Natural ways to treat dark spots on black skin

People with black skin are more prone to discoloration due to the increased levels of melanin in their skin. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sun exposure and hormonal changes. Dark spots can also occur due to inflammation or trauma to the skin from burns, cuts, bug bites, acne and reactions to medication or skincare products. A person’s treatment for dark spots will depend on their skin type and the harshness of their discoloration. Here are some ways to naturally treat skin discoloration for people with black skin.

Wait

In many cases, the best treatment may be no treatment, as dark spots or hyperpigmentation resulting from causes such as pregnancy hormones and acne usually fade away over time. In the meantime, consider applying some natural sunscreen to prevent your spots from getting worse. (Related: Natural sunscreen: Mountain hydrangea extract may protect your skin from sun damage, according to research.)

Get rid of the cause

There is a big chance that your medication or current skincare routine is causing the discoloration of your skin. If this is the case, stop using these products to prevent the formation of further dark spots. The worst spots may take years to fade, but they will still get better over time. Most, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, will typically fade within six to 12 months, provided, of course, that you’ve completely stopped applying or using the products that caused the spots. Applying natural sunscreen to prevent the condition from getting worse as well as using some natural skin lightening remedies can speed up the process.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant with skin-enhancing properties. Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggests that applying a topical vitamin C solution to your skin can protect you against sun damage and reduce the formation of melanin. Furthermore, it can increase the levels of collagen in your system. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the skin and it plays a role in strengthening skin. All of these properties of vitamin C can stop hyperpigmentation in its tracks.

Kojic acid

A common skin lightening agent,  kojic acid is made from several types of fungi and is also a byproduct of the fermentation of several Japanese products such as sake and soy sauce. Kojic acid is known for preventing the formation of tyrosine, an amino acid that the body needs to produce melanin and is thus considered to be a great natural ingredient for skin lightening. Furthermore, kojic acid can also be used to treat visible signs of sun damage, aging, melasma and scarring. Not only that, but studies, such as the one published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, suggest that kojic acid has antifungal properties.

There are other natural ways for your black skin to heal from dark spots. There’s evidence that supports the use of aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, green tea, turmeric, lemon juice and other natural remedies for solving your skin concerns. Dark spots, while common, are generally harmless. To prevent them from occurring at all, be sure to wear natural sunscreen on particularly sunny days, moisturize your skin regularly and avoid the use of harsh skincare and medicinal products that can damage your skin. If your skin conditions persist be sure to consult with your natural health practitioner for the right natural treatment for your skin.

Sources include:

MedicalNewsToday.com

Elle.com

AAD.org

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Healthline.com 1

Healthline.com 2

MDPI.com