Dark spots are patches of discolored skin as a result of too much melanin. This is the pigment responsible for the color of your skin. Dark spots can form anywhere on the body, not just on your face. What causes dark spots? Hormones, sun exposure, and simply growing older can make your skin start producing more melanin that it needs. Dark spots may appear on your skin no matter what you do to try and prevent them. However, you may be making some skincare mistakes that increase your chances of getting those dreaded dark spots.
Not Applying Sunscreen
We have heard this so many times, but it deserves repeating—apply sunscreen. No exceptions! Sunscreen is a vital defense in preventing dark spots on the skin. Excessive sun exposure causes melanin production. Harsh UV rays force the skin to produce more melanin than normal. Sunscreen needs to become an essential part of your daily routine. Get into the habit of wearing a broad-spectrum every day, rain or shine. Even in cold weather or on cloudy days, it is important to apply sunscreen. Limiting sun exposure can make all the difference in your fight against dark spots. Spending as little as 10 minutes in the sun without protection can undo months of dark spot correction.
Over-Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliators are known for controlling acne. However, over-exfoliation will only serve to aggravate existing acne problems, because over-exfoliating will both weaken the moisture barrier of the skin and trigger inflammation. Your skin is the first barrier against pollutants and bacteria. When this barrier is compromised, it is no longer capable of providing that protection. One of the consequences of that barrier breaking down is increased hyperpigmentation. Exfoliating offers many benefits but exfoliating more does not increase the benefits, so stick to exfoliating no more than two times per week.
Over-cleansing
Harsh skin care products can cause skin irritation. They will often strip the natural oils in your skin, which often dehydrates and/or dries out the skin. When this happens, oil production will increase to serve as a lubricant for the skin. Over-production of oil and harsh cleansing products results in inflammation and break-outs. Over cleansing also results in damage to the skin’s moisture barrier. Some of the warning signs of over-cleansing are inflammation and skin sensitivity. Inflammation is often one of the first warning signs you will see that results in hyperpigmentation.
When choosing a skin care cleanser look for ones with lower pH that will not dry out the skin, such as the products from Genovo Skincare. For more information about these products or to place an order, please click here.
Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
