How To Heal Dark Spots

What’s worse than getting a breakout? The little reminder they leave once they’re gone– dark spots. Even if the breakout is there for less than a few days, it can still leave a mark behind. There is a difference between dark spots and acne scars. Acne scars are permanent indentations from collagen damage, explains Dr.Bowe, in an interview with Teen Vogue explaining how to deal with acne’s friendly gifts. Acne is a combination of a few factors; hormones, overly active oil glands, beauty products and the food we eat. The process of elimination can help with identifying the root cause of your breakouts.

Dark spots show up as red, purple or even brown spots on the skin. They are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can take up to three to six months to go away. The tone of your skin makes a huge difference in the darkness of the spot. “In lighter skin tones, red or purple marks are more common and fade over a few weeks. For darker skin tones, a pimple typically leaves a brown mark that takes on average four months to go away on its own,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd,  a Miami-based dermatologist.

Here are a few products available to lighten up those spots once they start overstaying their welcome:

CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
“A highly concentrated, oil-free serum that improves the appearance of dark spots, promotes even skin tone, and boosts radiance.”
Formulated with a high concentration of viniferine, an ingredient from the grapevine sap that is clinically proven to be 62 times more effective than vitamin C and Olive Squalane which moisturizes the skin, helps to brighten and even out skin texture.

MURAD Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum:
“A fast-acting dark spot serum with two percent hydroquinone to diminish the appearance of dark spots, age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation.” This serum is directed precisely for reducing the appearance of dark spots. Formulated with hydroquinone a powerful skin Lightner Hexapeptide-2 which helps give skin an even glowing tone. As well as glycolic acid, a non-abrasive skin exfoliator that removes dead skin cells clearing the way for spot free skin.

OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum
“A powerful anti-aging serum formulated with vitamin C and collagen for brightening and all-day hydration.” Vitamin C is known for its many benefits topically and as a supplement. This powerhouse of a vitamin, when used topically, can fight off free radicals, inflammation and help promote faster collagen production. All which leads to a glowing complexion.

You know I love natural remedies, here are natural alternatives to clear up those dark spots:

Aloe Vera: The plant that does it all, amongst the many benefits of the aloe vera plant one of them is aiding in skin care. Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory, so it fights off pimples and helps with the growth of new skin cells. Fights off signs of aging with antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E and moisturizes the skin keeping it hydrated and firm .

Lemons: Lemons are anti-bacterial, which can help in fighting off potential breakouts. They also contain Vitamin C and as mentioned above help with brightening your skin and lightening dark spots.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps to reduce acne and keeps your skin clear because of its antibacterial properties. It gently exfoliates because of its alpha hydroxy acids removing dead skin and leaving you with less blemished skin.

With all these skin lightening products, it is crucial  to wear sunscreen (say it one more time for the people in the back.) The sun makes your skin produce melanin, and we don’t want extra production of melanin if we’re trying to lighten up dark spots.

Photo by Audrey Jackson

What are some other tips or products you guys like to use in order to fight of dark spots? Let us know down below!

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