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If you’re looking to lighten your skin tone, there are a number of different factors that can affect how your natural skin color looks.
Because of this, it’s important to understand what causes dark spots and marks and how to prevent them from happening again. Whether you’re just starting to think about trying some lightning products or you want to learn more about why they aren’t an effective way to treat pigmentation, there are plenty of quality tips available online.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways you can lighten your skin without using chemicals or risking complications down the road:
Stay Out Of The Sun
If you’re looking to lighten your skin tone, it’s essential that you avoid the sun at all costs.
Not only is it the number one reason for hyperpigmentation marks, but it can also result in premature aging, skin damage, and even skin cancer. While it’s true that UV rays can cause discoloration, they’re also the key to healthy skin.
When you stay out of the sun (or don’t expose yourself to them at all), your skin is able to produce more oil and clear skin cells, causing it to look younger and healthier.
If you do need to go outside, protect yourself with sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn and DNA damage.
Stay Hydrated
A common cause of dark marks and spots is dehydration. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s able to regulate its own oil production, resulting in a healthy complexion.
When you’re not drinking enough water, your skin is more likely to become dry and damaged, causing it to look aged and uneven. There are a number of great products and sparkling water alternatives that can help you stay hydrated at work or when you’re on the go.
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Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to prevent dark marks. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is proven to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation by increasing natural pigmentation and collagen production.
Poor diet quality is also one of the leading causes of breakouts, which can leave marks behind even after they’ve cleared up. A good diet should include lots of fresh, unprocessed foods.
Processed foods, sugary drinks, and high fat and sodium intake are known to contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Exfoliate Regularly
Dark marks can also be caused by damage to your skin caused by, or exacerbated by, products you use. For example, stubborn marks may be caused by a product that’s too strong and leaves behind rough textures that cause damage.
To prevent this, try exfoliating your skin with a gentle, non-abrasive scrub at least once a week to remove any build-up. You don’t have to go overboard either.
Instead, choose a product that has a grainy texture that will gently remove any rough surfaces or build-up. This will prevent damage and keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.
Protect Yourself From The Elements
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by being exposed to the sun and having dry skin.
What you can do to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring, however, is prevent damage to your skin from the elements. When you’re not wearing sunscreen and protecting yourself from the wind and rain, your skin is more likely to become damaged.
Additionally, the wind can cause your skin to become rough, which can lead to dark marks. It’s important to protect your skin from the elements, especially when you’re hiking or spending time outside.
There are a number of great sunscreens on the market that provide excellent UV protection without leaving your skin feeling tight or oily.
Don’t Be Afraid to Shave
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by shaving too close. When you do this, you’re causing microabrasions to the skin that can result in damaged skin cells.
If you’re noticing that your hyperpigmentation is getting worse, it could be because you’re shaving too closely. What you can do to prevent this, is to keep your hair short while you’re at work, and shave when you get home.
Doing this will allow your skin to heal while keeping the hairs short, preventing damage from occurring. If you do need to shave, try to keep the area that you shave as clean as possible to avoid adding bacteria, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
It’s also a good idea to keep yourself hydrated while you’re shaving to reduce the chance of skin damage.
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation is generally caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and your skincare routine. While many products claim to reduce hyperpigmentation, few actually work.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can increase your chances of lightening your skin. Whether you’re trying to stay out of the sun, stay hydrated, or eat a healthier diet, these tips will help you lighten your skin tone.
From preventing hyperpigmentation caused by the elements to shaving too closely, there are many ways to reduce dark spots and marks on your skin.
