Thursday, June 12, 2008

Getting Rid Of Dark Spots on Your Skin

By CBAffiliate

Need help getting rid of dark spots on your skin? People want a smooth, clear and even complexion. Naturally, nobody wants their skin to be synonymous with a Dalmatian…unless they are trying to set a new trend on that, which I very much doubt would work. Luckily, there are treatments available to help with dark spots on the skin.

The sad truth is, even with regular cleansing, some people still develop dark spots -- also called hyper-pigmentation by dermatologists. Hyper-pigmentation is characterized by pockets of discolored skin that remain even after pimples or skin bumps have disappeared. It can be caused by many internal or external factors. Among internal factors, it can be caused by certain illness such as Edison's disease and some hepatic problems. If someone is taking too much iron, for instance, it can cause darker areas on the skin. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause also can play a role in discolored skin. The deficit of certain vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamins A, E and B also can cause hyper-pigmentation.

Another common culprit is the increase in melanin that occurs after skin is inflamed or irritated, or too much exposure to the sun. People with darker skin tones such as South Asians and Latinos are more likely to face this kind of problem.

While persistent dark spots can be remedied at home, health experts advise people to first check with a dermatologist to make sure that the spot is harmless and can be left alone. After making sure it's benign, there are some simple ways to effectively eliminate dark spots in your skin. For some, simply applying creams and sun block might work. For others, they might require skin peelings. No matter what, it is best to consult with your dermatologists.

Need help with dark spots on your skin?

We've reviewed some of the more popular skin lighteners on the market to try to get past the hype. Read our reviews to learn which ones worked and which ones did more harm than good.

Here are simple tips on how to get rid of those persistent dark spots.

1. Use sunscreen daily with SPF 15 or higher. It is always wise to block the sun that darkens and harms the skin. This will also minimize your risk of acquiring skin cancer.

2. Do not pick your pimples or zits since it can result in permanent scarring.

3. Pick up a product that contains mild hydroquinone since it is the main ingredient in most skin bleaches. If you cannot tolerate hydroquinone, try other skin brighteners. Hydroquinone is usually used with glycolic acid and tretinoin.

Always remember that skin bleaching is not instant. It may take you three months to a year to fade the darkened skin depending on your skin tone. Moreover, try not to abuse your skin. If you have persistent skin problems like acne that leave scars, treat them immediately and stop the cycle.

Also remember that prevention is always better than cure.

Are you ready to get rid of the dark spots on your skin?

Did you know that some over-the-counter skin lighteners can actually darken certain skin? We've reviewed the popular dark spot skin creams and learned which ones worked and which ones didn't. Read our reviews to learn which ones actually do more harm than good.

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