Dark spots can be frustrating, unattractive, and tricky to deal with. We can’t tell you the amount of time we’ve spent fretting in the mirror about this issue.
Thankfully, there are numerous cosmetics available on the market today that claim to tackle dark spots effectively and easily. But is this true?
We decided to look into it, and all we can say is, people may be missing out if they don’t use a dark spot corrector serum.
The cause of dark spots
Many of us will have to deal with dark spots during our lives, but the reasons why they appear can vary.
First of all, and this is probably a surprise to absolutely nobody, dark spots can be an unsightly remnant from acne or a particularly troublesome breakout. Sometimes, the conditions that lead to bad skin irritation can lead to the prominence of lasting dark spots. This is why it’s always essential to treat breakouts properly with specialist products. Resist the urge to squeeze and scratch, no matter how much you feel like you need to.
Next, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, can be the result of your skin over-producing melanin. The cells that create melanin are called melanocytes, and they can be stimulated by many different factors. Hormonal changes, especially in pregnant women or women who have recently given birth, can lead to the over-production of melanin, leading to dark spots. Additionally, the aging process has been shown to increase the chances of melanin creation. This is a natural process, but still annoying. Finally, exposure to the sun for long periods can trigger melanocytes to get to work, so always remember to protect the skin as much as possible in that type of summer environment.
How dark spot corrector serum can help
Now that we know what can cause dark spots to appear, we better find a good way of making them disappear!
Dark spot corrector serums have been steadily growing in consumer popularity. However, their effectiveness relies on their potent active ingredients. Of course, different brands of dark spot correctors will have various ingredients inside them, but for the purposes of clarity, let’s go through some of the more common and effective ingredients that are used, and evaluate what they can do.
When you’re buying a bottle of dark spot corrector, check the label on the back for any of the following ingredients:
Vitamin C
Everyone knows that Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for all sorts of healthy goodness, but its role in skincare is often overlooked.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can have a positive effect on reducing lines, wrinkles, and other visual signs of aging. It does this by helping to restrict free radicals from causing damage to the skin. In the fight against dark spots, Vitamin C can target dull areas of the skin, and with consistent application, it can brighten its complexion. Pretty impressive, right?
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is an impactful ingredient that is often found in brightening products. It is derived from numerous types of fungi and has a wonderful, natural base.
Kojic acid is great for treating dark spots, as it works to prevent the creation of an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine is an essential component that is needed for the skin to produce melanin. So anything that can slow this bad boy down is a good thing in our book! Kojic acid can lighten the skin, reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, scars, and other forms of surface damage, and it can also help to fight off common bacteria, as it contains antimicrobial properties.
Hydroquinone
Finally, an ingredient named hydroquinone can also be an indispensable ally in the battle against dark spots.
Much like our previous ingredients, hydroquinone works in a similar way. It is primarily a brightening agent that bleaches the skin. It achieves this by reducing the number of melanocytes, which, in turn, decreases the likelihood that too much melanin will be produced by the skin. Hydroquinone, like Vitamin C and Kojic Acid, also helps to lessen the visual prominence of scars, wrinkles, and acne marks.
Keep it consistent
Of course, a dark spot corrector has a better chance of providing better results if it is used on a consistent basis.
Over the course of several weeks, if the product is used correctly and regularly, the skin will begin to show signs of improvement. If you want to brighten those dark areas, you have to make sure you use the dark spot-correcting serum on a daily or semi-daily basis. You get out what you put in, much like many other things in life.
In conclusion
Dark spot corrector serums are fantastic products for lightening up those dull and dim patches of skin. Their power comes from their potent and effective ingredients, which act quickly to disrupt the production of melanin.
Always remember to take good care of your skin in a general sense to lessen the chances of dark spots being able to form. Preventing breakouts, and protecting the skin from the sun will go a long way in doing this.
We’d recommend a well-regarded dark spot corrector serum be in everyone’s skincare routine. They really do work wonders.
