YOUR GUIDE TO REDUCING AND PREVENTING DARK SPOTS

Anyone who’s experienced a dark spot on the face will tell you they seemingly appear overnight. One day your skin looks clear and even toned, and the next—boom—there’s a dark spot. “Dark spots are a little sneaky because they can have early stages that may go unnoticed,” says Lizz Starr, Executive Director, Global Product Development at Origins. “You may not be aware they are forming until the dark spot becomes more apparent, making it seem like they appeared suddenly,” Starr adds.

Dark spots can be a frustrating and unwelcome addition to your complexion. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to help reduce their appearance and restore your skin to a more even state. Here, we put dark spots on the spot with everything you need to know to help reduce and prevent their appearance.

WHAT ARE DARK SPOTS?

Dark spots on the face or skin are patches of skin that become darker in color than the surrounding skin. They often appear as brown spots and are especially common in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, like your face, hands, chest, and arms.

IS HYPERPIGMENTATION THE SAME AS DARK SPOTS?

Hyperpigmentation is a general term used to describe areas of the skin that become darker or uneven in color due to an increase in excess melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its color. Dark spots are a specific type of hyperpigmentation that occur in a more localized or concentrated area, like the face and hands, and typically have a “spot” like appearance.

WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS?

Dark spots on the face and skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, aging, hormonal changes, and acne. When your skin is exposed to these factors it can trigger pigment in the skin and excess can lead to the appearance of a concentrated dark spot.

HOW DO YOU IMPROVE THE APPREARANCE OF DARK SPOTS?

There are a few effective ingredients that can help improve the appearance of dark spots. However, reducing the appearance of dark spots on the face and skin involves a combination of measures, including a targeted dark spot serum.

Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation (up to 2 to 3 times a week) with a product like Checks and Balances™ Polishing Face Scrub can help encourage natural cell turnover. “Exfoliation can contribute to a brighter, more even skin tone,” says Starr.

Apply a Dark Spot Serum

Dark spot serums should be specifically formulated to address visible hyperpigmentation such as uneven skin tone and dark spots. These serums typically contain targeted ingredients that help visibly even and brighten the complexion. Here at Origins, we love Vitamin C and Trametes Mushroom. Vitamin C helps discourage excess pigment and reduce oxidative stress that can lead to discoloration. Trametes Mushroom helps break up existing brown and dark spots, so they appear less visible. Both ingredients are included in our new Mega-Mushroom Dark Spot Correcting Serum.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT VISIBLE DARK SPOTS?

Preventing visible dark spots requires a few additional approaches to reducing their appearance. Wearing sunscreen can help minimize the risk of developing dark spots and exfoliating, along with a few other steps, can help you maintain healthy- and radiant-looking skin.

Apply an Antioxidant Moisturizer: Antioxidants in skincare help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can irritate the skin and, eventually, lead to—you guessed it—dark spots. A favorite antioxidant moisturizer here at Origins is GinZing™ Energizing Gel Cream, which contains antioxidant white tea to help with even skin tone and has the bonus of an SPF to help prevent dark spots.

Use Sun Protection: Sun exposure is a major factor in the development of dark spots. It’s important to proactively apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days (UV rays can penetrate cloud cover).

Avoid Popping or Picking Pimples: Picking at blemishes can contribute to the development of dark spots. “Picking can irritate the skin, which can potentially lead to dark spots,” says Starr. A tip from our experts to help avoid temptation: Apply Super Spot Remover to blemishes as soon as you feel one forming. The salicylic acid formula helps fight acne breakouts and helps prevent new acne from forming.

Proactively apply a Dark Spot Serum: Some dark spot serums contain melanin blockers, like Dictyoperis Algae. These ingredients help reduce the production of excess pigment and can help prevent dark spots from forming. Applying a dark spot serum daily can help even and brighten skin tone and fade the look of discoloration.

HOW TO ADD A DARK SPOT SERUM TO YOUR ROUTINE?

A dark spot serum slips into your daily routine like any other your serum—after cleansing and prepping. You can easily add it to your current regimen or for a more comprehensive approach, follow our dark spot regimen, which includes our new dark spot serum.

Step 1: Cleanse skin with Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash to
gently remove makeup, dirt, debris, and impurities, leaving skin refreshed
and comfortably clean.

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Step 2: Apply Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion to visibly soothe, calm and hydrate, and prep skin for improved absorption of your next step.

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Step 3: To your face, neck, and chest, apply Mega-Mushroom Dark Spot Correcting Serum to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne marks.

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Step 4: Finish with Mega-Mushroom Relief and Resilience Fortifying Emulsion for skin quenching and barrier-boosting hydration. And don’t forget your SPF!

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DARK SPOTS: THE FINAL CHECK

Dark spots on the face and skin can happen to anyone and to all skin types. They can be extremely frustrating due to their stubborn nature—they seem to take forever to fade. But with the right skincare and some patience, you can help reduce their appearance. Among the most effective steps to help bring back an even skin tone: a dark spot serum packed with targeted ingredients proven to help reduce the look of dark spots and. Of course, prevention is key, too.

Still have questions about dark spots and what treatment is best for you? Chat with one of our Origins experts or book a personal, 1-on-1 appointment.