OFM Style: Skin that is Fierce

Journalist, Intern, Makeup lover, and Local Weeb

Dark spots, your spots, even hot spots. Some of us have them; others are lying. Also known as hyperpigmentation, dark spots can be the bane to any skin lover’s good day.

Hyperpigmentation comes about on the skin in a couple of different ways:

1. Too much sun exposure. I know you hear this a lot, but getting too much sun on your face without an SPF is not just bad for aging but also causes scarring from acne or buildups of melanin that cause an uneven tone to your natural skin color.

2. Leave your acne alone! As satisfying as picking out that black head or popping that whopper of a pimple can be, it not only leaves behind a gash, but is the number-one cause for that spot you hate so much.

Good news though: You don’t have to wait for dark spots to go away or live with them forever; you can get rid of them.

First and foremost, hyperpigmentation is not bad, nor should you feel the need to change yourself. However, sometimes you want that flawless, skin finish that you see on your Snapchat filter. To treat these pesky spots and sometimes blotches on skin, you need to remember that patience is a virtue … but who said a little push won’t help?

All skin is different, and different skin requires different methods. When looking for products, it is always good to note that some acids and some retinol/noids can cause photosensitivity, and you should be wearing an SPF to avoid irritation from the sun as well as sunburns.

Some amazing products to help you on your way to an even skin tone are, of course, “acids.” No, not anything scary, but things like lactic acid, malic acid, or azelaic acid that can help with mild hyperpigmentation. These acids speed up the skin cell turnover rate, which in turn makes skin look brighter and relieves dullness from everyday stress. Use acids such as these in between your toning and moisturizing of your skin to help the serums penetrate deep into your skin.

If you are looking for a more concentrated approach, then products with hydroquinone or licorice root extract are highly effective as spot treatments. The former ingredient above is more suited for people with lighter skin, as it can inhibit the production of melanin while it is being used and should be avoided by people with darker skin tones.

The highest percentage of hydroquinone you can receive without a prescription is 2 percent because it is that strong. So, use with caution, and use sparingly, as such a potent ingredient is not to be used all over the face.

Now, if you are looking for something that will brighten your skin and help even skin tone in a more natural manner, then vitamin C is for you. Not only is this vitamin important for keeping away scurvy, but it also helps with brightening your skin’s color and relieve mild dark spots.

When looking for a good vitamin-C serum it is always good to note that L-ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C in its “purest” form and is highly effective for treating dark spots.

However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective way to treat dark spots, you are in luck because you can treat dark spots at home with things in your cabinet.

First is the famous matcha mask, which is one tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of matcha powder, and finally, a teaspoon of water to get the emulsion ready. Green tea, especially in its matcha form, is great as a natural anti-inflammatory that mildly inhibits melanin over-production.

Or, you can simply brew your morning green tea, and after it cools, you can apply the tea bag to and massage any problem areas to help your skin drink in the goodness.

One final method is using a two-to-one, apple cider vinegar toner, using two parts water to vinegar, as the malic acid in apple cider vinegar also is a great, skin-brightening toner.

Lastly, before you try any new products or any home remedies, always remember to spot-test on your forearm or even hand before trying a product, because the last thing you want is to use a product that could be bad for your skin.

Do not forget these are not overnight treatments, and consistency is key when targeting a problem. We here at OFM want you to serve looks, not lumps.