As you age, you may notice dark spots appearing on your face and hands. Don’t worry as this is something normal that you’d encounter as you get older. However, there are proven ways you can do to prevent it from happening. To discover what causes dark spots and how you can prevent it, simply continue reading to find out everything you need to know about dark spots.
What causes dark spots on skin? A guide to dark spots:
1. The sun
Most individuals who identify dark spots on their skin have developed these as a result to exposure to the sun’s strong uv rays. Generally individuals who apply sunscreen on a daily basis, have fewer or lighter dark spots, than individuals who only applied sunscreen on hot, sunny days.
So if you’d like to prevent further dark spots from developing on your skin, make sure to stock up on sunscreen and to apply some to your face, hands and arms on a daily basis as part of your beauty routine.
It’s also a smart idea to avoid spending prolonged periods of time in the sun especially during the hottest part of the day. When the sun’s uv rays are especially strong and can inflict a huge amount of damage on your skin.
2. Genetics
While the sun is the biggest factor when it comes to dark spots, genetics also play a key factor in an individual’s susceptibility to developing dark spots. Generally, individuals who have a fair, light complexion are far more likely to develop dark spots than individuals who have darker skin. The reason being that darker complexions boast a higher amount of melanin which can protect skin from the sun’s rays.
If you have extremely fair skin, it’s important to cover up as much of your skin as possible, during hot summer days. One area which individuals with fair skin often develop dark spots is on their arms, shoulders and backs, so if you have fair skin it may be a wise idea to lather up with sunscreen or to cover your back, shoulders and arms with a shirt. Instead of walking around in a single style top.
3. Various skin conditions
Dark spots can also be caused by a wide array of skin conditions. Examples of which include chloasma, which is caused by hormonal changes and melasma, which is often a side effect of pregnancy. Other examples of common skin conditions which can cause dark spots including linea nigra, which is also developed as a result of pregnancy and erythromelanosis follicularis. The latter of which creates red and brown spots. The good thing is that dark spot corrector were created for various skin conditions which makes dark spots less visible and helps improve the appearance of the skin.
4. Diagnosed illnesses
Dark spots can also be attributed to various illnesses, the most common of which is liver disease. Which is why some dark spots are referred to as liver spots.
5. Prescribed medications
There is also a long list of prescription medications which can create dark spots. Some examples of which include various types of estrogen medications such as vagifem and climara. If you have a feeling that your dark spots are being caused by one of your regular medications, it’s well worth talking to your doctor to find out more information.
So there you have it, the top 5 causes of dark spots. Hopefully if you have dark spots, you now have a fair idea of why you may have developed it, so that you’ll be able to prevent more dark spots from appearing!
