Avoid Getting Spots

Pimples, or spots as the British would say, happen to people of all ages and skin types. Once the acne has healed, blotchy skin or brown spots are left behind. The best way to avoid spots is to stop acne breakouts and protect your skin from the sun. If you do have spots, there are may treatment options to get rid of them.

Steps

Preventing Spots

  1. Wash your face daily. Wash your face in the morning and before you go to bed. Also wash your face after you exercise or sweat a lot. Use your fingertips to apply your cleanser. Avoid using a washcloth, sponge, or anything else that can irritate your skin.[1] Keeping your skin clean and healthy can prevent acne and the potential spots when your acne heals.
  2. Use gentle skin care products. Your skin care products should be alcohol-free[1], water based, and non-comedogenic. Avoid cosmetics, hair products, acne concealers, and sunscreens that are oily or greasy. These products are more likely to cause acne.[2] Preventing acne will reduce your chances of getting spots.
  3. Use sunscreen everyday. Sun damage is the main cause of dark spots for people with lighter skin. Your skin may look blotchy or patchy from sun damage. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Look for sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This will help prevent dark spots in the future and protect your skin from sun damage.[3]
    • Individuals with darker skin should also use sunscreen daily. It will protect your spots from further darkening.[3]
    • If your skin is acne prone, look for non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen.
    • Do not go to the tanning bed. Tanning beds expose your skin to UV rays as well and can damage your skin.[1]
  4. Do not pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. Allow your acne to heal on its own. While popping your pimples may make them go down faster initially, they will take longer to heal and are more likely to leave a spot.[1] Picking your acne can also cause an infection and injury to your skin which leads to hyperpigmentation (i.e. dark spots)[4]
  5. Exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating can make your topical treatments more effective and improve the appearance of your skin. When you exfoliate, you remove the layer of dead skin cells. You can do this chemically (e.g. using an acid) or mechanically (e.g. scrubbing or brushing).[5]
    • Exfoliation is best if you have whiteheads and blackheads. If you have inflammatory acne, like cysts and pustules, you should speak with a doctor before you exfoliate because exfoliating may make your acne worse.[5]
    • If you are a person of color or get dark spots after burns or bug bites, exfoliation may actually result in hyperpigmentation.[5]
  6. Use topical acne medications. Over-the-counter medications can get rid of excess oil, kill acne causing bacteria, and speed up the growth of new skin cells. Look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g. glycolic acid and lactic acid), and sulfur.[6] Start with a benzoyl peroxide product if you are unsure as it is effective for most people.[7]
    • Always apply the product after you wash your face. Follow up with an oil-free, water-based moisturizer.
  7. See a dermatologist. If you are having trouble managing your acne or are unsure about a skin care regimen, go see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you prevent acne and get rid of any existing acne.[8] There are many treatment options available. Be patient. It may take time to find a treatment that works best for you.

Changing Your Lifestyle

  1. Exercise regularly. Engaging in moderate exercise (e.g. swimming, brisk walking, jogging) is beneficial for your skin. Exercise improves circulation, boosts your immune system, and improves the appearance of your skin.[9] Do activities that you enjoy to stay motivated.
    • Always wash your face after you exercise. Sweating can contribute to acne.
  2. Avoid high-glycemic foods. Eating high-glycemic foods such as white bread, white potatoes, and chips is linked to acne breakouts. Try to eat low-glycemic alternatives such as multi grain bread, beans, and vegetables.[10] A low-glycemic diet may prevent you from getting acne. Talk to your doctor before you eliminate foods for your diet.
  3. Do not touch your face. Once you have washed and moisturized your face, keep your hands away from your face throughout the day.[2] When you touch your face, you are transferring bacteria and oil from your hands to your face which can lead to breakouts. Also, be careful of items that touch your face such as sunglasses, telephone, hats, and helmets. Clean these items regularly.
  4. Avoid irritating cosmetics. The makeup and hair products you use can cause spots as well. Look for products that say "non-comedogenic," "water-based," and "oil-free." These words indicate that these products will not clog your pores.[11] Carefully apply any hair styling products so that they do not get on your face.

