Dark spots are caused by an excess production of melanin. Melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its colour, is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. When the skin produces more melanin than usual, the excess pigment gives the affected area a darker look than the skin around it.
WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS?
There are many different reasons for dark marks on the face. One of the main causes is the sun’s UV rays. Other causes include irritation of the skin, blemishes and skin injury, hormonal changes and menopause. Daily sun exposure will cause further darkening of these marks.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DARK MARKS
WHAT ARE POST-ACNE MARKS?
Post-acne marks occur after a pimple heals. During a break-out, the skin produces excess melanin which causes discolouration.
HORMONAL DARK MARKS?
This usually happens during pregnancy, when the body changes, and the skin along with it. That’s why these dark marks are often called the “Mask of Pregnancy”.
THE FORMATION OF AGE SPOTS
Some people suffer from a form of dark marks that is simply caused by age. Usually as we age, dark spots appear on the face and the hands. When we age, melanin production decreases, causing age spots...
WHAT ARE SUN SPOTS?
Sun spots are the most common type of dark marks. They’re related to an excess of sun exposure. UV rays trigger the production of melanin that causes the uneven dark marks. Melanin, the body’s defence against UV rays, rises when we expose our skin to the sun. It is also responsible for our “tanned” complexion in the summer. Usually, sunspots appear on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun - like the face and hands. Freckles are the most common form.
MENOPAUSE BLEMISHES AND DARK MARKS
When women reach menopause, their hormones change drastically. Hair loss, hot flushes and sometimes even mild forms of memory loss are daily experiences for some women during that time. Skin changes also occur, sometimes resulting in menopause blemishes. However, one can fight menopause pimples and dark marks.
HOW TO HELP PREVENT DARK MARKS
The most important thing to remember when it comes to fighting dark spots on the face or body is sun protection. Use sun protection with an SPF of 30 or more daily and make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours when you spend your day in the sun. In addition, make sure to avoid sun exposure during its strongest hours in the day — the midday sun will damage your skin the most because the UV radiation is strongest then. SPF is key!
Find out about different SKIN CARE SOLUTIONS THAT ADDRESS DARK MARKS.
