Protect Your Skin: Reduce Chances of Getting Dark Spots

Dark spots, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, mainly appear due to years of sun damage. They can occur on any skin tone but people with darker skin complexion are more prone to getting or noticing this type of skin surface discoloration.

Acne can also play a part in the formation of dark spots. This is because without treatment, zits can lead to marks or spots as your blemishes clear up. These marks and spots may not be permanent, but they can take several months to fade on their own.

Regardless of the cause of your dark spots, it is only natural that you want to get rid of them or at least minimize their appearance. Continue reading to find out how you can protect your skin and reduce your chances of getting dark spots.

Slather on sunscreen

We cannot stress enough the importance of applying sunscreen, no matter the weather or season. This is because spending time in the sun without protection can lead to skin damage and premature aging. This can also make your existing spots darker and longer to fade. 

This only makes sense to always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. It is also advisable to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re out in the sun and sweating for hours.

Consider other sun protection measures

Apart from wearing sunscreen, it is also important to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. This is particularly true during peak hours or when the UV rays are at their strongest – between 10am and 3pm. Other protection measures include:

• • Seeking shade
  • Covering up exposed areas with pants, long sleeves, 
  • Wearing a hat (with a minimum of two- to three-inch brim)

• Wearing UV-blocking glasses
• Avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds

Address or treat your acne properly

The key to preventing dark spots and acne scars is to treat your skin. Early and proper treatment can also prevent future breakouts and reduce the likelihood of needing stronger solutions later on.

Just be sure to avoid picking or popping pimples despite videos and detailed articles on how to do so. Also, you shouldn’t try different acne medications all at once. It is best to see a skin doctor or check out our previous blog for your acne treatment options. 

Use a Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage and free radicals. When used in a face serum, Vitamin C can help fade dark spots, smooth out wrinkles, prevent fine lines, and stimulate collagen production. You can apply it after cleansing, followed by your moisturizer.

One good option is the Vitamin C 20% with Ferulic acid from Dr. Sylvia Skin Care. This comprehensive antioxidant serum is effective at combating oxidative stress, hydrating the skin, and providing lightening benefits. It can also be used on nearly all skin types, including normal, sensitive, mature, and oily skin.

Consider Aesthetic Treatments

If you have lingering spots that don’t seem to fade away despite good skin care, it is time to consider aesthetic treatments. At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we offer a number of non-invasive solutions that can help fade or speed up the fading process of your dark spots. Here are some of them:

Limelight IPL

Limelight IPL is an innovative laser treatment that uses “intense pulsed light” (IPL) to address a number of skin surface problems. It is designed to treat sun damage, brown spots, acne, freckles, rosacea, and uneven skin complexion. It can also be used on any part of the face, neck, and décolleté with redness or tiny veins.

This works by delivering pulses of light, which the brown spots on the skin absorb. This helps in targeting pigmentation by drawing out the dark spots from the deeper layers of the skin surface. The spots may get darker after the treatment, but they will scab and flake off after a few days, revealing a clearer complexion.  

Cutera Pearl

The Cutera Pearl Resurfacing is a US FDA-cleared laser procedure for reversing the signs of aging and restoring the skin’s youthful glow. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation, with a short recovery time compared to other fractional procedures.

The procedure works by treating the top layer of the skin with pulses of light. This removes a portion of the sun-damaged surface and triggers the skin to produce a natural protective dressing beneath. This then peels off after three to five days, revealing a healthier-looking skin with a “pearly” glow.

VI Peel

VI Peel is a stronger type of chemical peel treatment that is formulated with clinically proven ingredients for improving the skin’s tone and texture. It used for treating sun damage, fine lines and acne marks. It is also effective in improving the appearance of pigmentation like freckles and brown spots.

The procedure involves the application of the solution on the face, which will stay on your skin for at least four hours. You will have to leave the clinic with the solution on your face and wash it off at home after four to five hours. You don’t need to worry though, as it is safe, dry, and not very obvious.

VI Peel triggers that body’s natural elastin and collagen production. This then assists in improving the look and quality of your skin over time. Don’t worry about skin peeling on the second or third day (may last up to seven days), as this is part of the process. Just be sure to avoid picking or peeling to skin to avoid scars and irritation. 

Don’t let dark spots linger and make your skin look dull. Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to protect your skin and find out more about your treatment options.