In our society, first impressions are so important. The saying goes, “you never get a second chance at a first impression.” Because of that, we often spend a lot of time on our appearance. With that in mind, it can feel so difficult when we have blemishes or marks on our skin. Even worse, sometimes we can’t figure out what is causing these marks. Whether it’s a dark spot on your face or a dark shadow above your upper lip, hyperpigmentation can be embarrassing and frustrating: why do I have dark spots on my face?
Natural Treatment for Melasma – Skin Hyperpigmentation
Melasma is the medical name for the dark spots that appear on your face. However, this dark hyperpigmentation isn’t confined to your face. Mostly this is where you will notice it, but it can appear on the neck, chest, and forearms too. (1)
What Causes Dark Spots On The Face
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to why people develop melasma. However, there are some common culprits to examine. Essentially, these dark spots appear when the cells in the face produce too much pigmentation. Often, this has to do with hormone production. (1)
Birth Control & Melasma
Although you might not think it, the hormones in your birth control affect more than just your reproductive cycle. Depending on the type, your birth control may be causing the skin cells on your face to make dark spots. (1)
Melasma & Pregnancy
Melasma is sometimes known as “the mask of pregnancy,” due to the frequency with which it occurs in pregnant people. The simple explanation is that as your body is growing the fetus, massive hormone fluctuations happen. Often, by the second or third trimester, the dark spots will become more apparent on your face. (1)
Race & Melasma
Although you might think melasma might appear more on paler skin, that is not the case. Generally, races with more pigmentation are more likely to get these dark spots. Even among caucasians, if you tan more easily, you will be more likely to experience melasma. (2)
Melasma & Medications
Generally, it is medicines that are phototoxic that create most of the dark spots on the face. A phototoxic medication makes you more sensitive to sunlight. The Cleveland Clinic lists “antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, retinoids, hypoglycaemics, antipsychotics” as some of the classes of medication that cause phototoxicity. Additionally, anti-seizure medications have been known to cause melasma. (2)
Genetics & Melasma
Interestingly, 33%-50% of people who experience these dark spots on their face report that a near relative also has melasma. (2)
Treatments To Lighten Dark Spots On Your Face
Luckily, there are almost as many treatments for these dark spots on the face as there are causes. Below, we will look at a range, from simple to more complex.
Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar
Two of the most natural ways to treat hyperpigmentation are simple lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. One spa says, “apple cider vinegar . . . has anti-bacterial properties and helps dry up excess sebum, removing dirt and debris from your pores. It also balances your skin’s pH level. Fresh lemon juice is an excellent natural exfoliant, brightens your skin and diminishes uneven skin tone.” Consequently, you might try one – or both – of these substances as a facial wash, or in conjunction with your moisturizer. (3)
Grab my specific FREE Natural Treatment for Melasma Guide to assist you on how to tackle your melasma naturally. Click here for download.
Glycolic Acid
One of my go-to recommendations to help remove those dark spots is glycolic acid. A good glycolic acid cleanser helps to slough off layers of dead skin and allows fresh skin to emerge, unaffected by sun, hormones, or anything else. One of my favorites can be found here. Chiefly, this cleanser “evens out the skin tone . . . and helps to resurface the skin for a dramatically softer and smoother texture.”
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid and glycolic acid belong to the same family – that of alpha-hydroxy acids. Acids in this family are known to be excellent for the skin. According to WebMD, lactic acid both “significantly improve[s] the skin’s appearance [and] it helps keep it naturally hydrated.” Lactic acid is an excellent exfoliant. Additionally, it is used to “treat moderate to severe hyperpigmentation, which happens when certain spots on your skin have more than the normal amount of melanin.” (4)
Collagen Supplements
A 2017 study out of China found that collagen supplements were beneficial to exfoliating and healing the skin. In fact, collagen “significantly improved the antioxidative enzyme activities in skin.”
I have found a natural treatment for melasma that contains 5 powerful types of collagen. This natural blend “rehydrates, reinvigorates, and repairs the skin, while boosting elasticity and enhancing suppleness for a glowing complexion”. Clean Sourced Collagen by Organixx acts as a preventative measure against future damage, as well as a repairing agent. You can find it here.
How To Answer “Why Do I Have Dark Spots On My Face?”
While there are many good resources here, you may want a more in-depth look at treating those dark spots in the complexion of your face. That’s why I developed the Natural Melasma Treatment Plan. This guide is available to you absolutely free. To get started on your skincare journey, simply download it and I’ll guide you through the steps to address the dark spots on your face. Not only am I an experienced in holistic doctor, but I have experienced melasma personally and understand what you’re going through. Download my guide here.
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Sources:
- https://familydoctor.org/condition/melasma/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21454-melasma#:~:text=Melasma%20is%20a%20skin%20condition,and%20some%20treatments%20may%20help.
- http://www.azspagirls.com/fresh-face-appletini-toner/#:~:text=The%20apple%20cider%20vinegar%20in,and%20diminishes%20uneven%20skin%20tone.
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/lactic-acid-for-skin-care
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707681/
