Latin Skin & Beauty Tips: How to Manage Your Dark Spots

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Have dark spots? Here's how you can treat them.

Dark spots on the face is one of the most common skin problems a lot of people face. This specific skin problem makes skin appear dull and are caused by over exposure to the sun. In addition, chemicals, hormone imbalance, pregnancy, vitamin deficiency, certain medications, pollution, stress and lack of sleep also contribute to having dark spots, according to a report by Bold Sky.

The best way to get rid of these patchy discoloration or small dark spots is through the use of natural products. Pop Sugar enumerates ways  on how you can fight those problematic spots.

1. Always Wear Sunscreen

Even Latinas' olive or dark skin cannot pass for a protection as strong as sunscreen. "When the sun's rays hit your skin they tell your cells to create more pigment (that's how you get a tan), and it's the buildup of that pigment that creates those dark spots and splotches that won't go away, the report reads." Use at least an SPF 30 to your everyday beauty routine.

2. Maybe It's You

Are you responsible for popping that pimple? Picking your pimples is definitely causing that dark spot if you don't already know. Take care of the acne with a benzoyl peroxide treatment. As the ingredient is anti-inflammatory, it will make the pimple small and the antibacterial ingredient will help prevent new breakouts from happening.

3. Sometimes It's Genetics

If you don't have acne, then it probably is genetic. The report recommends to use a lotion or serum with glycolic acid. If you find your skin is too sensitive for it, choose licorice extract or vitamin C. Don't apply the lotion on your face entirely but just on the area with the dark spots. Why? You might end up with the opposite effect-like light spots where you don't want them, says the report.

4. Large Dark Patches Need a Different Kind of Medical Attention

Dark spots are different from large splotchy areas which are called melasma. These are found around your lips, cheeks, and forehead, says the report. To manage melasma properly, you might need to tweak your lifestyle. You may also need to visit your doctor to talk about options like changing your birth control as this can trick your skin into producing more pigment. Never forget to wear a hat when outside as melasma worsens with sun exposure and, while sunscreen helps, it's not enough.