White Spots on The Skin: Possible Causes and Treatments

They may not be as obvious as red spots, but white spots on your skin put a serious cramp in your style. Whether they’re blemishes that you’ve been dealing with for years or they’re a new, unwelcome addition, they’ve got to go. The good news is that by starting a solid skincare routine that includes masking and exfoliation, you can get your glow back.

 

If you’re wondering what causes irritating white spots and how you can fade them, we have the real scoop here.

 

Melanin Differentiation

 

In your skin cells, you have melanocytes that produce melanin, the pigment that gives our hair, skin, and eyes their colors. Sometimes, those cells naturally stop making melanin for no discernible reason. So, what does that mean for you?

 

That means that you might have white patches on your skin where you don’t have any melanin. Don’t worry; this is perfectly normal. It usually starts for people in their early twenties or late teens. Unfortunately, it sticks around for the rest of your life, but there are no other side effects.

 

It isn’t a medical condition, so you don’t need to seek medical attention. The patches often appear around the knees or other joints. Whether you proudly show off those patches as part of the real you or use concealer to even out your complexion is up to you. It’s all about embracing your skin’s true beauty in whatever way suits you best.

Sunspots 

 

Most people think of sunspots as dark blotches on the skin, but they can appear lighter than your natural skin tone, too. As their name implies, you get them from too much fun in the sun without protection.

 

To avoid dealing with sunspots and the other unpleasant side effects of UV rays, always remember to lather on that sunscreen. Cloudy days might seem harmless, but clouds are deceiving. Spending more than 20 minutes outside puts you at risk unless you cover up or wear sunscreen.

 

Whiteheads 

 

Whiteheads are a type of acne that happens when dirt and bacteria get trapped underneath the skin’s surface and create an infection. They’re annoying, they pop up with almost no warning, and they usually tend to show up precisely when you have a special event, right? Not to worry, we have a solution if you’re struggling with whiteheads.

 

Ingrown Hairs 

 

Sometimes hairs grow outwards instead of up, or they even curl back in on themselves. This is pretty typical in people with curly hair, but ingrown hairs can happen to anyone. They usually look like small, flesh-colored, or white bumps on the backs of arms, lower legs, and bikini areas.

 

Exfoliation is the best way to gently work the hair out of the follicles and back to the surface. Do this as soon as you notice the ingrown hairs because, otherwise, they might become infected and swell up. And let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with that!

 

White Spot Treatment 

 

Depending on the origin of your white spots, there are different treatment options. Some, like those caused by a lack of melanin or sunspots, can only be surgically treated or removed. Others, like whiteheads and ingrown hairs, are easier to prevent and eliminate.

 

The best treatment is taking proper care of your skin. That means moisturizing your skin so it doesn’t dry out, removing your makeup at night before you go to bed, and exfoliating regularly to stop oil and grime from clogging up your pores.

Foundation 

 

The easiest way to cover up white spots is with your favorite foundation. If you’ve noticed that you’re prone to acne or are dealing with whiteheads, look into a non-comedogenic foundation, meaning that it’s made for sensitive skin and doesn’t clog your pores.

 

Masking Up

 

There are a lot of different foundation options on the shelves, but wouldn't it be better if you didn't need them at all? We have some advice to help you get a more even skin tone to expose your true, vibrant appearance.

 

Gleamin offers an amazing clay mask, chock full of super ingredients that are good for any skin type. We use Australian Yellow Clay, a fan-favorite for all skin types, even those with super sensitive skin. The Turmeric evens out your skin tone to fade white (and dark) spots and achieve your ideal complexion.

 

The Aloe Vera in our masks provides replenishing moisture to cool your skin and brings out your beautiful natural glow. Finally, Vitamin C fights acne, and is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens and rejuvenates your skin while healing imperfections.

 

Plus, our mask kit even includes a glamorous Pink Satin Headband, so your hair is up and out of the way. It’s perfect for putting on a mask or going about your day when you want to look cute but don’t have time to style your hair. You’re busy enough; we get it.

 

Other Mask Ingredients

 

If you’re the type of person who likes to DIY your skincare products, these great ingredients should top your list:

 

 

• Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil is a great spot remedy, but you can also use it in face masks to clear your pores. Tea tree oil smells fantastic too, which is a bonus because it works miracles on zits and other acne-prone areas.

• Honey - Honey is a perfect sweetener for your tea, but did you know that it also exfoliates your face? Not only is honey soft on the skin, but it smoothes skin tone overnight. It will also eliminate toxins and destroy bacteria, avoiding breakouts before they arise. What’s more, honey helps the skin preserve its natural moisture content. Now, that’s a superfood!

• Oatmeal - We all know that oatmeal makes a perfect snack, but what you may not know is that you can use it to exfoliate. Blend oatmeal with honey for twice the strength.

Massage the oatmeal softly onto your face. Treat your face gently so as not to inflict any minor abrasions or microtears, which will lead to more uneven patches.

• Cocoa powder - You may have read that eating chocolate causes you to break out, so try rubbing it on your face instead of eating it. (Yes, we’re serious!)

You can use cocoa powder to assist with the natural skin healing process and minimize redness. Combine it with some cinnamon and baby powder to make a face scrub.

 

Exfoliation 

 

For ingrown hairs and all types of skin, exfoliation is one of the best things to do. By gently scrubbing off the dead skin cells, dirt, and grime of the day, you aren’t giving acne the chance to ruin your complexion (and your day).

 

The best method of exfoliation completely comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer washcloths, others like facial brushes, and some rely on their once or twice a week facial masks to do the exfoliating for them.

 

Just remember not to exfoliate too often, or you could risk skin damage. Too much exfoliation may encourage your skin to produce more oil, as it attempts to maintain its natural moisture barrier against UV rays. As a result, you could wind up with an oilier face than before you started.

 

Starting A Routine 

 

Finding the right skin routine is not straightforward, and it's even tougher to stick with it, especially when you need a skincare routine that tackles discoloration. But it’s not impossible.

 

When you purchase skincare items to treat blotches, you need high-quality, convenient cosmetics that contain effective organic ingredients. Know that anything containing alcohol or sugar is more dangerous than beneficial to your skin, so steer clear of those.

  

That’s a Wrap 

 

Don’t let white spots ruin your day or your skin! Treat your skin to some much-needed TLC by creating a skincare routine, exfoliating regularly, and using a superfood-enhanced face mask to help your skin achieve that natural glow that catches everybody’s eye.

 

Sources

 

What’s Causing Spots on My Skin and How Can I Treat Them? | Healthline

 

What are these white spots on my skin? | Medical News Today

 

How to Get Rid of Whiteheads: 12 Ways | Healthline