Have you been on holiday and noticed that, once the tan line subsides, there are some dark, flat spots on your skin?
Sunspots on the skin, also known as solar lentigines, are a type of skin discoloration that is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. They typically appear as flat, brown, or black spots on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as on the face, chest, and arms.
So, how can you minimize their appearance?
Lightening Soaps
One way to reduce the appearance of sunspots on your face is with the use of lightening soaps. Lightening soaps work by using ingredients that inhibit the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for giving color to the skin. Sunspots are areas of the skin where there is an excess of melanin due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Lightening soaps contain ingredients such as kojic acid, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone that work by reducing the production of melanin in the skin.
One of the best soaps for doing this is koji san soap, which can be bought in a 2 or 3 pack online.
Hydroquinone
It seems that hydroquinone is a popular, topical treatment for sunspots online.
It is also worth noting that, in order to use this treatment to remove the appearance of sunspots, you may need a cream that a doctor has prescribed.
You should also take care not to use this cream when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and, depending on the extent of the sunspots, you may require more of it, which can lead to side effects like stinging on the skin. So, be careful!
Green Tea
Interestingly, there is some evidence that when it is applied to the skin, green tea can reduce the appearance of sunspots.
One study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that a topical application of green tea extract reduced the appearance of sunspots in participants over the course of 12 weeks.
Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that a cream containing green tea extract, among other ingredients, was effective in reducing the appearance of age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation in participants over the course of 8 weeks. So, that’s a great reason to get some of this brilliant and tasty tea into your weekly shopping rotation!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Never one to be left in the dark when it comes to skincare, apple cider vinegar has been found by many to be a great option for minimizing the appearance of sunspots.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy that has been used for various skin conditions, including sunspots.
The vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which has been shown to have a minimal exfoliating effect on the skin. Additionally, ACV contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and promote cell turnover. Over time, this can help to reduce the appearance of sunspots and will help to create a more even skin tone.
Remember, if your sunspots change shape or become darker, you will need to talk to your family medicine doctor.
