Dark spots might be one of the trickiest skin concerns to tackle. Once they’ve formed on your face, erasing these brown patches of pigment becomes a lesson in patience and consistency. Stick with the right skincare routine, and you’ll start to see sun spots and melasma fade – but what is the right routine? Here’s what you need to know about how to get rid of sun spots…
What are dark spots?
Dark spots – or hyperpigmentation – is a catch-all term for flat, stubborn, darker patches of skin. You’ll see them where there’s an overproduction of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigment. They tend to be harmless, but once they’ve set in, they can be difficult to remove, which means you’ll need a clear and consistent skincare routine to even out your complexion.
What are the causes of dark spots?
There are so many reasons dark spots can happen, and each type of spot has its own cause. So, let’s explore the culprits behind uneven pigmentation…
Sun damage
This is the most prevalent aggressor to watch out for. Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines, are one the most common types of dark spots, caused by UV exposure. They’re one of many reasons to wear SPF daily, as UV rays speed up the production of melanin, causing it to clump in areas and create a flat patch ranging from light brown to black in colour.
Inflammation
Have you ever noticed that, after a breakout clears, you’re often left with scars or dark marks? These are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks, and they happen when the skin tissue becomes damaged. The spot itself – especially if it’s deep and cystic – can cause this type of pigmentation, but skin picking can make it worse, which is why it’s important to avoid touching acne.
Hormonal changes
Your hormone levels can have a bigger impact on the look and feel of your skin than you might think. One example is pregnancy; it can trigger a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma, which appears as small, brown patches which most commonly appear on the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead and above the upper lip.Medication
Certain medications may also speed up the production of melanin, including anti-inflammatory tablets and even potent topicals such as tretinoin. These dark spots may appear more of a greyish-brown colour
What’s the difference between sun spots and melasma?
Sun spots and melasma may look the same – flat, brown patches of pigment – but their causes set them apart. Here’s how to tell the difference… Sun spots: The clue is in the name; dark sun spots are caused by sun exposure. UV rays not only break down collagen to cause fine lines and wrinkles, but they also speed up the production of melanin to form hyperpigmentation. Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation is triggered by changes in hormones, which is why it’s most common during or after pregnancy, or while taking birth control. But it does have links to sun spots; you’re more likely to see melasma in areas that have regularly been exposed to UV rays.
How do I get rid of dark spots?
Fading dark sun spots on skin requires skincare with a two-phase approach. First, you need an ingredient that inhibits the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production. By regulating this enzyme, you slow down overactive pigment cells, so sun spots won’t keep darkening. At Shiseido, we use a brightening ingredient called VP8 complex with 4MSK to keep tyrosinase under control. Then look to ingredients that increase cell turnover, so sun-damaged skin cells are sloughed away to reveal a fresh, healthy, even skin tone. Retinol is a powerful cell regenerator that does exactly that, while also helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How does Vital Perfection help with dark spots?
Vital Perfection Intensive WrinkleSpot Treatment is a powerful tool in the fight against dark spots, giving you concentrated brightening in a pen-like, precise applicator. It pairs tyrosinase-inhibiting VP8 complex with 4MSK alongside retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, smile lines, and dark spots within 4 weeks*. Apply it directly to sun spots on your face after moisturising but before sunscreen, and gently massage in circular motions. You can also smooth this supercharged treatment directly onto lines and wrinkles for smoother, tighter skin.
How do I prevent dark spots?
Your first line of defence is suncare. With UV rays being the number one culprit behind sun spots on the face, SPF is essential in every routine, both in the morning and throughout the day. You can apply SPF foundations and moisturisers with protection built in, but to reach the optimal level of shielding, you should also apply a specialised sunscreen to your face and neck. Try Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF30, a wonderfully weightless lotion that combines broad-spectrum sun protection with antioxidant properties to ward off the skin-damaging effects of pollution. Because it’s oil-free, it’s suitable for oily and sensitive complexions, while hyaluronic acid makes it a hero hydrator for dry skin types too. Apply around half a teaspoon or two finger-lengths each morning to cover your face and neck, and then reapply throughout the day. Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+, makes it easy, with invisible protection you can glide over the top of your makeup, while also reaching smaller often-missed areas like the tops of ears and hairline. Gaining control over tyrosinase is also key. Before this enzyme can dial up melanin production, regulate it with the VP8 complex with 4MSK in the Vital Perfection LiftDefine Radiance Serum. Apply it morning and night to not only treat any existing dark spots but also keep future hyperpigmentation at bay and veil skin in a vibrant, youthful glow.
The takeaway on how to remove dark spots
Let’s recap. While sun exposure, hormones and inflammation can cause your melanin production to go into overdrive, inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase helps you regain control over areas of hyperpigmentation. Combine this action with the reparative properties of retinol, which increases cell turnover, and you have a two-phase approach that both prevents and fades dark sun spots. Vital Perfection Intensive WrinkleSpot Treatment achieves both in one on-the-spot cream. Sun protection is also essential. Seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin against dark spot-causing UV rays. Try Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF30 or Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+, two feather-light sunscreens that shield your complexion with broad-spectrum protection you can top up with ease.
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