How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on the Body

Dark marks, often referred to as hyperpigmentation or brown marks, are a common skin concern that can affect anyone. Whether caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes or ageing, these spots can diminish the skin's natural radiance. To get rid of dark spots, incorporate a skincare routine that contains ingredients that target their appearance. To prevent dark spots from developing or darkening, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade during peak sun hours.

In this comprehensive guide, NIVEA explores the causes of dark spots and shares effective ways to manage and prevent them, revealing a path to a more luminous and even-toned complexion.

Dark spots or brown patches are areas of pigmentation that form on the skin. They appear when melanin - which is the pigment that determines the colour of your skin - is overproduced. This results in a patch of skin being darker than the surrounding skin. All parts of the body are susceptible to the appearance of dark spots due to certain variables and causes that we will discuss in this article.

Dark spots can appear on various areas of the body due to factors like sun exposure, ageing, hormonal changes, and skin trauma. Here are four common areas where dark spots often occur:

1. Face:
   Dark spots on the face are very common due to the face's high exposure to sunlight and the delicate nature of its skin. Dark spots, hormonal changes, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can all contribute to the face’s uneven skin tone and discoloration.
   
   
2. Hands:
   The hands are frequently exposed to environmental aggressors, including UV rays and pollutants. The skin on the hands is thinner, making it more prone to hyperpigmentation from sunspots and age spots, which is why you can find more black spots on the skin.
   
   
3. Chest:
   The delicate skin of the chest is frequently exposed to the sun, making it susceptible to dark spots. Low-cut clothing and the cumulative effects of sun exposure over time contribute to the development of dark spots on this area.
   
   
4. Back:
   The skin on the back can be sensitive to friction, clothing and environmental factors, making it prone to skin trauma and acne. This can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the formation of dark spots.

Knowing the main causes of dark spots on the skin can help to understand how to avoid them in the first place. Although some causes are unavoidable, it is still important to understand why you’ve developed them, as this can inform prevention. Here are the most common causes of dark spots on the skin:

By incorporating NIVEA's Luminous skincare products into your routine, you could improve your dark spots and help to prevent new spots from forming.

Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented - some occur naturally due to age and other factors. That being said, black and brown spots on skin caused by sun damage can be prevented. We’ve highlighted some tips to help you prevent brown patches on skin caused by sun damage:

1. Use Sunscreen 
   Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots. By using a high SPF sunscreen, you can prevent your skin from becoming damaged and ensure that it's as healthy as possible to combat dark spots on the skin.
   
   
2. Cover Up 
   Black or brown spots on the overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun. Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to offer your face and neck protection from the sun.
   
   
3. Avoid The Midday Sun 
   The sun reaches its highest temperature and most intense points during midday and early evenings, increasing the risk of sun damage and the potential development of black and brown spots on the skin. To protect your skin, seek shade during these times and choose to enjoy the sun during periods when it isn’t as damaging to your skin.
   
   By adopting these preventive measures and making sun protection a priority, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dark spots and maintain healthier, youthful-looking skin over time.

Dark spots are a common skin concern, often occurring on sun-exposed regions all over the body, such as the face, hands, back and chest. However, they can be effectively managed through a dedicated skincare routine, allowing for their reduction and prevention. 

Consistency is key, as is the regular application of sunscreen to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing the dark spots from intensifying.  

While dark spots are generally not dangerous, it's strongly advised to have any skin discoloration examined by a dermatologist to rule out serious skin conditions.