How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Your Face

How to Get Rid of Dark Spots: Summer is officially just a few days away; starting on June 20th. And that can potentially mean crazy changes to your skin including; pimples and dark spots. Doesn’t sound pretty, does it? And it’s not. I know for me that I don’t like wearing makeup so the thought of having to cover up my pigmentation is not something I want to do especially when I’m playing tennis. 

I love being outside during the summer months. I mean c’mon who doesn’t. With all the rain we get in Vancouver sunshine is like winning the lottery! Even with all the SPF lotions, SPF sun hats, and car window shades I use those sneaky sunshine rays still sneak in.  All the years’ of sun exposure has damaged my skin for sure; it’s visible.  And it sucks.

So in this blog post I’m going to reveal my fave products for; how to get rid of dark spots easily and safely. And I hope this will help you on your healthy skin care journey. Let’s begin. 

What are Dark Spots/Hyper-pigmentation?

Hyper-pigmentation refers to excess melanin pigment in the skin that shows up as dark spots.

How Do You Get Dark Spots/Hyper-pigmentation?

This can be a result of sun damage, acne scars, or when you start to age like me at 56!

Dark Spots/Hyper-pigmentation Solutions

There are more options than ever before for lighting dark spots like with azelaic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, hydroquinone, etc. But it’s not black and white. You need to know how to correctly address pigmentation problems for different skin tones.

1. For light/medium skin tones

Lighter skin tones have more options for getting rid of dark spots than people with darker skin tones. There are cosmetic procedures to help with pigmentation, such as micro needling, chemical peels, laser treatments and bleaching agents. Should you decide to go down this route make sure you are in the hands of a dermatologist.  Use a properly trained professional.

For home treatments I recommend lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acids, kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, and ferulic acid are ideal. 

Retinols are also great for pigmentation but if you have sensitive skin try the lowest strength prescription, and avoid using it daily. Not all skin is created equally so use it slowly. Start out every 3 days until you can handle using it every other day. 

RELATED: 5 Acids for Skin Care You Need to Know About

2. For dark skin tones

Darker skin has more natural protection from damaging sun rays because they naturally produce more melanin which is the pigment that gives skin its color. In fact, the National Cancer Institute study noted that medium dark skin filters out about twice as much UV (ultraviolet) radiation as white skin.

You can ask your doctor for dark spot correctors containing non-hydroquinone ingredients, such as cysteamine, vitamin C, and azelaic acid. Cysteamine hydrochloride (HCI), a naturally occurring biological compound can help diminish the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration on darker skin tones.

Avoid bleaching and lasers which can actually make discoloration worse on darker skin, or lighten the surrounding areas. Instead, ask your dermatologist about in-office peels to resurface the skin. A vitamin injection, which works to deliver the active solutions directly into the bloodstream and address pigmentation from the inside out, is another potential solution.

The Longer You Wait the Harder to Remove

First realize that treating hyper-pigmentation is a very complex condition. Everyone will respond differently to the same forms of treatment for dark spots. Different skin types have different manifestations of the condition.

Do your best to treat your pigmentation sooner than later because the longer it is present on the skin, the harder it will be to treat. 

My Dark Spots Skin Care Routine

After I cleanse and tone my face I use these products from Sunday Riley:

• C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil: I massage about 6 drops into face, neck and décolletage.
• Good Genes Lactic Acid: I apply 3 pumps as a leave on treatment into face, neck and décolletage.
• Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream: I massage two pea sized amounts into face, neck and décolletage. That might be too much or too little. If your skin feels tight that means you need more. 

I finish off with my Auto Correct Eye Cream from Sunday Riley.

How to Get Rid of Dark Spots: Tips

• If my skin is feeling sensitive or slightly red I skip Good Genes until my skin is back to its normal state. 
• I have dry skin so if you have oily or combination skin you’ll need very little Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream. You can even try just using it every other day or every two days. 
• I never use the C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil during the day since it’s too greasy when I use my SPF. 
• Never apply over your eyes. 

Why I Love Sunday Riley!

• C.E.O. Glow is a Vitamin C + Turmeric glow-giving face oil that recharges the radiance of your skin. Infused with advanced Vitamin C and golden turmeric for instant vibrancy and antioxidant defense. C.E.O. Glow delivers cold-pressed, nutrient-rich extracts into your skin, leaving your complexion looking brighter and nurtured.
• Good Genes is a multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment that rapidly exfoliates and boosts naturally youthful radiance, while visibly reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots. High potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and reveal smoother, clearer skin. Together with skin brightening licorice, this super-concentrated treatment visually reduces the look of dark spots, age spots, and discoloration caused by exposure to the sun, for naturally brighter, even-toned skin. Rare desert cactus extract that instantly soothes skin.
• Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream is a lightweight, oil-free gel-cream for instantly glowing, dewy skin. Hyaluronic acid which is a powerful humectant pulls water into the skin for increased hydration. Tamarind seed extract promotes hydration by holding onto water molecules. A great partner to hyaluronic Acid. Gently refining papaya enzymes smooth the look of textured or dehydrated skin, for a baby-soft complexion. Alpha-arbutin brightens the appearance of discolorations for clear radiance. 

I love sharing DIY recipes that I find on Pinterest! If you want something pure and natural to answer this question; How to Get Rid of Dark Spots why not give this DIY brightening mask a try. Here’s why it works so great:

• Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent at-home treatment for fungal infections, psoriasis, dry skin, and even burns.
• Turmeric is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that has been evaluated in treating acne, brightening dark spots on the skin, and treating fine lines and wrinkles. It’s an ideal type of treatment for anyone, but especially if you’re dealing with acne, since it can calm inflammation, kill micro-organisms on the skin, and fade dark spots.
• Greek yogurt has mild bleaching properties, diminishing discoloration. It also reduces age spots and fine lines leaving the skin fresh-looking. The lactic acid also tightens the pores, making the facial skin look young and clear.

Easy DIY Greek Yogurt Mask for Clear, Radiant Skin

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp plain, sugar free Greek yogurt 
• 1-2 teaspoons raw honey

Instructions

• Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix together until you get a creamy paste.
• Apply to your face and neck liberally with your clean fingers.
• Leave on for 20 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water. 
• Apply moisturizer and enjoy your bright, glowing skin!

Optional ingredients to add based on your skin type and skin condition:

• Dry skin: 1/2 of mashed avocado 
• Oily skin: 1/2 tsp turmeric (this stuff colors your face so be careful if you have very pale skin) and 1 tsp green clay
• Acne prone skin: 1/2 mashed banana until smooth and 1 drop lavender or tea tree essential oil
• Dull skin: 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (avoid on cut skin or open sores)
• Aging skin: Blend in a few blueberries for additional antioxidants
• Redness and irritation: 1 drop of lavender essential oil and 1 tsp aloe vera gel

Summary

When it comes to answering the question; How to Get Rid of Dark Spots it is vital that you take a conservative approach when trying a new skin treatment especially when it comes to sloughing off those dark spots. If you feel any discomfort, stinging, or a burning sensation rinse off the mixture immediately with lukewarm water. This is not an overnight fix so be patient. More isn’t better. You have to monitor how your skin is responding to your new skin care routine. While you are using products and natural remedies to diminish dark spots do your very best to limit your sun exposure. Remember that a good sunscreen is a must! 

Disclosure: All products featured on my blog are independently selected by Anna Bennett. Please note that some of the products above are Amazon affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally purchased and used these clean beauty products because they simply work, not because of the small commissions I make. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your skin, beauty, and health goals.