Skincare For Dark Spots
Darks spots (aka age spots, brown spots) are caused by the overproduction of melanin in your skin. And annoyingly, they are common as we age. There are many clean beauty skincare products and procedures to choose from that will help with dark spots you already have and help prevent any more from showing up. Here are my favorites.
Ingredients For Preventing Dark Spots.
SPF, SPF, SPF. This is the number one thing you can do for your skin, and that includes preventing dark spots. There are several causes of dark spots from pregnancy, aging, hormonal changes, and medication but the majority of dark spots are created from UV damage, aka sun damage. I know sunscreen isn't the sexiest or newest skincare ingredient, but it is still the most effective way to prevent sun damage. It's important to note that UVA damage still happens when it's cloudy outside and it penetrates glass. That means it's important to wear your sunscreen every single day, rain or shine, inside or outside.
Avocado oil is rich in Vitamin A and monounsaturated fatty acids (at least 75%), which help soften dry or rough skin.
Vitamin A protects against UV damage, which can help slow signs of aging. It encourages healthy skin by stimulating cell production and turnover to keep skin firm and healthy. Without enough, Vitamin A, skin can become itchy and dull.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant protecting skin against free radical damage, found in UV light, smog, cigarette smoke, and stress, all of which can lead to premature aging of the skin. Vitamin C fights these free radicals, helping to maintain skin's healthy, youthful appearance.
Rosehip seed oil is a good source of Vitamin E, an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that calms and hydrates dry and sensitive skin. It also helps protect skin cells from sun damage. So is sunflower oil.
Essential SPF 30 and Essential Tinted SPF
This nourishing mineral sunscreen is a moisture-rich formula made to prevent damage associated with daily sun exposure. It's made with non-nano zinc oxide along with moisturizing botanical oils, such as red raspberry seed oil (high in antioxidants) and Vitamin E. This also comes in a tinted version if you are worried about a white-cast:
Our Peptide Serum, is a potent blend of 15 plant and essential oils known for their nourishing properties with a boost of natural Vitamin E, providing customizable moisture to the skin. The key ingredient is Matrixyl which is known to improve skin texture and elasticity.
This velvety, versatile serum balm nourishes and hydrates with organic oils of Camellia and Rosehip seed and helps soothe with organic Arnica and Sea Buckthorn extract. Your skin will feel ultra-hydrated and smoother, without any oily residue.
Beyond Skincare Treatments
Skincare alone may not be enough help minimize the appearance of dark spots — there's a whole spectrum of techniques you can choose from.
They range from prescription medications to more aggressive approaches such as dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Because each of these has different and potentially serious side effects, we highly recommend you consult with your dermatologist to discuss what each option entails and which best suits your needs (and pocketbook!)
I have a few pesky extra spots on my left (driver's) side, given UVA can penetrate glass and do its damage, even on a grey day. While a yearly IPL (intense pulsed light laser) treatment minimizes the brown spots, this is something I have to keep up with, or the old damage will eventually keep resurfacing.
