If you are reading this, you likely struggle with unwanted dark spots and understand what a pain they are to deal with.

 

Still, it’s  good to know your enemies and just why they invade your complexion. Dark spots AKA hyperpigmentation occurs when skin cells overproduce melanin.

 

Expert Offers Dark Spot Insight

 

Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Jenna Queller recently weighed in on the topic via an online beauty site, My Domaine.

 

"Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin," she writes. "This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

 

Alas, no lovely is immune to this condition as hyperpigmentation can affect any skin color. Hyperpigmentation also varies in onset. Queller says it can be the result from years of sun exposure and then slowly appear over time, or it can appear suddenly.

 

So, that explains why you can wake up in the morning and see another unsightly dark spot that certainly wasn’t there yesterday!

Outsmarting the Enemy

 

Skin trauma from acne breakouts (and picking them) can lead to post-inflammatory scars and eventually hyperpigmentation. And those damaging UV rays can trigger dark spots like nobody’s business!

 

So, if it hasn’t been hammered into you enough, we will repeat it here: don’t mess with your blemishes and use a good sunscreen daily, whether you are going in the sun or not!

 

Mother Nature to the Rescue!

 

Before you enter the world of costly chemical treatments with potentially dangerous side effects, we suggest trying these proven natural remedies. There’s a great likelihood that Mother Nature played a part in your dark spot assault. Thankfully, she’s your best treatment ally, too!

 

• Aloe Vera: This cactus-like plant contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown in studies to effectively lighten skin. And you know those dark acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) left after pimples heal? Aloe targets those too, because it contains compounds, such as acemannan, that suppress inflammation. In fact, it can prevent these nasty discolorations from developing in the first place. According to Jennifer Gordon, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Aloe Vera gel prevents tyrosinase, the enzyme you can blame for your skin discoloration woes; essentially blocking UV-induced hyperpigmentation.

 

• Turmeric: This vibrant yellow-orange spice is related to ginger and is a main ingredient in curry. In recent years turmeric has gained attention due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers that come from curcumin. Now this golden spice is stepping into the skincare spotlight and for some very good reasons, according to celebrity esthetician, Gina Mari. “Turmeric contains curcumin, which inhibits pigmentation in the skin,” she explains. “And it can be effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots and pigmented scarring.”

 

• Vitamin C: For going on five decades, Vitamin C has been lauded for its far-reaching health benefits. Now, topical vitamin C is finally getting a well-deserved shout-out for its complexion perks, especially when it comes to hyperpigmentation. You see, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which is essential in combating those pesky dark spots. It also protects your skin from UV and environmental damage, too. However, one of its top claims to fame is that it helps to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which in turn prevents the production of melanin that causes the dark spots. Add the mighty C to your beauty regiment because it can significantly lighten pigmentation without lightening normal skin.

 

Top dermatologists say the perfect way to harness the power of these natural ingredients is a soothing face mask.

 

That’s where Gleamin face mask comes to the rescue. This easy-to-use product comes with an applicator so you can apply wherever and whenever spots crop up. It’s rich in Aloe Vera, turmeric and Vitamin C along with other mighty antioxidants and vitamins that will reduce signs of discoloration and make your skin look radiant.