What Exactly Are Dark Spots and What Causes Them?

From uneven skin tone to enlarged pores to breakouts, there is no shortage of issues that can make your skin appear less than perfect. One of the more frustrating skin issues out there are dark spots. These can appear at all ages and are even more common in adulthood and older adulthood.

Although they can easily be covered up with makeup, dark spots can negatively impact self-confidence. However, that doesn’t mean you should be ashamed. Knowing the cause of dark spots can help you stop them in the future and improve your health at the same time.

What are dark spots?

Dark spots are flat, pigmented patches on the skin. They can be as small as freckles or larger. Dark spots occur due to extra melanin production. Dark spots on the skin are usually not a concern; however, any bumps, enlargements, or abnormalities should be examined by a professional.

Types of dark spots

Dark spots can come in many forms, including:

• Sunspots: Caused by sun exposure and common after age 40
• Melasma: Brownish gray patches on the skin and face
• Freckles: Flat, brown spots that are usually genetic

8 causes of dark spots

So what exactly causes dark spots? Here are eight common reasons you might be experiencing dark spots on your skin.

Cause #1: The sun

Melanin gives the skin color. When your skin experiences prolonged sun exposure, your body produces more melanin for protection. This can cause dark spots that are usually referred to as age spots or sunspots. Artificial light from tanning beds can also lead to dark spots.

Cause #2: Age

It’s not exactly age that causes dark spots, but rather prolonged sun exposure throughout a lifetime. When extra melanin is clumped in the same place, it creates dark spots and hyperpigmentation. People with light skin and people who burn easily are more prone to these intense spots. Age spots are also referred to as “liver spots.”

Hallmarks of age spots include being flat and oval-shaped. They occur on skin that has had repeated sun exposure. This includes the backs of hands, the tops of the shoulders, the upper back, and the tops of the feet.

Cause #3: Certain skin conditions

Some skin conditions can make dark spots and hyperpigmentation more prevalent, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. To minimize these spots, it is essential to treat the skin condition first by speaking with a dermatologist or another trusted health practitioner.

Cause #4: Skin injuries

One of the worst things you can do to your skin is to pick at it. Picking, scratching, popping pimples, ripping off dry skin – all of these actions can cause significant damage to your skin. You can also cause open wounds and infections in severe cases – and permanent scarring and dark spots. Skin problems cannot be solved with aggressive scrubbing or harsh treatment. Always treat your skin with care.

Cause #5: Acne

You may see dark spots on the skin after having a pimple. This is because your skin produces extra melanin. Melanin overproduction can cause patches on the surface that come in varying shades of brown, from light to dark.

Cause #6: Certain medications

Some medications can cause dark spots on the skin, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you have questions about medications and dark spots, talk to your healthcare practitioner about potential side effects so you can prepare.

Cause #7: Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are a common reason people experience dark spots and hyperpigmentation. For example, pregnant women experiencing hormone surges and fluctuations often experience melasma during pregnancy. Birth control and hormone replacement therapy may also cause melasma.

Cause #8: Harsh skincare products

That squeaky clean feeling after washing your face is not a good thing. This means the cleanser you used is too drying and has a high pH. This is the perfect storm of stripping the skin of its natural oils. Plus, harsh ingredients and chemicals in skincare products can trigger unwanted dark spots.

Our favorite solution for dark spots

There’s no doubt about it – dark spots are frustrating! And by trying to “scrub” them away, you’ll do more harm than good. Harsh exfoliants don’t remove dark spots. Gentle skincare with the right ingredients can fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time. And that’s exactly what we designed the Teami Bright Dark Spot Serum to do!

Made with superfood ingredients, this serum targets dark spots and quickly absorbs into the skin with a silky smooth texture so it can work quickly. We used some of the most potent nutrients from nature to enhance your skin radiance without irritation. It works hard and you won’t even notice!

Key ingredients in Teami Bright Dark Spot Serum include:

• Vitamin C promotes brightening and collagen production and contains skin-loving antioxidants
• Azelaic acid helps reduce melanin production over time and encourages cell turnover
• Papaya enzyme clarifies, brightens, and hydrates the skin by gently buffing away dead skin cells
• Calendula extract soothes irritation and promotes skin healing

Add this serum into your routine day and night to complement any natural Teami skincare product. Apply it before your moisturizer so it can get to work!

Remember: dark spots take time to fade. The American Academy of Dermatology Association states that dark spots usually take between six months up to one year to fade. And that’s only if the root cause of the dark spots has been found – so don’t get discouraged! Our Bright Dark Spot Serum is designed to help you on your journey to healthy, vibrant, and clean skin.

You can get inspired to fade dark spots by monitoring your progress. Take a before photo, increase healthy habits in your life, and create a consistent skincare routine with the Bright Dark Spot Serum. And don’t forget to show us your results later! Tag us on Instagram with #thankyouteami.

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