Dealing with the Aftermath of Spots

  1. Use hydroquinone. Hydroquinone (HQ) is a bleaching cream that can gradually fade your brown spots over the course of a few months.[12] HQ is available over-the-counter or by prescription. You will need a prescription for higher strength (e.g. 10% concentration) but you can purchase 2% concentration[13] at a drug store or online. It is safe and effective for individuals of all skin tones. Possible side effects include: a red itchy rash, nail discoloration, or lightening of the skin around the area that you are treating.[13]
  2. Apply Vitamin C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) effectively lightens skin and may also reduce inflammation. Find products with a 5 to 10% concentration of ascorbic acid. This ingredient is safe and effective for all skin tones.[13] You can buy creams, serums, and patches that contain Vitamin C. It is safe for you to use Vitamin C products with other topical medications.[14]
    • Side effects are rare. You may experience dryness, stinging, or yellowing of your skin.
  3. Try natural ingredients. Natural ingredients such as soy, niacinamide, ellagic acid, and lignin peroxidase, These ingredients are included in moisturizers and other cosmetic products. They effectively lighten skin and prevent additional dark spots from coming to the surface of your skin.[4] Read the label of moisturizers and skin products to see if any of these ingredients are included. Always follow the product instructions when using.
    • There is a low risk of allergic reactions with these ingredients. If you experience any irritation, stop using the product and see your doctor.
    • Arbutin, kojic acid, and licorice are also options, but they are more likely to cause an allergic reaction.[4]
  4. Use retinol products. Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and can improve skin tone and any discoloration. You can buy over-the -counter products that contain retinol. If over-the-counter products are not working, talk to your doctor about prescription products. Retin-A and Renova contain a stronger version of retinol. If you have sensitive skin, stick with over-the-counter retinol products.[15]
  5. Have a chemical peel. Chemical peels can brighten your complexion, smooth your skin, reduce wrinkles and lines, and even your skin tone.[16] Your doctor will apply the chemical to your face, monitor your skin, and remove the peel. The results will depend on the type of peel you get and the skill level of your doctor. You will see improvement once your skin is completely healed.[17]
    • It takes anywhere from 1 to 21 days to completely heal from your peel. The deeper the peel, the longer the healing time.
    • If you are a person of color, only see a dermatologist who has experience working with darker skin tones. An inexperienced doctor can permanently damage your skin.[17]
  6. Try microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a gentle,exfoliating treatment that can even your skin tone and smooth and brighten your skin. It can be done at home, at a spa, or by a dermatologist and is safe for all akin tones.[18] This treatment gets rid of both age spots and dark spots. The procedure usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, and then a moisturizer is applied.[19]
    • Only see a dermatologist for this procedure if you scar easily, are taking isotretinoin, or have a mole that is bleeding or changing in size and color.
    • You may need multiple treatments before you see results.
    • Possible side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, burning, or sensitivity to sunlight.[19]


Tips

  • It takes time to find the right products and treatments. Be patient.
  • Preventing acne and staying out of the sun are the best ways to avoid spots.
  • If you have sensitive skin or have allergies to any of these products use different ones that suit you.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne/tips
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020580
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/variety-of-options-available-to-treat-pigmentation-problems-
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/dermatologist-shines-light-on-natural-ingredients-used-in-new-topical-treatments-for-hyperpigmentation
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/evaluate-before-you-exfoliate
  6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art-20045814
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art-20045814?pg=2
  8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne/diagnosis-treatment
  9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/every-stage-of-life/adult-skin/what-causes-aging-skin
  10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/growing-evidence-suggests-possible-link-between-diet-and-acne
  11. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/prevention/con-20020580
  12. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/basics/treatment/con-20030473
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/
  14. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
  15. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_An_Overview_ofYour_Skin/hic_Understanding_the_Ingredients_in_Skin_Care_Products
  16. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/chemical-peel
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/chemical-peel/is-it-right-for-you
  18. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/m---p/microdermabrasion
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/m---p/microdermabrasion/is-it-right-for-you

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