Over time, some people notice small brown spots that appear on their back, hands, chest and face. Oftentimes, these dark spots are associated with aging. However, they are more likely caused by exposure to the sun.
What causes dark spots?
Exposure to the sun is the cause of dark spots. More precisely, dark spots occur when cellular waste, caused by cell damage from free radicals, accumulates in your skin. A 40-year-old woman that spent a lot of time in the sun without protection will most probably have more dark spots than an 80-year-old woman who protected herself from the sun her entire life. This is why dermatologists refer to age inters of skin and not years. Both men and women are equally susceptible to dark spots.
How can I prevent dark spots?
Because dark spots are caused by the sun, if you continue to stay in the sun without protection, you will develop new spots and your current spots will become darker. It is therefore crucial that you protect yourself from the sun: apply sunscreen often, wear a hat and long clothes, and avoid being in the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Don’t forget: protecting yourself from the sun is not just important for your appearance. It is also important for your health. When a dark spot appears, if it has an irregular border, is asymmetrical and varies in color, see a doctor right away; it could be melanoma (skin cancer).
How can I make dark spots disappear?
The appearance of dark spots is irreversible. They can be slightly minimized; however, they will appear darker if you go out into the sun. Thankfully, although it is impossible to make them completely disappear, you can make them paler. Laser or liquid nitrogen treatments work fairly well, but the spots can reappear even without exposure to the sun. These treatments also come with risks and disadvantages.
Emu oil: a great solution for dark spots
For an effective, natural solution to treat dark spots, try emu oil. Like laser or liquid nitrogen treatments, emu oil makes dark spots appear lighter thanks to its desensitizing properties. However, unlike laser or liquid nitrogen treatments, emu oil does not entail any risks. A small drop on each spot, applied day and night, can render impressive results!
Sources, excluding the last paragraph:
Doctissimo et Marieclaire