The presence of dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, on the face is a common dermatologic complaint. In most cases, dark spots are not a cause for concern. However, hyperpigmentation may cause your skin to look dull, rough, and uneven.
There are three possible reasons why you have dark areas on your face:
UV radiation also induces the production of tyrosinase, a protein that stimulates the production of more melanin. These processes result in increased pigmentation, hence the appearance of dark spots on the face.
Aside from hyperpigmentation, chronic exposure to UV radiation causes thickening of the skin. The skin feels leathery, wrinkled, rough, and dry.
When you have acne, there is inflammation of the skin. During inflammation, the levels of prostaglandins, a type of inflammatory chemical substance, increase. The prostaglandins then may trigger the production of more melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation.
Popping your pimples can also induce irritation and inflammation of the skin, thus
contributing to the formation of dark spots.
The exact cause of melasma is not well-understood but doctors highly suspect that pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone stimulate the production of melanin. The melanocyte-stimulating hormone may also be active during pregnancy and may induce hyperpigmentation.
As with other health concerns, it is always more convenient to prevent dark spots rather than to treat them. To prevent dark spots, avoid prolonged sun exposure, stop popping your pimples, and avoid using skin products that irritate the skin.
Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and phloretin work wonders in clearing dark facial spots. Applying topical facial products that contain these antioxidants will help your face become brighter and younger-looking.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is the primary antioxidant of our body. Unfortunately, our body does not have the ability to produce Vitamin C. Because of this, it is essential to consume food or use topical products that contain adequate amounts of Vitamin C. In fact, the most effective way to get Vitamin C for our skin to directly apply it onto the skin.
Vitamin C benefits our skin by deactivating the UV-induced free radicals and protecting our skin from sunburn after sun exposure. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of collagen, which maintains the integrity and youthful glow of the skin.
Phloretin is another antioxidant that protects the skin from hyperpigmentation. Mixing Vitamin C with phloretin gives enhanced protection against sun damage and pigmentation.