Dark Spots: What They Are and How to Brighten Your Skin
Dark spots, also called hyperpigmentation, are flat, darker patches on the skin. They aren’t harmful, but many people want to even out their skin tone and feel more confident.
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What Causes Dark Spots?
Your skin makes a pigment called melanin to protect itself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. This is what gives your skin its own unique color. The amount of melanin in the skin can change depending on certain conditions (think of when you get a tan!). When melanin builds up unevenly, dark spots can appear. Common causes include:
- Sun exposure – UV rays stimulate extra melanin, leading to sunspots.
- Inflammation – After acne, eczema, or injury to the skin, skin often heals with dark spots. We call this post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (after inflammation, hyperpigmentation)
- Hormonal changes – Melasma, dark spots on the face, often happen with hormonal changes like pregnancy, birth control, or menopause. While these usually affect women, men can be affected as well.
- Aging – Sun damage over time leads to age or "liver spots" or “wisdom spots”
How can I tell what type of dark spot it is?
- Board-certified dermatologists have the expertise required to give you an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
Types of Benign (Non-Cancerous) Hyperpigmentation
- Sunspots (solar lentigines) – Flat, round dark patches from sun exposure
- Post-inflammatory marks – Dark areas left after acne, eczema, or cuts
- Melasma – Brown patches triggered by hormones, often near the cheeks and forehead
- Drug-induced medication: certain medications (like minocycle or amiodarone) can cause darkening of the skin as side effects
Why Dark Spots Matter
- Dark spots can have emotional, cosmetic, and medical significance
- They could be an indication of an underlying issue that could require evaluation and treatment
- They can affect your feelings about your skin
Easy At‑Home Treatments
Daily Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Use a tinted mineral broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning—even on cloudy days—to protect your skin and prevent dark spots from forming or worsening.
Tinted means there is iron oxide, which helps to give the sunscreen a bit of color. This means no more white streaky sunscreen! Data also shows that tint helps to block visible wavelengths of light in addition to ultraviolet, meaning your skin is extra protected against light that can cause dark spots.
Over-the-Counter Brightening Serums
- Vitamin C – Helps fade existing spots over time and prevent sun damage.
- Niacinamide – Reduces melanin transfer in the skin.
- Azelaic acid
Prescription Brightening Serums
- Hydroquinone – the most powerful brightening agent. Helps to stop pigment production at the source
- Retinoids – comes from Vitamin A and helps to increase skin cell turnover, allowing dark spots to fade over time
- Tranexamic Acid – helps to normalize the cells that produce pigment, thereby decreasing pigment production
Do I Really Need to Use All Those Creams?
Do not worry! Dermatologists can help direct you to combination creams that can make treatment easy.
When to See a Dermatologist
Make an appointment if:
- Spots don’t fade after 3–4 months of home care
- You’re not sure what the spots are
- You want direction in over-the-counter options
- You want prescription treatments to help brighten skin
A dermatologist can tailor treatments to your skin’s needs and spot type.
Combining Treatments = Better Results
Here’s a smart approach:
- Tinted Mineral Sunscreen daily to prevent new spots
- Brightening serums every morning and night
- Track progress with photos and follow-up visits
Research shows that this combined method is more effective than using just one treatment.
Virtual Dermatology Makes It Easy
With telehealth you can:
- Upload clear photos of your skin
- Get a personalized plan with products and procedures
- Follow up virtually to track your progress
Virtual care brings professional guidance right to your home.
Skin Care Checklist for Dark Spots
What to Do
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) every morning
- Apply vitamin C or niacinamide serum
- Use prescription recommendations as directed
- Track changes with photos and follow-ups
Final Takeaways
- Dark spots come from sun damage, inflammation, hormones, or aging
- Home care with sunscreen and brightening serums makes a big difference
- Consistent use and sun protection yield the best outcome
- Virtual dermatologist visits make expert care simple and effective
Ready to Brighten Your Skin?
Take the step toward a clearer, brighter complexion.
Book a virtual visit with a Tono Health dermatologist today to receive your personalized plan!
This article is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, visit an ER or call 911 right away.