What Causes Skin Spots? How Do Skin Spots Fade?

The darkening of certain areas of the skin is referred to as hyperpigmentation. An excess amount of melanin in the body creates brown, black, gray, red, or pink spots or blemishes. These formations are not painful or itchy, but their appearance can be disturbing. Dark spots on the skin can appear at any age, but they are most commonly seen in middle age. This condition is often a result of cumulative exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light used in tanning. Spots can also be associated with certain skin disorders and may be a side effect of some medications. Various lifestyle changes and treatments, especially in sun protection and skincare, can help prevent the formation of such skin spots.

What Are Skin Spots?

A skin spot is a term used to describe areas of the skin that appear darker than others.

Spots on the skin can appear as brown, black, gray, red, or pink patches or blemishes. These spots are also known as age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. The spots can occur on just one part of the body or in different areas.

What Causes Skin Spots?

Skin color is derived from a substance called melanin, which is produced by skin cells. When skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce an excess of melanin. This melanin can accumulate in certain areas, causing those areas to appear darker. Sun exposure and tanning beds are significant causes of the spots that develop on the skin. Hyperpigmentation often appears in middle age, particularly as a result of not consistently using sunscreen and other protective measures in early life.

What Are the Types of Skin Spots?

There are several different skin conditions and diseases that can lead to the formation of spots. Some of these include:

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Color changes in the skin following allergic reactions, infections, burns, or acne.
Melasma: Also known as the "mask of pregnancy" or chloasma.
Linea Nigra: A dark vertical line that appears down the center of the abdomen during pregnancy.
Riehl Melanosis: A type of contact dermatitis believed to be caused by sun exposure.
Civatte Poikiloderma: A benign (non-cancerous) condition that turns certain areas of the neck reddish-brown.
Erythromelanoisis Follicularis: Reddish-brown pigmentation on the face and neck.

In addition to these conditions, many other factors can lead to hyperpigmentation. Some of these include:

Adrenal disorders like Addison's disease, where the body does not produce enough of the hormone cortisol.
Genetic factors (such as having a family with freckles).
Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy.
Skin injuries, referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (e.g., acne, cuts, or burns).
Medications that cause light sensitivity, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
Melasma.
Insufficient intake of certain vitamins, like B12 and folic acid.
Sun damage (these spots are often referred to as sun lentigines).
Thyroid disorders.

As a result of these conditions, dark spots may appear on the skin.

How Are Skin Spots Diagnosed?

Since the spots that develop on the skin are different from normal formations, individuals can notice them directly. However, a health professional can examine the skin to diagnose the cause of the discoloration. This examination may include:

A physical exam that asks about your medical history, including when the darkening of the skin started and what medications you are taking.
A check of the shape, size, and color of the spots by examining your skin under a special ultraviolet light called a Wood's lamp.
Blood tests to check for vitamins, hormones, iron, and thyroid function.
A small sample of skin taken for a biopsy to test for abnormal skin cells

Treatment of Skin Spots

The treatment for skin spots can vary depending on the causes of hyperpigmentation. Treatments for skin spots may include:

Lifestyle Changes
Changes in lifestyle can be effective in preventing skin spots and healing existing ones. Some methods that can be implemented include:

Avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing to prevent sun damage.
Not using medications that may cause skin discoloration.
Taking vitamin supplements.

Medication Use
Doctors may recommend medications or creams to address the dark spots on the skin. Some ingredients that may help in the healing of skin spots include:

Azelaic acid
Corticosteroids
Glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid)
Hydroquinone
Kojic acid (a chemical that can reduce the amount of melanin produced by the body)
Salicylic acid
Tretinoin
Vitamin C or B3 (niacinamide)

Other Treatment Methods Used to Heal Skin Spots

Various treatment methods may be preferred to heal skin spots. These treatment methods can also prevent hyperpigmentation. Treatments used to prevent hyperpigmentation may include:

Laser Treatment: This procedure uses focused light energy to burn dark spots and layer by layer restore the skin to its original state. Possible risks of the procedure may include bruising, swelling, redness, tightness, scarring, infection, and changes in skin texture.
Chemical Peels: This procedure involves cleansing the upper layer of the skin using salicylic or glycolic acid and can help achieve healthier, more even-toned skin. Possible risks of chemical peeling may include skin irritation.
Microdermabrasion: There are two types of microdermabrasion. Both physically remove cells from the surface of the skin. In crystal microdermabrasion, a machine sprays fine crystals onto the skin through a wand that rubs and scrapes the cells away. In diamond-tipped microdermabrasion, an abrasive tip of a wand is used instead. The skin may be pink for a while afterward, but these techniques are considered low risk.
Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery is a treatment that destroys age spots by freezing them with a liquid nitrogen solution. This treatment helps in the shedding of discolored skin from the body. Possible risks of the procedure may include permanent whitening of the treated areas.

How to Prevent Skin Spots?

Dark spots typically appear as people age. They are often the result of past sun exposure. However, some skin disorders, medications, and certain medical conditions can also cause them. Some methods that can help prevent the formation of skin spots include:

Using Sunscreen: Being diligent about applying sunscreen every two hours can help prevent skin spots.
Paying Attention to Clothing Choices: Wearing hats, long sleeves, and pants when outdoors can help prevent spot formation due to sun exposure.

To prevent skin spot formation, protecting the skin from the sun is very important. Sunlight increases the production of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin determines the color of the skin, and when produced in excess, it leads to spots. Therefore, it is essential to apply a high SPF sunscreen half an hour before going out in the sun, as well as to wear hats and sunglasses. Additionally, using a cleanser and moisturizer suitable for your skin type helps keep the skin healthy. Regular skincare is also beneficial for preventing skin spot formation. Skincare helps remove dead cells, increases blood circulation, and rejuvenates the skin. Furthermore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before using any products to prevent skin spot formation, as this is vital for the health and beauty of your skin. Products that are unsuitable for your skin type or the cause of the spots can lead to irritation, allergies, or more spot formation. Therefore, it is important to be careful when choosing spot-removing products and to follow the doctor's recommendations.

Last Updated Date: 11 December 2023

Publication Date: 11 December 2023

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