What causes dark spots on the skin?

Sometimes, the dark spots we have on our face and or body are caused by the things we do. So let's look at some of them.

😶‍🌫️ We pop or squeeze breakouts/acne/pimples! By doing this, we cause damage to the skin and it responds by developing inflammation. This inflammation triggers melanin production and causes that area of skin to be darker than the rest of the skin. 

Action point: Do not squeeze your breakouts! See a professional if they are blackheads that need extraction or put a pimple patch on the spot. Another option is to use a salicyclic acid cleanser and increase your hydration to help the skin heal itself fast.

😶‍🌫️ We don't use sunscreen or practice sun protection. Exposure to the sun can trigger the production of melanin. 

Action point: Wear sunscreen daily. even when indoors! UVA and UVB rays still enter your house even when you are not sitting directly in front of a window. Avoid going out at peak sunny times. If you do have to go out, wear protective clothing, especially hats or face caps. You'd end up looking younger that those people giving you weird looks 😉

😶‍🌫️ We are over exfoliating our skin or over using actives. These include things like Lactic acid, Glycolic acid and Mandelic acid to mention a few. Over exfoliating also triggers inflammation, when then triggers melanin production to the affected site.

Action point: Be gentle with your skin! Choose one exfoliant at a time and stick with it. Use your exfoliants at night and ensure to wear sunscreen during the day. Avoid things like lemon juice on your skin! 

I hope this is helpful to you! Do you have any thing to add to these? I'd love to learn from you too!