There are many reasons why we get dark spots, but no matter how or why you got them, I think we all want to know the trick to what fade dark spots? Sure there are prescription options like Hydroquinone, but there are all-natural options as well. Let’s take a look at some of those options. And, I’ll also answer some common questions people have about dark spots, how to prevent them and how to cover them up.
What Causes Dark Spots on Face
Dark spots are the result of hyperpigmentation, caused by the overproduction of melanin. You have too much pigment in select areas, which results in spots. These dark spots go by many names. Some people call them age spots, liver spots, or melasma.
But trust me when I say dark spots can appear at any age. This is especially true for people who get dark spots after acne breakouts. And for women who get dark spots when they go on the pill or become pregnant. The estrogen levels in their body cause the excess pigmentation that produces the dark spots.
Types of Uneven Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation and uneven pigmentation looks different on different skin tones. For instance, people with fair skin tones tend to get freckles and dark spots on the face and hands. People with darker skin tones may see uneven pigmentation that appears in patches or shadows.
For example, the skin may be one color around your eyes, nose, and cheeks. But be darker around the hairline. So it doesn’t show up as dark spots per se, but an uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the face.
Medications to Treat Dark Spots
If you visit a dermatologist, the medicine of choice is Hydroquinone. This topical cream lightens the spots by slowing down the production of melanin. You can also find over-the-counter creams that use Hydroquinone at lower levels. The problem with these creams is that Hydroquinone can irritate your skin. And, if used for too long, it can cause hyperpigmentation. Some countries have banned this medication because they think it’s toxic.
How to Fade Dark Spots on Face
If the thought of using dangerous chemicals to lighten your skin sounds scary to you, don’t worry. There are plenty of incredible all-natural options available. LimeLife has all natural skin care options to gently and effectively improve your skin tone.
There are lots of treatment options for dark marks, and sun spots. Some may go the route of using chemical peels, chemical exfoliants, or an expensive laser treatment. However, I wanted to tackle my uneven skin tone by using clean, all natural skin care products. So that's what I'm going to focus on here.
I wanted to look at the best way to prevent and treat sun damage and uneven skin pigmentation. No professional treatment, or in-office treatments for me. Just topical treatments that are healthy for me and my skin.
Cleansers to Improve Skin Tone
The first step in any skincare routine is using a good cleanser, and this is where LimeLife’s Dream Clean can help. Designed to help people with acne, this all natural cleanser also helps lighten and brighten your skin. This cleanser has Soapberry in it, which is a natural fruit extract that fights acne-causing bacteria. And it also inhibits the production of melanin. This makes it an excellent choice for people with dark spots or uneven skin tone. The cleanser naturally lightens your dark spots.
Another LimeLife cleanser option is the Midnight Oil Cleanser. This cleanser doesn’t inhibit melanin production like Dream Clean does. However, it does help your skin in many ways. First, it contains Marula Oil. This essential oil naturally protects your skin against environmental damage. Since environmental factors cause some dark spots, this cleanser can help. The other ingredients in this cleanser brighten your complexion and improve its radiance.
Scrubs and Masks to Brighten Skin
Exfoliating scrubs and masks also help uneven skin tone. Your body naturally produces more skin cells when dead cells are removed through exfoliation. This natural process helps slough off the old, uneven skin tone and helps create more radiant skin. LimeLife has the Masque of Zen and Skin Polish. The Masque of Zen is a clay-based mask designed to help people with acne-prone skin. Skin Polish is full of natural ingredients that gently scrub your skin to give a glowing complexion. This mask is suitable for all skin types.
What Fade Dark Spots- All Natural Serum Options
When it comes to natural skin care to fight dark spots, this is where LimeLife offers some of the best. There are three serums that all help, but my favorite for lightening dark spots is Sotoks. If you’ve read my LimeLime Skin Care Collections article, you know that Sotoks is the reason I joined LimeLife by Alcone (formerly LimeLight by Alcone).
