There are many chemical ingredients that can remove dark spots on face. These are:
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Retinoids
- Chemical peels
- Vitamin c
- Azelaic acid
- Arbutin
These ingredients can have detrimental side effects and can sometimes make dark spots on the face worse. Â Therefore, it is best to speak with a dermatologist before trying them. However, there are safer and more effective ways to remove dark spots from face.
The following sections will look at some of the pros and cons of these chemical dark spot removers.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a popular ingredient in products for hyperpigmentation. It works by reducing the production of melanin.
Some countries have banned hydroquinone due to safety concerns. Research suggests that hydroquinone may cause cancer in rats.
Hydroquinone can also cause skin irritation, especially when used in higher concentrations. Hydroquinone also lightens the skin surrounding the dark spots if a person does not apply it carefully and this can make complexion imbalance worse. Hydroquinone is not recommended for us in people who have darker skin tones.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is another popular treatment for hyperpigmentation. However, it may not be as effective as other treatments.
One study compared kojic acid with hydroquinone for treating dark spots in 60 people. Hydroquinone is much more effective.
Kojic acid can also irritate sensitive skin, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
However, see Arbutin below – which is just as effective as hydroquinone but with none of the side effects.
Retinoids
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They increase the turnover of new skin cells, which can fade dark spots over time.
Doctors may prescribe a professional-strength retinoid, such as tretinoin, for severe hyperpigmentation. These products can take 3–6 months to work. The stronger the retinoid, the more likely it is to cause irritation.
Products containing retinoids are not suitable for use during pregnancy, as vitamin A can sometimes cause birth anomalies.
Retinoids also increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV light, so it is important to use a safe SPF on the face every day while using retinoids. Retinoids can also sometimes aggravate the condition and cause the formation of mare dark spots.
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels are acids that dissolve the top layer of skin cells. They include alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid.
Chemical exfoliants also work by increasing the turnover of new skin cells. They can also be suitable for dry or sensitive skin. However, as with retinoids, these acids increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Furthermore chemical exfoliants damage the skins protective barrierslike the acid mantle and skin microbiome. This can often cause skin sensitivity, inflammation, and more rapid skin aging.
Arbutin
Arbutin is a naturally occurring derivative of hydroquinone. It is believed to be one of the best alternatives to hydroquinone as it provides the skin-lightening effect of hydroquinone without some of the risks. Arbutin, also known as Alpha-Arbutin occurs naturally in several different plant species. Plants with the highest known concentrations are bearberry and mulberry. It is also found in blueberry, cranberry, wheat, and pear varieties.  Studies show that of 7% Arbutin has strong inhibitory effect on melanin production. The following products contain naturally occurring arbutin and help remove dark spots – Active Face Cleanse Gel, Active Face Hydrating Gel, Detox Face Mask, Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum. The Dermal Renewal Facialharnesses the effects of fruit enzymes high in arbutin to lighten dark spots quickly and effectively.
Cosmetic procedures to remove dark spots on face
- Laser therapy: This involves using a beam of light to target areas of discoloration. There is a risk that laser treatment will make discoloration worse, so patch testing beforehand is essential.
- Chemical peels: Professional chemical peels are stronger versions of acid exfoliant cleansers and scrubs. Stronger peels work on deeper layers of the skin. They burn the layers of the skin and have longer recovery times. This means that your skin is more prone to infection and injury.
- Microdermabrasion:Â This exfoliating treatment uses minuscule particles to remove dead skin cells. There is no recovery period, though it can make the skin temporarily irritated or swollen. Frequent microdermabrasion can damage the skins barrier function and predispose one to dry skin and sensitivity.
People who are prone to PIH or scarring or who have used isotretinoin in the past 6 months cannot undergo microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy.
Natural & Effective Treatment to Remove Dark Spots on Face
The Dermal Renewal Treatment is a chemical free alternative to a chemical peel. This is treatment helps remove dark spots fast and effectively. This treatment uses fruit enzymes that act directly on the melanin producing cells to lighten pigmentation. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its colour. If there is an over-production of this pigment, then a dark spot appears. By balancing the melanin production – this treatment quickly and effectively removes dark spots. See results instantly. Plus, this treatment does not damage the skins protective barriers.