If there’s anything I absolutely *despise* more than breakouts, it’s the dark spots they leave behind on my face and body. And if you’re also someone who deals with hyperpigmentation, you know just how frustrating skin discoloration can be to cover up and/or treat. So to help you out (and let’s be honest, to help myself out), I turned to board-certified dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, for expert advice on how to get rid of dark spots of all different kinds and causes. Keep reading for everything you really, truly need to know.
What causes dark spots on the face?
Dark spots seem to be pretty self-explanatory—they’re spots darker than the rest of your skin—but the causes and treatments can be different. For example, that pimple that left behind a dark acne scar (aka post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is a common cause, but injuries, hormones, and sun exposure can all leave your skin with discoloration that may or may not go away on its own.
Dr. Pierre explains that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, injuries, bug bites, or scratches can fade naturally in a few weeks or months, but things like sun damage or melasma (hyperpigmentation caused by hormones and sun exposure) will need topical or laser intervention, if you’re trying to get rid of them.
How do you get rid of dark spots fast?
Fortunately for you (and me), we’ve got a few treatments. Buuut that being said, this is the part where I remind you that the first step to getting rid of dark spots is to see a dermatologist who can identify what type of discoloration you’re working with, figure out the cause, and determine the best treatment options for your skin. “The cause of the dark spots is actually an important consideration,” Dr. Pierre explains. “Although there is definitely an overlap in treatment plans, different combinations will be used depending on the factors at play.”
Read the full story on Cosmpolitan.com
Also Read: How to get rid of acne scars according to a dermatologist
