Dark spots and marks are also known as hyperpigmentation. Hyper pigmentation occurs when the skin has sustained an injury, and the body produces an increased amount of melanin.
Melanin is found primarily in people of ethnic origin, especially African-Americans. The darker the skin complexion, the more melanin in the skin.
Skin injuries can include slight scratches, abrasion, surgeries, or acne. Overall, it is any disruption to the skin that causes the skin to heal or repair itself.
Overexposure to the sun without proper UV protection can also cause additional darkening of skin. This includes skin injuries, as well as age spots.
How to prevent dark spots
Prevention of dark spot and marks starts with a great skin care regimen and a healthy lifestyle to prevent breakouts. Your skin care regimen should include a sunscreen with adequate UV protection for your skin. Over exposure to the sun without proper protection can cause age spots, as well as cause treated dark spots to return.
Acne breakouts are considered to be a skin injury since the skin needs to heal and repair the infected area. These breakouts can cause darks spots as they start to heal, even if you do not handle the infected area. This is the primary reason that it is important to have a consistent regiment and healthy lifestyle to prevent breakouts as much as possible.
Do not pick blackheads, white heads, or ingrown hairs with your fingers. They additional agitation to these areas only causes the injured area to produce extra melanin, causing more harm.
If you have severe acne that can not be treated with over-the counter medications, please seek the advise of your medical physician for prescription formulas that will work best for you. There are multiple acne prescriptions on the market that be of great benefit. The use of both prescriptions medications and over the counter treatments can also be combined for great benefits. Please seek the advice of your physician to confirm which over the counter products can be used in conjunction with your acne prescription(s).
For acne that is less severe, consist use of a good skin care regimen and healthy lifestyle will provide great preventative results.
Treatments for Dark Spots
Your skin care regimen should include products that contain any of the following ingredients to lighten dark spots: hydroquinone, retinol, or alpha hydroxy acids
Skin peels, and exfoliation also should be incorporated into your skin care regimen to assist with sloughing away old skin cells. The consistent sloughing and exfoliation reveal renewed, brighter skin, and allows the darks spots to be lighten.
Please be sure to follow proper directions/instructions of all skin peels and exfoliation products. Improper use of these products is not more beneficial, and will cause more harm than good. However, with proper consistent use, you will achieve the flawless skin you desire.
