March 19, 2024
Categories: Skin Care
Call them age spots, liver spots, black spots or sun spots—these patches usually mean sun damage or excess pigment. Below is a simple guide to what dark spots are, why they happen, and how to treat and prevent them.
Table of Contents
– What Causes Dark Spots?
– How to Prevent Dark Spots
What Causes Dark Spots?
Everyone’s skin has a pigment called melanin, made by cells called melanocytes. Melanin helps protect the skin by absorbing UV energy. When the skin makes too much melanin, it can collect in areas and form darker spots or patches—this is called hyperpigmentation. While it can happen to any skin tone, darker skin types often get it more. Common causes include:
Sun Exposure
The main cause of dark spots is sun damage. UV rays trigger melanocytes to produce more melanin as a kind of natural sunscreen. Too much sun can lead to concentrated pigment that shows up as dark spots. Years of sun exposure also cause age spots (sometimes called liver spots), which usually show up after decades of sun on areas like the face, hands, back, feet and shoulders. These spots are most common in people over 55. Aging can make them more noticeable because melanocytes may get fewer but larger and more active, and older skin often looks thinner and paler, making spots stand out.
Hormones
Hormone changes can cause a type of darkening called melasma. This often appears during pregnancy, with certain hormone treatments, or after changes in birth control. Pregnant women sometimes get dark patches on the nose, cheeks, jawline, forehead or chin—called the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma. Melasma often fades after pregnancy or when hormone levels settle. Sun and heat can make hormonally driven spots worse, so saunas, hot yoga or heavy heat exposure can cause those patches to grow or spread.
Inflammation
Dark spots can form after the skin is inflamed or injured—common with acne, eczema, allergic reactions, or other skin problems. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When a wound or breakout heals, the skin may overproduce melanin and leave a darker mark that can be pink, red, purple, brown or black. The more severe the inflammation, the darker and larger the spot. That’s why picking or popping pimples raises the chance of a lasting dark spot.
How to Prevent Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation)
Protecting your skin from new damage is as important as treating existing spots. Try these tips to reduce the chance of more dark spots forming:
Shield Yourself From the Sun
Time in the sun plays a big role in hyperpigmentation. It’s easy to underestimate how daily sun exposure adds up. To lower your risk, avoid long sun exposure, wear a hat outside, and use sunscreen regularly. Blocking UV rays helps prevent melanocytes from making extra pigment, which is one of the best ways to avoid dark spots.
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Avoid Heat
Heat can also trigger pigment production. Try to limit activities that expose you to high heat, and keep your skin cool when possible.
Stop Inflammation
Since inflammation can lead to dark spots, avoid behaviors that irritate or injure your skin. Don’t pick at pimples and avoid other actions that aggravate your skin.
Use Vitamin C Regularly
A topical antioxidant like a Vitamin C serum can help reduce the look of dark spots when used consistently. Vitamin C interferes with melanin production and offers other skin benefits, so it’s a helpful addition to your routine.
With these tips on what causes hyperpigmentation and how to prevent it, you can work toward a more even skin tone. If you’re dealing with dark spots and want personalized advice, visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner for a skin care consultation.