Dark skin patches are commonly associated with aging. They can be the result of hormone changes or a reaction to certain types of medicine, or they can develop after minor injuries. Sun exposure triggers their development. Treating dark spots requires a multi-step process for best results. Some dark spots may penetrate the skin too deeply to respond to treatment from topical lotions and may require laser treatment or dermabrasion. Dark skin patches are also known as melasma, and are most commonly located on the cheeks, chin, forehead, upper lips and the bridge of the nose, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 1
Wash face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. It is important to use a mild soap that will not irritate skin or react with the other products you plan to use.
Step 2
Smooth a lotion that contains an alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, over skin each morning. These ingredients stimulate the production of collagen in the skin and increase the speed that cells turn over.
Step 3
Top with a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Treating dark skin patches without following up with sunscreen is a waste of time, as the sun will continue to trigger the production of melanin, creating additional dark patches.
Step 4
Use a cream containing hydroquinone after washing your face in the evening. Only use hydroquinone on dark areas, as it will lighten the skin wherever it is applied. The New Zealand Dermatological Society recommends a lotion that contains between 2 percent and 4 percent hydroquinone.
Step 5
Top with an allover application of alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid before you go to bed.
Tips and Warnings
- While waiting for results, use foundation to camouflage the appearance of dark skin patches. Begin using acid moisturizers every other day. Gradually increase to once a day, then twice a day. If you experience symptoms of irritation, such as redness, itching or peeling, reduce the frequency of application for a few days. It may take up to three months to see results from this program. If, after three months, your dark spots haven't faded, consider visiting a dermatologist to explore alternative treatment options.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle cleanser
- Moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acid
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Moisturizer with hydroquinone
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