From age spots and freckles to post-acne scarring and dark spots, all these texture-related skin concerns may sound harmless and look normal but let's be honest, nobody likes an uneven complexion. We keep trying various skin lightening products and solutions, but did you know, sometimes trying out so many things on your face can make your skin even more sensitive to scarring, which will further slow down the healing and can even lead to new spots and blemishes. What you put on your skin should be as good as the food you eat, because when you apply a product, you're in a way feeding your skin and it deserves all things good, no parabens or chemicals, strictly no-no! Before we get to the part on how to safely remove the uneven texture and dark spots, let's first understand how Pigmentation is different from dark spots, because commonly we all get confused between the two.

What are Dark Spots and Pigmentation?

Beginning from the basics, Pigmentation or Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where dark spots form on your skin, which could be due to overproduction of melanin or due to picking and poking your skin when it's breaking out and irritated. Basically, some of us have extremely sensitive skin which gets easily triggered and scarred, and any form of harsh and aggressive physical or environmental stressors can make it develop spots and marks. Dark Spots on the other hand are one of the results of Pigmentation and just like Freckles and Age Spots, these can vary in color and can appear almost anywhere on your skin, but most commonly, these are visible on the areas where your skin is regularly exposed to the sun or the harsh environment. Before we get to the steps of prevention, let's take a look at all the possible causes that can trigger pigmentation and dark spots on our skin.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Here are the top three reasons why you could be getting those dark spots,

• Sun Exposure: The most common and number one reason for any sort of skin damage is sun exposure. UV rays stimulate melanin in your skin, which is our body's natural way to protect the skin from burning. This melanin absorbs the harmful rays and makes skin extremely sensitive, which then starts to form dark spots and patches.
• Ageing: The second most prominent reason is skin ageing. As we age, our skin's elasticity and collagen start to decrease, which makes our skin thinner and stressed. Due to this our skin becomes extremely sensitive and gets scarred easily. Another contributing factor is the considerable increase in the size and pigment of melanin in the later years of ageing, which makes the spots look scattered and darker.
• Hormonal and Allergic Reactions: Sometimes hormones and allergic reactions can also trigger hyperpigmentation, especially during pregnancy and conditions like PCOS, etc., due to which our body often gets imbalanced and triggered and starts producing extra melanin, which then appears in the form of patches and spots, all over the sensitive areas of our skin.

How to Get Rid of Dark Spots

You don't have to wait forever in hopes that your dark spots will fade, there are plenty of home remedies, special skincare products, and treatments you can try to get rid of spots and blemishes. Starting with the home remedies, here are a few safe to try remedies that suit all skin types.

• Home Remedies: Treating pigmentation isn't an easy job, several factors decide the speed of healing but anyway, there's no harm in giving these simple remedies a try. These natural ways can help to lighten spots and blemishes if used regularly.
• Pulpy Papayas: Papayas are a natural source of AHAs, a chemical exfoliant that helps remove the surface level impurities and dead skin cells to reveal fresher and brighter skin. Take a few cubes of papaya and mash it in a bowl, apply the paste all over the affected skin and keep it on for 15-20 minutes then gently wash off while massaging the pulp in circular motions. This will help to lighten the spots and scars if used consistently and regularly.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet Almond Oil contains the benefits of Vitamin E and Niacin, the two most important ingredients that refine and resurface skin texture. Regularly Massaging your skin with sweet almond oil can stimulate collagen production and increase blood flow, which will help diminish scars and spots over time. .
• Yogurt: Another skin-brightening remedy is to use Yogurt on your face. It has lactic acid, a milder AHA, that resurfaces skin and enhances the complexion. You can mix it with turmeric or honey to make it even better. Not only will it nourish your skin, but the gentle exfoliating agents present in the Yogurt will also help to lighten your skin complexion and dark spots. < li>

Natural Skincare Products to Lighten Spots

Trying out DIY remedies every day can be a task sometimes and even though you do, you should have a healthy skincare routine so that your skin is constantly nourished and hydrated, making it easier for the active ingredients to work effectively. Don't worry, at Lotus Professional, there's a range of Whitening and Brightening Products made with all-natural and organic ingredients to target dark spots and blemishes. These are safe for all skin types and work on the cellular level to revive and rejuvenate your skin deeply. DermoSpa Range comes with a variety of products that are specially formulated to whiten and brighten the skin. This range is made with pure plant goodness of Japanese Sakura and Mulberry Extracts, powerful skin-lightening agents that deeply nourish your skin to make it look healthier and brighter over time. To begin with a basic routine, You can start with DermoSpa Japanese Sakura Skin Whitening Face Wash, followed by DermoSpa Japanese Sakura Skin Whitening Illuminating Crème for Day-time and DermoSpa Japanese Sakura Skin Whitening Nourishing Night Crème for the Night-time routine.

Treatments to remove Dark Spots and Blemishes

Although dark spots and pigmentation marks are totally harmless, still some of us would want to get them removed through high-tech treatments. Laser Treatments, Chemical Peels, and Microdermabrasion are some of the most common ways to get rid of spots and scars, but make sure you consult a dermatologist before going for these professional treatments.

How to Prevent Dark Spots?

As discussed, the main cause behind any cellular tension on your skin is either sun exposure or ageing factor. To prevent dark spots, try these simple hacks and tips.

• Don't skip your sunscreen: No matter if you can see the sun or not, it's there and so are its UV radiations. Make sure to slather your skin with sunscreen every day, especially when you're stepping out. Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 PA++ and reapply your sunblock every four to six hours for maximum protection. .
• Don't squeeze or pick your acne: Picking and squeezing can cause further trauma to your skin which can cause redness, inflammation and therefore dark spots. Keep your hands off your face and avoid touching it unnecessarily. .
• Cover yourself as much as possible: Minimum sun exposure means minimum damage, so cover your face with a scarf, carry a hat, and try to wear full-sleeved clothes while traveling long distances in the direct sun. < li>

Now when you have the complete skincare guide for taking care of pigmentation and dark spots, make sure you stay hydrated and keep your skin clean, wear your sunscreen every day and take care of any cuts and wounds. Have a healthy routine and follow it religiously for at least 4-6 weeks to see visible changes.