases.

A 2013 study discovered its possible advantages for facial melasma, which results in discolored areas on the skin. 

Hydroquinone works on removing dark spots

Papaya

A variety of skincare treatments are already including papaya as an essential ingredient because of the fruit's extracts, particularly its enzyme papain.

By acting as an excellent anti-wrinkle treatment and being stimulated by the presence of antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene, the papaya enzyme also lessens the signs of aging. 

According to Engelman, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at MDCS, papayas contain fruit acids known as alpha-hydroxy acids, a type of chemical exfoliator. 

As a result, it gets rid of flaky areas and dead skin from your skin, leaving it shining and healthy-looking.

Papaya helps treat hyperpigmentation

You may consider Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml - 8809634610034 which offers not only papaya but 6 other effective ingredients to get rid of dark spots, such as Niacinamide, Squalane, Sea Buckthorn, etc.

Kojic acid

Kojic acid is frequently used in skin lighteners, and for optimal results, it should be combined with hydroquinone.

According to Carlos Charles, MD, dermatologist, and founder of Derma di Colore, "it works by blocking a crucial element in the activity of the pigment cells."

However, people with sensitive skin should only use small doses at night because they run the risk of causing irritation and inflammation.

Additionally, don't expect immediate results; using topical kojic acid to treat hyperpigmentation may take several months.

Retinoid

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. They accelerate the production of new fresh skin cells to eventually lighten dark spots.

An alternative is to use products like Renova and Retin-A. They include retinoic acid, which accelerates exfoliation, stimulates the creation of new, healthy skin cells, and increases cell turnover as well.

Notably, these components can be extremely drying and increase skin's sensitivity to the sun's rays. 

If you go for them, ensure to use a wide-spectrum sunscreen like a 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream PA+++ 70ml/2.3oz Sun Care & Bronzers.

Apply sunscreen when using a retinoid

Soy

Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City stated that soy extract, which is produced from the soybean plant, has been demonstrated to aid in skin brightening.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, soy also acts as a dark spot corrector by inhibiting melanin from penetrating the top layer of skin.

Because of this, it can be found in many skin-lightening cosmetics.