My melasma, or mask of pregnancy, started with my first pregnancy and got worse with each one. With the first pregnancy, I felt like the melasma diminished significantly over time. However, with my second and third child, the spots did not go away, and uneven skin tone is a lasting after-effect to motherhood. But with Sotoks my skin is lighter and brighter. While the dark spots are not 100% gone, they are so much better, and I don’t feel like I need to cover them up all the time.
Sotoks gets its “magic” from the songyi mushroom. This ingredient brightens skin without irritating it. The other all-natural ingredients in this serum help protect against environmental damage, while also tightening skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other LimeLife serums to improve uneven skin tone are the Midnight Oil Serum and One Drop Wonder. One Drop Wonder is a powerful tool on its own, but when combined with other products like Sotoks, it strengthens that product's benefits. One Drop Wonder provides a significant decrease in pigment intensity of skin. All while being a super hydrating serum that delivers smooth, healthy, and radiant skin.
Using Vitamin C to Brighten Skin
Vitamin C is an effective way to treat dark spots. Vitamin C is known for brightening skin, evening out skin tone, and reducing the appearance of dark spots. I am happy to report that LimeLife just came out with a new Vitamin C oil elixir called Everlasting C. I have a whole page that runs through the active ingredients, benefits, and how this oil-based Vitamin C is different from most vitamin C skincare products.
In a nutshell, Everlasting C is gentler than most products. This means that even people who have sensitive skin can use it, without the risk of skin irritation. It also is a great complement to hyaluronic acid moisturizers like Green Smoothie, Skin Therapy, and Duolab. Everlasting C helps fight free radicals that can cause aging.
How to Prevent Age Spots
Now that we’ve talked about natural skin care that helps fade dark spots let’s talk about what you can do to prevent them. As I mentioned, some causes can’t be helped. For instance, hormonal changes in our body during pregnancy is inevitable. However, preventing age spots that develop from sun exposure can.
The easiest way to prevent age spots is to wear sunscreen every day. It doesn’t matter if the sun isn't shining or whether it’s the middle of winter. Applying sunscreen should be a natural part of your daily routine. While you still may end up developing dark spots as you age, by wearing sun screen you have a better chance of keeping it to a minimum. And these spots will hopefully fade over time.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is also an important step in reducing the risk of getting skin cancer. I have a page that discusses the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens. Another name for mineral sunscreens is barrier sunscreens. The ingredients in these sunscreens, like titanium oxide and zinc oxide, create a barrier between UV rays and the top layer of skin.
How to Cover Up Age Spots on Skin
As much as we can do to prevent and treat dark spots, unfortunately, many of us still have to cope with uneven skin tone. For some of us it may just be freckles that develop over the years. For many of us, the age spots and dark patches on our skin reflect one of our proudest accomplishments, motherhood. Whatever the reason, you may want a way to cover up dark spots.
LimeLife Foundation is a wax-based foundation that does the trick. I discuss the Foundation in great detail in my LimeLife Foundation-Everything You Need to Know article. LimeLife’s highly pigmented foundation let’s you build layers, so you can apply as little as you’d like for a sheer coverage. Or, build it up for full coverage. This foundation is a favorite of celebrities and makeup artists from around the world. It’s the perfect solution to tackle the problem of what fade dark spots.
How to Fade Dark Spots Recap
I hope I’ve helped give you some ideas when it comes to what fade dark spots. The good news is that there are so many amazing products that can help with hyperpigmentation, excessive sun exposure, and the look of dark spots. Great all-natural options to prevent, treat, and hide dark spots. There is no need to use harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients. Mother nature has you covered when it comes to having healthy and radiant skin.
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I currently have chronic mercury toxicity, I cannot use products with Hydroquinone in them. Does any of your products?
Hi Deb. LimeLife does not use hydroquinone in their products. Only all-natural ingredients in their skin care. If you have questions about ingredients in a particular product, let me know.