First, “know the spot” and then “reduce the spot”.

The formation and deterioration of acquired spots are inseparably related to UV rays. UV rays not only promote the division of melanocytes but also activate tyrosinase to produce more melanin on the skin surface. After a long period of prolonged exposure to the sun, this excess melanin can easily become uneven, leading to dullness and blotchiness.

In addition, endocrine changes such as menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, pregnancy and menopause, use of oral contraceptives or adrenocorticosteroid medications, uneven nutrition, smoking, stressful life, heavy metal poisoning, use of unsafe cosmetics, and poor health can also be the cause of dullness and blemishes. Therefore, the formation of spots is not just a single factor, and how to minimize the triggering factors needs to be considered as a whole.

Generally speaking, spots on the face can be divided into two types: preventable and non-preventable. Birthmarks, coffee-milk spots, Becker’s spots, cheekbone spots, skin spots, and moles are more related to genetics, and it is difficult to prevent them from arising or fading through preventive measures.

The spots that are easier to prevent are freckles, melasma, solar pigmentation, seborrheic keratosis, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Here, I have also compiled 3 common types of spots that you can check yourself according to the type of spots.

1. Stretch marks (sun spots)

Mostly caused by sun exposure, usually under the eyes and cheekbones

2. Freckles

Related to heredity, will deepen and increase after sun exposure, usually on the sides of the nose

3. Melasma (Chloasma)

Mostly caused by endocrine disorders, symmetrical, with spots on both cheeks.

In addition to this, the production of spots has a lot to do with the active melanin matrix in the skin.

So by combining the different causes of spots we can find out how to tackle them.

Three Compulsory Lessons of Dark Spots

1. Prevention > Treatment, reduce UV exposure and pay attention to sun protection

Because UV rays will stimulate the melanin matrix to become active, not only will the underlying spots be produced, but the existing spots may also deepen and aggravate, so it is very important to do a good job of sun protection. You can use physical sun protection such as umbrellas and sun hats, or you can apply adequate multiples of sunscreen. Regarding how to do sunscreen, please turn to the article How Sunscreen Works?

2. Choose a whitening serum that stabilizes melanin and inhibits melanin production

Topical ingredients related to dark spots and whitening

In brief, dark spots lightening ingredients can be divided into two main categories.

(1) Medicinal ingredients

(2) Non-medicinal ingredients.

For example, the hydroquinone, tretinoin, steroids, and azelaic acid in the 3-in-1 dark spots cream are medicinal ingredients. Although these ingredients are more effective, some of them may be more irritating and not suitable for long-term use, so they need to be used under the supervision of a doctor to ensure safety.

As for non-medical whitening ingredients, the following are more common: Kojic acid 2%; Arbutin 7%; Vitamin C sodium ascorbyl phosphate 3%; Vitamin C magnesium ascorbyl phosphate 3%; Vitamin C glucose Ascorbyl phosphate 3%. 3%; Ascorbyl glycoside 2%; Ellagic Acid 0.5%; ChamomileET 0.50%; Tranexamic acid 2-3%; Potassium4- methoxysalicylate 1.0%~3.0% and 3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid (L-ascorbicacid,3-O-ethyl ether) 1~2.0%.

Recommendations

A: Dark Spot Serum 30ml

Main Ingredients: vera leaf extract, hydrangea leaf extract, aloe vera leaf extract, purslane extract, wild chrysanthemum extract, salicylic acid, vitamin C, lactic acid, kojic acid, sodium hyaluronate,4MSK

Efficacy: inhibit melanin production, prevent spots, brighten skin, tighten skin, resist early aging, lighten spots and prevent fine lines

B. Whitening Serum 30ml

Main Ingredients: 2% alpha–arbutin, kojic acid, licorice root extract, organic aloe leaf juice, organic jojoba seed oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B3, organic green tea extract, sunflower seed oil

Efficacy: effectively inhibit the generation of skin melanin, promote collagen production, lighten skin

C. Glutathione Whitening Serum 30ml

Main Ingredients: alpha arbutin, vitamin C, vitamin B3, collagen, hyaluronic acid

Efficacy: deep black suppression, repair skin

D. Dragon Blood Serum 30ml

Main Ingredients: levoastaxanthin from erythrochlorella Pluvialis, arginine, ascorbic acid, rosehip oil, licorice extract, Pure dragon blood resin

Efficacy: lock collagen to make rough skin smooth and soft, improve delicate skin, fade acne marks, repair damaged skin.

Last but not least a common dark spot is caused by acne, which is mentioned before. Please turn to article 6 Best Serum For Acne Scars .

3. Nutritional balance and a high intake of foods with antioxidant effects

Eat more foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and anthocyanins. These vitamins are reductive and can inhibit melanin syntheses, such as oranges, kiwis, and blueberries, which have a certain effect of brightening the skin tone and lightening spots.

Conclusion

The process of removing dark spots and skin lightening is like a lifetime of practice and it is important not to stop halfway. From a medical point of view, spots on the face usually do not cause serious pathological effects, but they can have a significant impact on the psychological and aesthetic appearance of the face, so it is important to prevent them before they happen.

We will also cover other related skin problems and solutions later on. Just keep focusing on Adbshealth.