WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DARK SPOTS
Dark spots are usually caused by several reasons ranging from Hyperpigmentation to acne or scarring from wounds on the body. Nonetheless, this is one of the most common skin issues people deal with and are slightly unhappy about due to its bold pronouncement on the skin.
This is one skin issue that combats most people combats on their journey to achieving clear and healthy skin. Dark spots usually result from enzymatic activities that trigger the excess production of melanin in the skin.
This article will look extensively into what darks spots are and how to get rid of them.
WHAT ARE DARK SPOTS
Dark marks, also known as hyperpigmentation, are harmless spots of discolouration that are usually caused by some kind of skin irritation. These irritations may include acne inflammation, excessive UV light exposure, and environmental stressors.
In response to the harsh toxins, the pigmentation of the skin cells deepens to protect the skin from further damage. The defensive darker marks that develop are flat circular shapes that match your skin's normal texture. They can be found anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the back, face, and chest.
Sometimes, dark spots can take years to fade off.
THE MAIN CAUSES OF BLACK SPOTS
- Sun Damage
Excessive sun exposure is a common cause of dark spots; it is present in about 90% of people over the age of 60, but it is also common in younger adults. It is the area of the skin where extra melanin is produced to protect against harmful UV rays.
Overexposure to the sun damages the skin’s cellular DNA which causes pigmentation. The sun in turn dries out the skin natural supply of oils which leads to dry and damaged skin.
- Hormonal Change
Melasma is a skin disease that causes small patches of discolouration on the skin. Women are more likely to develop the disease, particularly during pregnancy. This brown or greyish pigmentation happens in patches and usually develops on the face.
It is also referred to as Chloasma and It usually appears on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, and above the upper lip. The dark spots sometimes appear on both sides of the face in a virtually similar pattern.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This is caused by damage to the skin, such as acne marks, burns, or psoriasis. This is especially common as we get older because our skin cells do not replicate as easily as they used to; these are often referred to as age spots.
It is usually a temporary pigmentation that develops as a result of injuries and inflammation of the skin. This is usually triggered by melanin overproduction. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is majorly common in people of colour.