What Are Dark Spots?

Dark spots can be caused by a multitude of different reasons, they are most usually caused by ‘hyperpigmentation’. Hyperpigmentation is where the skin produces excess pigment known as ‘melanin’, this causes the skin to darken and produce brown patches on skin.

HOW DO DARK SPOTS OCCUR?

Most people experience dark spots on the face, but they can also affect the skin on the body too. Dark spots on skin are the result of an overproduction of melanin - the chemical in our skin that makes it darker. Typically, they occur because of damaged skin, however they are generally not harmful. Also known as brown spots, dark spots on skin can vary in colour, ranging from a light brown through to dark brown.

Read further to understand more about brown spots on skin and how to treat them.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF DARK SPOTS?

Knowing the main causes of brown patches on skin can help to understand how to avoid them in the first place. Although some causes are unavoidable, it is still important to understand why you’ve developed dark spots. Brown patches on skin can be caused by a number of different reasons:

Sun Damage - A main source of dark spots is excessive sun exposure. This is why brown spots on the face are common, as well as other areas that are often exposed to the sun. Brown marks on face are found in roughly 90% of people over 60, but can also be found in younger adults too - particularly those that use sun beds frequently. Sun damage causes the skin to produce extra melanin as a protection against harmful UV rays. As a result, brown marks on face and other areas of the body start to appear.

Melasma - Melasma also affects areas of your body that are often exposed to the sun - causing brown spots on face, neck, hands and other areas. It is much more common in women, as it can be provoked by hormone imbalances triggered during pregnancy, menopause or when using birth control. There’s no need to worry, melasma is harmless and does not raise any medical concerns.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation - This is caused when the skin has undergone a form of trauma i.e. acne scars, burns or psoriasis - leaving behind brown spots on skin. It is particularly prevalent as we get older, as our skin cells do not reproduce as quickly, these are sometimes referred to as age spots.

HOW TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON SKIN

Firstly, we would always recommend that if you are worried about any changes in your skin that you go to see your dermatologist or local GP. That being said, there are a few ways you can improve the appearance of dark spots on skin and even stop them from occurring in the future.

woman protecting from brown spots on face

HOW TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON SKIN

SUN PROTECTION

If you suspect your dark spots are caused by sun damage, then investing in a good sun cream with a high SPF will protect your skin from becoming even more damaged. Sun damage causes an overproduction of melanin, which in turn leads to brown spots on skin. By using a sun cream with high SPF, not only are you protecting yourself from dark spots on skin, but the wide range of other issues associated with overexposure to the sun.

exfoliating scrub to avoid brown spots on face

HOW TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON SKIN

EXFOLIATION

If your dark spots are new, they may only appear on the first few layers of skin. By using a good deep exfoliator, you can help to remove those first few layers of darkened skin - reducing the appearance of brown patches on skin. Try our NIVEA Gentle Exfoliating Scrub to refine and smooth your skin, for an even complexion. Exfoliators which include glycolic or salicylic acid are specifically advantageous.

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HOW TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON SKIN

REDUCE DARK SPOTS WITH LUMINOUS630

Cellular LUMINOUS630 Anti Dark Spot has proven efficacy in targeting the root cause of the three major types of dark spots - sun exposure, ageing and hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or menopause. All three can trigger a melanin imbalance, leading to the same result: the appearance of dark spots on the face.

The NIVEA Cellular LUMINOUS630 Anti Dark Spot Day Moisturiser SPF50 contains patented Luminous630® as well as concentrated vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. It reduces dark spots while preventing their reappearance with regular usage and visible results in 4 weeks.

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OTHER WAYS TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON SKIN

HOME REMEDIES

Everyone loves getting a little thrifty every now and then, and there are some home remedies which could help the appearance of dark spots on skin too. Vitamins can be very helpful in combating brown spots on face and other areas of the body;

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it has many benefits for the skin. One main benefit of vitamin E is its ability to reduce UV damage on the skin - which can otherwise cause brown marks on face. Try our NIVEA Refreshing Facial Wash for an invigorating cleanse that harbours the power of vitamin E.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant, giving it the ability to protect your skin from free radicals caused by UV light. Making sure you get ample vitamin C in your diet, from sources such as strawberries and oranges can help to protect you from brown spots on skin. Trying our NIVEA Q10 Energy Day Cream will also help to protect you from brown spots on face.

You can also use Castor oil, green tea extracts, milk, aloe vera, lemon juice and honey to bleach the appearance of dark spots on skin.

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HOW TO PREVENT DARK SPOTS ON SKIN

Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented - some occur naturally due to age and other factors. That being said, brown spots on skin caused by sun damage can be prevented. We’ve highlighted some tips to help you prevent brown patches on skin caused by sun damage:

Use Sunscreen - Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots on skin. By using a high SPF sunscreen - you can prevent your skin from becoming damaged and ensure that it's as healthy as possible to combat dark spots on skin.
Cover Up - Brown spots on face, neck and other overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun. Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to offer your face and neck protection from the sun.
Avoid The Midday Sun - The sun is at its hottest and most intense between 12:00 and 14:00. During these hours you are much more likely to suffer from sun damage that can lead to brown spots on skin. To prevent this, find some shade during this part of the day, and enjoy the sun at times when it isn't as damaging to your skin.