Answer
Mar 30, 2018 - 07:51 PM
Here's a list of some topical products that may help you reduce the appearance of dark spots.
1. Hydroquinone
There are a lot of topical treatments on the market that promise to get rid of dark spots. Choose one that contains hydroquinone, a bleaching agent that helps remove age spots and is safe to use on the skin. You can also use one that contains kojic acid, which has bleaching properties as well.
2. Retinoid
This is a potent manmade form of vitamin A, and it works by encouraging rapid cell-turnover. When old skin cells die, they make way for new skin growth. The idea is to shed the layer of skin with the dark spots so that new, unblemished skin can grow in its place. Retinoid also curbs the production of melanin (the pigment your skin produces that creates dark spots).
If you purchase over-the-counter treatments, the ingredient you will find is called "retinol," which is a vitamin A that naturally occurs in the skin. This form of vitamin A is not as potent as retinoid.
Retinoids are prescription-only and fall under these names:
Tretinoin, including the brands Atralin, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, and Renova
Tazarotene, such as the brand Tazorac
Adapalene, such as the brand Differin
These products are 100 times more potent than the retinol found over the counter.
3. Salicylic Acid
You may have heard of salicylic acid being used to treat acne, but it can also be used to lighten dark spots. Salicylic acid works by causing the outermost layer of the skin to soften and then peel. This helps remove dead skin cells and allows new cells to surface.
4. Glycolic Acid
This is a an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) derived from sugar and works as a natural exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin to promote the growth of new skin cells. Dermatologists suggest using a product with at least 10% glycolic acid in order to see results.
5. Medical Treatments
If you have the money and you want fast results, you can opt for medical treatments. Common treatments for dark spots include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. Chemical peel and microdermabrasion promote skin regeneration by removing the top layer of the skin. Laser therapy involves the use of different types of lasers that reduce accumulated melanin on a certain area. It is best to consult your doctor and ask about which treatment is best for your skin type.
1. Hydroquinone
There are a lot of topical treatments on the market that promise to get rid of dark spots. Choose one that contains hydroquinone, a bleaching agent that helps remove age spots and is safe to use on the skin. You can also use one that contains kojic acid, which has bleaching properties as well.
2. Retinoid
This is a potent manmade form of vitamin A, and it works by encouraging rapid cell-turnover. When old skin cells die, they make way for new skin growth. The idea is to shed the layer of skin with the dark spots so that new, unblemished skin can grow in its place. Retinoid also curbs the production of melanin (the pigment your skin produces that creates dark spots).
If you purchase over-the-counter treatments, the ingredient you will find is called "retinol," which is a vitamin A that naturally occurs in the skin. This form of vitamin A is not as potent as retinoid.
Retinoids are prescription-only and fall under these names:
Tretinoin, including the brands Atralin, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, and Renova
Tazarotene, such as the brand Tazorac
Adapalene, such as the brand Differin
These products are 100 times more potent than the retinol found over the counter.
3. Salicylic Acid
You may have heard of salicylic acid being used to treat acne, but it can also be used to lighten dark spots. Salicylic acid works by causing the outermost layer of the skin to soften and then peel. This helps remove dead skin cells and allows new cells to surface.
4. Glycolic Acid
This is a an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) derived from sugar and works as a natural exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin to promote the growth of new skin cells. Dermatologists suggest using a product with at least 10% glycolic acid in order to see results.
5. Medical Treatments
If you have the money and you want fast results, you can opt for medical treatments. Common treatments for dark spots include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. Chemical peel and microdermabrasion promote skin regeneration by removing the top layer of the skin. Laser therapy involves the use of different types of lasers that reduce accumulated melanin on a certain area. It is best to consult your doctor and ask about which treatment is best for your skin type.
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