Dark Spots Removal on Face
- Updated February 8, 2023
- by Honey Seida
Hyperpigmentation or dark spots on face is one of the most common skin problems, the treatment of which may sometimes be difficult and time-consuming and can affect a person's mental health and self-confidence. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin in the form of small or large spots that occurs due to the excessive activity of pigment cells in the skin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes or skin pigment cells and the amount of melanin determines skin color.
Skin spots and darkening can be treated by using some topical compounds on the skin, and the response rate to the treatment varies depending on the cause and the number of skin spots. In this guide, we will be focusing on dark spots removal on face.
How to Remove Dark Spots on Face
Since sunlight is the main cause of increasing melanin production and darkening of the skin, the first step in the prevention and dark spots removal on face is to protect the skin from sunlight by using sunscreen properly and a hat. If the spots are newly formed and the skin color is light, over-the-counter treatments containing effective ingredients can be useful in treating the spots and pigmentation removal. But the darker the skin and the spots have not responded to over-the-counter treatments, the best thing to do is to see a dermatologist. If you are going to use over-the-counter treatments, the product you use should contain one of the following ingredients effective in dark spots removal on face.
Vitamin C
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C and its role in stimulating collagen production have made this compound a vital element for the skin. Vitamin C neutralizes the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin and also prevents the production of melanin by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. The effect of this vitamin on the skin largely depends on the pH of the product.
Vitamin C has better absorption and performance on the skin at a pH of 4 or less. The most important concern about this vitamin is its instability, which means that this substance decomposes against air, light, and heat and loses its properties. The natural form of vitamin C - ascorbic acid - is the most effective and unstable form of this vitamin in topical use. Synthetic derivatives of vitamin C, such as ascorbate phosphate, have limited permeability and function on the skin.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a natural substance produced by yeasts on the skin, which, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is considered a strong brightener and used for dark spots removal on face. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, this acid can be useful for people with acne, scars, and boils.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is an antioxidant compound obtained from mushrooms. This compound prevents melanin production in the skin by breaking it down. This compound is found in brightening products at a concentration of 1 to 4% alone or in combination with other brightening ingredients and is often effective in treating age spots and the treatment of brown spots left by acne.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3 with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the formation of new spots by preventing melanin from reaching the surface layers of the skin, and also makes the skin color even with its brightening properties. Improving the function of the skin's defense barrier, reducing lines and wrinkles, revitalizing and regenerating skin cells, increasing cell metabolism, and shrinking skin pores are other properties of niacinamide used for dark spots removal on face.
Ellagic Acid
A natural substance extracted from plants such as strawberries, cherries, and pomegranates. In addition to its antioxidant properties, this substance lightens the skin by inhibiting the enzyme required for melanin production. Studies show that the brightening properties of ellagic acid are stronger than arbutin and kojic acid.
Arbutin
The herbal form of hydroquinone is extracted from plants such as barberry, blueberry, and cranberry. This substance is usually used in combination with other lightening compounds up to 3% concentration and based on studies, it is considered one of the effective compounds in dark spots removal on face.
Retinoid
These are compounds made of vitamin A that have passed their test in the treatment of wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. These compounds are effective in brightening and evening out skin color and texture by stimulating the production of new skin cells.
Licorice Extract
The compounds in licorice root extract are effective in treating age spots, acne scars, sun damage, and dark spots on face in pregnancy. In a study, it was proved that the brightening effect of this compound in the treatment of melasma is even greater than that of hydroquinone, and due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this compound holds the gold standard in the treatment of blemishes and dark spots removal on fac.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone reduces the number of melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) in the skin and thereby brightens and removes skin spots when the cause of skin darkening is an increase in melanin-producing cells. This combination makes the skin color uniform by controlling melanocytes. The effect needs at least 4 weeks to become noticeable, and if you do not see any improvement in the spots after three months, you should stop using it. In general, hydroquinone is used to treat age spots, acne spots, freckles, and pregnancy spots (hormonal). It is also effective for post-inflammatory spots.
Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration considers hydroquinone to be safe for topical use on the skin up to a concentration of 2%. The common side effects of this combination include dryness and redness of the skin, which are resolved with continued use. A less common but serious side effect of hydroquinone is a condition called Ochronosis, characterized by blue-black spots and rashes. Therefore, the use of products containing hydroquinone should not continue for more than 5 months.
asap super C complex
asap super C complex contains a high concentration of Vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid combined with effective antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10 Pycnogenol, as well as olive extract to help prevent and treat hyperpigmentation, and reduce the signs of skin damage and aging and provide you with a clear, even, and bright skin.
Benefits of asap super C complex
- Helps to prevent and reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Helps to prevent photo-aging
- stimulates the production of collagen
- Helps to fight off damage by free radicals
- Improves the texture, brightness, and tone of the skin
Final Word
Remember that topical treatments for dark spots removal on face do not work overnight, even with scientifically proven compounds, and require time and proper use to be effective. Treating blemishes and skin darkening is a time-consuming process and requires your patience.