What are dark spots on the face?
‘Dark spots’ is another term for hyperpigmentation, which is a type of discolouration or darkening of the skin. Size can vary, and the colour of your dark spots is often dictated by genetics and skin tone.
So, what causes dark spots on the face? When the skin overproduces melanin (the natural pigment in the skin’s outer layer1), it causes patches of the skin to darken. This extra melanin is often triggered by prolonged UV exposure or hormonal changes.
Types of dark spots and where they appear
Although dark spots may look a little different on each individual, there are a few common types:
- Sun spots – smooth and flat in appearance, these dark spots on the face are the result of UV exposure. Sun spots tend to appear on areas of the body that get more sun exposure: the face, chest, back, shoulders, and the back of the hands.
- Post-blemish marks – if you have experienced blemish-prone skin, you might see flat tan, brown or black spots in the areas where pimples have cleared. Depending on your skin tone and the extent of your initial blemishes, these post-blemish marks may take anywhere from months or years to fade.2
- Age spots – these are similar to sun spots but they appear after prolonged sun exposure over many years. These types of dark spots are flat and can be brown, grey or black depending on your skin tone. Age spots might appear after age 50 in the same areas as sun spots, but they can crop up sooner if you’ve accumulated more sun exposure over time.
Tips to reduce dark spots on the face
Now that we have a better idea of what causes dark spots on the face, we can start to build a targeted skincare routine to reduce their appearance. So, what should we use for dark spots on the face? We can’t get enough of these holy grail ingredients:
- Niacinamide
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
These ingredients can be incorporated into your skincare routine in the form of cleansers, exfoliating scrubs, targeted serums, and moisturisers. And, of course, SPF is going to play a huge role as well. Here are our top tips to manage dark spots.
1. Use an exfoliating cleanser
All skincare routines should include a cleanser, but if you are trying to reduce dark spots on the face, you may benefit from an exfoliating cleanser. Chemical exfoliants like BHAs and AHAs encourage skin cell turnover, gently sloughing dead skin cells to reveal fresher, brighter skin. These qualities have made chemical exfoliants a fixture in many ageing skincare routines.
The L’Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid Dark Spot Face Cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid (a hero BHA) to encourage the skin’s renewal process, while the niacinamide helps brighten the skin and give a more uniform complexion. For particularly troublesome dark spots, you might want to incorporate an exfoliant peel into your skincare routine as well. After cleansing, apply the Bright Reveal Dark Spot 25% [AHA + BHA + PHA] + Niacinamide Exfoliant Peel to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Not sure how often to exfoliate your face? Your skin type tends to be a good indicator. Oily skin types can be exfoliated several times a week or even daily, whereas dry and sensitive skin types might be limited to once a week – or not at all. Our tip: start slow with exfoliants and check your skin for signs of sensitivity before building up your usage.
2. Incorporate targeted serums
Serums are a great way to manage specific skin concerns. Niacinamide serum has benefits for all skin types, but it is particularly effective in diminishing the appearance of dark spots. After using your exfoliating cleanser, follow with the Bright Reveal 10% [Niacinamide + Amino-Sulfonic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. Apply 3-4 drops over your face and neck to reduce sun spots on the face, and visibly improve the appearance of post-blemish marks and age spots.
3. Be consistent with SPF
Targeted skincare products can help fade hyperpigmentation and support the skin’s natural renewal process, but generally speaking, prevention is the best treatment – and what helps with dark spots on the face better than SPF? We know the sun in Australia is notoriously powerful, but did you know that our summer sun is even 7-10% stronger than in the Northern Hemisphere?3
SPF is your skin’s best defence against UV damage that can lead to dark spots. Make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor and apply at least 20 minutes before going in the sun. As a bonus, you can also use a daily moisturiser that’s formulated with SPF, like the L’Oreal Paris Niacinamide Dark Spot Hydrating Day Cream SPF15. This high-performing moisturiser helps plump, hydrate and brighten the skin while also giving you sun protection.
Now that you know how to reduce dark spots on the face, discover how to get glass skin.
