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remedies for dark spots
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19807
58 days ago
109

remedies for dark spots - #19807

Anvi

I am really frustrated with these dark spots that seem to have appeared out of nowhere! I mean, one day my skin was fine, and now I’ve got these pesky things all over my face. I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams, but nothing seems to work. I started noticing them after a summer of too much sun – guess I wasn't diligent about my sunscreen. 🙄 I’ve read that there are home remedies for dark spots, but I’m not sure which ones are actually effective and safe. I’ve heard things like lemon juice, but isn’t that supposed to make your skin more sensitive to light? I did try some apple cider vinegar once, but it made my skin feel weird. I’m just not sure how long I should wait after trying these remedies for dark spots before deciding they aren’t working. Also, can using too many remedies for dark spots at once cause more harm than good? Like, how do I know what’s working? Anyone had success with something specific? I’m totally open to both natural and clinical options but really want to avoid getting my hopes up too high again. Thanks in advance for any advice!

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Doctors' responses

Dark spots, often caused by sun exposure, are typically due to an increase in melanin. First thing, sunscreen should definitely be part of your daily routine from now on – choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. For treating existing spots, patience is key; treatments often take weeks to show results. Home remedies like lemon juice can indeed make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which isn’t ideal, so it’s best to skip that. Instead, consider using a vitamin C serum. It’s a potent antioxidant that’s known for brightening skin and reducing dark spots. Apply it in the morning before your sunscreen.

Also, niacinamide can help lighten pigmentation and is usually well-tolerated by most skin types. Products containing glycolic acid or lactic acid can also help by gently exfoliating the upper layers of the skin where the pigmentation lies. But, avoid using too many active ingredients at once as this can irritate your skin and potentially make dark spots worse. Stick to one or two active ingredients and give them time to work – at least 4-6 weeks – before evaluating their effectiveness. If you want a more clinical approach, treatments like chemical peels, which a professional dermatologist can administer, can be effective. Laser treatment is another option but generally more costly. Always do a patch test when trying new products and discontinue use if you notice irritation. If none of these seem effective or if you notice worsening, a dermatologist could provide personalized treatment based on your skin type and specific needs.

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