Did you know that around 5 to 6 million people in the US suffer from melasma—dark spots on the face? It’s a common skin condition caused primarily by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and sometimes genetics. Most people, especially women, take it seriously and start seeking topical creams or laser therapies for its instant treatment that ruins their face health. Its effective treatment takes 3 to 12 months with the right medicines, sun protection, and gentle skincare routines. In this blog, you will learn about melasma symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and how to remove dark spots on face, which will help you better understand the condition and take the necessary steps to prevent its growth.
Here are the symptoms, causes & prevention of melasma to remove dark spots on face:
Symptoms:
If you want to get rid of dark spots on your face, you need to learn about the symptoms first. It is crucial to know, as sometimes people take the wrong medicines or apply creams, which can cause other disorders.
You will experience light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray patches on the skin if there are any symptoms of melasma. They can appear like flat patches or freckle-like spots. The major affected areas include your face, cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and upper arms. It typically darkens in the summer and becomes lighter in the winter. Usually, people ignore these symptoms and take them as a common problem, which worsens during the summer months.
- Did you know?
The common disorder of melasma is found in 15% to 50% of pregnant women. According to some reports, 1.5% to 33% of the population may get melasma, and it happens more often during women’s reproductive years. Usually, it starts between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Why do women get melasma when they’re pregnant?
Women often get melasma during pregnancy due to increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which boost melanin production. The darker color usually fades after 3 to 12 months of childbirth. In case it is not, then to remove dark spots on the face, you should go with topical and dermatological treatments.
Causes of Melasma
Do you know you can avoid these problems if you know their causes? There are several ways why melasma occurs; here you will know each of them:
- Sun Exposure: The sun’s UV rays play a primary role in melasma by activating the melanocytes to make more melanin.
- Pregnancy: Hormones of estrogen and progesterone rise more during the pregnancy and produce more melanin—a major cause of melasma.
- Medication: During pregnancy, there are some retinoids, antibiotics, and blood pressure medicines given to the patient that increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.
- Stress: You might be thinking how stress is connected to melasma, but it is. It triggers the cortisol level in the body—the cause of melasma.
- Sex: During sexual activity, hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, can fluctuate and potentially cause melasma.
- Family History: This cause can’t be avoided as it is there in your genes, but this is also a factor that increases the risk of melasma.
Prevention of Melasma
There are some risk factors, like your family history, that can’t be modified. But there are some risk factors that you can avoid to remove dark spots on the face:
- Sun Exposure: Protect your skin by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothes, as UV rays can worsen melasma.
- Hormonal Changes: You can discuss with your doctors how you can manage the fluctuations of estrogens and progesterone.
- Stress Management: Practice stress reduction activities such as meditation, yoga, or exercise that control cortisol levels.
- Skin Care Routine: You can use gentle skin care products and avoid harmful chemicals that irritate the skin.
- Diets: Follow the routine of having a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support skin health.
Some Questions People Often Ask To Remove Dark Spots on Faces
1. Can dark spots be removed completely?
Dark spots can be faded or removed with the help of treatments, but complete removal is not always possible. It completely depends on the treatment type and the response of your body that doctors will be able to remove dark spots on face or not.
2. What are the most effective treatments for dark spots?
Effective treatment includes:
- Creams with ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C.
- Professional options like chemical peels and laser treatments.
3. Is it safe to use vitamin C on dark spots?
Yes, vitamin C is safe to use and helps to lighten the dark spots. It works by slowing down the melanin production and glowing the skin.
4. Can dark spots reappear after treatment?
Yes, there is a higher chance that dark spots may appear if you don’t protect your skin from the sun after treatment.
5. Is it necessary to consult a dermatologist for dark spots?
Yes, if you want to remove dark spots on face instantly with the right medication, consulting a dermatologist is the key. It is far better to consult and spend some money than invite other disorders with personal treatments.
Conclusion
Dark spots on the face are a common disorder found in millions of people, especially pregnant women. Many people don’t follow the guidance and suggestions of doctors and start treating it their way, resulting in serious skin disorders. The information given above to remove dark spots on face is well-researched and provides you with a better understanding of symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options. Follow the recommended steps and stay consistent with your skincare routines.
