How to improve the appearance of dark spots with antioxidants
As you get older you may notice dark spots start to appear on your skin. That’s likely because of sun exposure over the years. You can’t get rid of dark spots overnight either. However if you are bothered by their appearance you can minimize their appearance with the help of antioxidants. We’re giving you an overview of dark spots and how antioxidants can help them fade away.
What Are Dark Spots?
There are a several types of dark spots and a variety of causes for them to appear. In most instances, it’s a sign of trauma or damage to the skin likely due to sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal imbalances.
Your skin contains melanocyte which produces melanin. When it becomes overstimulated it can produce too much melanin. This leads to hyperpigmentation often in the form of freckles or dark spots. Another cause of hyperpigmentation is hormones and dark spots can often appear because of hormones or pregnancy.
The sun is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation doesn’t just show up on the face but can also appear on chest, neck and hands.
Picking or squeezing blemishes can also cause hyperpigmentation. Dark skin can be particularly sensitive, and is more likely to become hyperpigmented than fair skin because it generally produces more melanocyte.
What Types Of Hyperpigmentation Exist?
Hyperpigmention can be categorized in several groups.
Lentigo/Lentigenes: This is one freckle versus freckles plural.
Solar Lentigenes: These are freckles or can also be referred to as age or liver spots caused by sun exposure.
Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation is also known as “pregnancy mask” and is a result of hormone fluctuations during pregnancy or in conjunction with the use of birth control. Melasma appear as dark splotches on the face everywhere except for the eye area.
Post-Inflammatory (PIH): This is caused by skin trauma in the form of acne, burns, psoriasis or scarring. It might fade over time as the damaged area heals.
How Can You Use Antioxidants To Fight Dark Spots?
Antioxidants have a lot of skin-benefitting qualities that can improve the appearance of dark spots. Below are our favorite ones to use:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is great for fighting free radicals and can also help to brighten the appearance of dark spots. Apply in the form of a serum, dark spot corrector or cream to areas with hyperpigmentation. It should help brighten the appearance of dark spots over time. Vitamin C is most active when it’s not exposed to air so try to use a serum or cream that doesn’t have a big opening or it might lose its skin-improving qualities.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E actually works well with Vitamin C so you may want to consider buying a product formulated with both ingredients. It’s particularly good to use in the form of a serum.
Retinol or Pro-Retinol
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative which is effective in improving the appearance of your skin. It has potent anti-aging qualities and can help maintain your skin’s youth and texture when used correctly in a skin care routine. Retinol has exfoliating qualities which helps dark spots fade away.
What Are Dark Spot Correctors?
You can help improve the appearance of dark spots with topical products and there is a wide array of creams, gels and serums dedicated to addressing hyperpigmentation. Dark spot correctors have brightening or exfoliating qualities to lighten the appearance of hyperpigmentation, making them gradually fade away.
Many dark spot correctors are formulated with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, licorice extract, kojic acid, retinol or niacinamide to minimize the appearance of dark spots. But no matter what products you decide to use always remember to apply SPF to protect your skin for years to come.
