Ever feel relieved to see a pimple disappear then notice a dark spot forming underneath, or get frustrated at the marks that seem to appear overnight on your skin? Pigmentation is the skin’s way of protecting itself, but to the mirror, it’s just an unsightly annoyance. According to New York City-based dermatologist Anne Chapas, M.D., there are plenty of ways to rid yourself of these annoying spots, and it all starts with proper sun protection.
“The dark spot that forms when a pimple disappears is called post-inflammatory pigmentation,” explains Dr. Chapas. “Your skin has just been damaged and hurt, so the area is inflamed. Then, when it hits sunlight, the inflamed area immediately turns dark.” This intensity in color is caused by melanin, a molecule in your skin that turns brown when it is trying to protect itself. A tan is essentially melanin molecules changing color all over your body to protect your cells from damage—think of it as an external band-aid. In terms of treatment, there are a few options. “Never pick the pimple, this will increase the inflammation and pigmentation,” warns Dr. Chapas. “As soon as the skin has healed, apply SPF every day.”
And sunspots? Unfortunately they can’t be treated the same way as regular pigmentation (the damage is is more permanent!), so enlist the help of a laser or strong chemical peel. Of course, lightening serums and retin-A products do work to some extent, but at a much slower pace. And remember, sunscreen is your best friend.
Feb 24, 2013
Alahny D.
I have super dark circles, I have tried every concealer. does anybody know of a natural way to get rid of them instead of just covering them up??
Dec 09, 2012
Londone D.
Great stuff !
Sep 01, 2012
Mie C.
My dad had them. Because he never use sunscreen ... Then he went to the doctor and got some special cream for his face and it disappeared ! Now he use sunscreen so it won't come again! So if you got it? Go to the doctor :)
Aug 28, 2012
Chris H.
Ugh I have a ton of sunspots on my face. No amount of sunscreen has been able to completely prevent them for me. :(
Aug 27, 2012
Althea N.
I used to think dark spots were the devil lol... looks like they actually serve a good purpose! Who knew?! lol
Aug 24, 2012
Jahara S.
I tend to suffer from dark spots but it seems like a lot of them have faded on their own over time
But for the ones that are still here palmers fade cream has definitely lightened them up
Aug 23, 2012
Bonnie L.
Darn those sun spots...XP Was kinda hoping Beautylish found a miracle serum to make them all disappear =P
Aug 23, 2012
Hannah M.
My acne's starting to clear up with a better diet (yay!) but it did leave me with dark spots (sigh). I'm using Murad Post Acne Spot Lightening Gel. Has anyone used it before?
Aug 23, 2012
Krystal C.
I've never noticed dark spots on my skin... as I rush to grab my compact... whew, luckily I don't have many, but I honestly didn't think twice about them. I know I have sun spots though :( They look like freckles on my cheekbones, but I never had freckles growing up. They popped up after years of unprotected Warped Tours.