5 foolproof tips to prevent dark spots

When it comes to skincare, one of the most common concerns we see daily is about dark spots. How to treat them, how to reduce them, how to prevent them...

And that's exactly what we're going to talk about today!

How to prevent dark spots?

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that there are various types of dark spots:

·        Solar Lentigo: these spots are triggered by excessive sun exposure. They usually appear on the back of the hands, chest, and back—areas of the body that are often more exposed to the sun and unprotected. They are also known as “age spots”, as they tend to be more common in older individuals;

·        Freckles: these are spots of genetic characteristics and often appear in individuals with fair skin;

·        Melasma: spots that primarily appear on the face but can also occur on the neck, chest, and arms. They are of hormonal origin and are often challenging to mitigate with cosmetics. They also worsen with unprotected sun exposure;

·        Chloasma: tthese are brown spots similar to melasma that typically occur during pregnancy;

·        Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Spots that appear during inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, for example.

Now that you're familiar with the various types of dark spots that can occur on the skin, let's get to the most important part: how can we prevent them?

Next, discover 5 key tips for preventing dark spots:

👉 Avoid Sun Exposure: As we've seen, spots can worsen, become larger, and more intense with sun exposure. Therefore, avoid sun exposure during the hours of intense radiation, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, wear loose and cool clothing that covers the skin, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. If you enjoy going to the beach, choose the cooler hours early in the morning or late in the afternoon;

👉 Apply and Reapply Sunscreen: Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or in your daily life, it's essential to protect your skin from the damage of UV rays. UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass, so it's important to use sunscreen even on cloudy days and when indoors. Correct use of sunscreen, along with frequent application and reapplication, is your best ally in preventing spots;

👉 Hydrate the Skin: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential for maintaining its good appearance and health. Dry or dehydrated skin can compromise its barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritation, inflammation, and unwanted reactions. When the skin is in this state of inflammation, spots become more "active" and noticeable;

👉 Anti Dark Spot Care: In addition to hydration and sunscreen protection, it's important to use cosmetic products with ingredients capable of treating and preventing spots. Some examples include glycolic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, or niacinamide;

👉 Good Sleep and Healthy Eating: Lastly, a 2-in-1 tip that is almost always present in our articles. It's during the night that the skin regenerates most rapidly, so having a restorative sleep routine is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of the skin (lack of sleep doesn't just result in dark circles). On the other hand, a healthy diet is of utmost importance for maintaining the body's balance and its delicate ecosystem, of which the skin is a part.

Now that you've learned the theory, put it into practice in your dark spot prevention with our help: explore our selection of the best skincare products for skin with spots or lack of radiance.

Mariana Monteiro, digital content creator on Instagram at @amarianam