Acid – A key ingredient in many skincare products used to exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve skin tone. Common acids include glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid.
Acne Scarring – Discoloration or indentations left on the skin after severe acne heals, often treated with microneedling, retinoids at home, and chemical peel treatments.
Age Spots – Flat, dark patches on the skin caused by sun exposure and aging. Often found on the face, hands, and other exposed areas.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – A professional organization that provides guidance on dermatology treatments, including recommendations for dark spot treatments.
Antioxidant – A substance found in skincare products like vitamin C that helps protect the skin from sun damage and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Arbutin – A skin-brightening ingredient that helps reduce melanin production, commonly used to treat dark patches and skin discoloration.
Azelaic Acid – A gentle acid known for treating hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin discoloration, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Chemical Peels – A treatment where an acid-based solution exfoliates the top layer of skin, helping to remove dark spots, fine lines, and dead skin cells.
Clogged Pores – A skin concern that can lead to blackheads, pimples, and dark spots, often treated with exfoliating skincare products.
Collagen Production – The process that helps maintain skin health, firmness, and elasticity. Certain treatments like retinoids and lasers can boost collagen.
Dark Patches – Uneven skin pigmentation that may be caused by sun exposure, acne, or hormonal changes.
Dark Spots – Areas of increased pigment on the skin, often due to sun exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or aging.
Dead Skin Cells – The top layer of old skin cells that can make dark spots appear duller. Removing them through exfoliating improves skin tone.
Dermatologist – A skincare specialist who diagnoses and treats skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scarring. They may recommend visiting a medspa for cosmetic treatments to address sun damage.
Discoloration – Changes in skin color due to sun damage, inflammation, or hormonal changes.
Exfoliating – A skincare routine step that removes dead skin cells to reveal radiant tone and reduce dark spots. Chemical peels, lasers, and retinoids are common methods.
Glycolic Acid – An AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) used in skincare products to brighten skin tones and reduce dark spot visibility.
Home Remedies – Natural skincare treatments that may include vitamin C, sunscreen, and gentle exfoliation to reduce dark spots at home.
Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations in hormones that can trigger melasma, dark patches, and other skin pigmentation issues.
Hydroquinone – A skin-lightening ingredient that reduces melanin production to fade dark spots and black spots.
Inflammation – A cause of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which leads to dark spots after acne, pimples, or injuries heal.
Kojic Acid – A naturally derived ingredient used in serums and treatments to lighten skin pigmentation and improve skin tone.
Lasers – A dark spot treatment that targets pigment deep in the skin to break up discoloration and improve skin tone.
Melanin – The pigment that determines skin color. Excess melanin production leads to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Melasma – A type of hyperpigmentation causing dark patches on the face, often triggered by hormonal changes or sun exposure.
Microdermabrasion – A treatment that removes the top layer of dead skin to improve skin tone and reduce dark spots.
Mole – A dark spot or patch of pigmentation that can be benign or a sign of skin cancer.
Niacinamide – A form of vitamin B3 used in skincare products to reduce inflammation, brighten skin tone, and treat dark spots.
Pigment – The color of the skin determined by melanin levels. Excess pigmentation leads to dark spots and discoloration.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark spots that develop after inflammation, such as acne or pimples.
Retinol – A vitamin A derivative that promotes skin cell turnover, reducing dark spots and improving collagen production.
Retinoids – A group of vitamin A-based skincare products that accelerate skin cell renewal and treat hyperpigmentation.
Serum – A lightweight skincare product packed with active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide to target dark spots.
Sensitive Skin – A skin type prone to inflammation, which may require gentle skincare products for dark spot treatments.
Skin Cancer – A condition linked to excessive sun exposure. Moles or dark spots that change shape should be checked by a dermatologist.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – A measure of sunscreen effectiveness in protecting against sun damage that can cause dark spots.
Tretinoin – A prescription-strength retinoid that improves skin tone, reduces fine lines, and fades dark spots.
Top Layer – The first place where dark spots, sun damage, and skin discoloration appear.
