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How to Help Get Rid of Dark Spots:
Causes, Care & Prevention

Noticing brown patches on your skin? Here is everything you need to know about dark spots on the face & body, including the most common causes and a skincare routine you can adopt to reduce their appearance.

Read Time

5 min

In short:

Dark Spots – Overview
What are Dark Spots?
4 Common Areas for Dark Spots
6 Common Causes for Dark Spots on the Face and Body
How to Help Get Rid of Dark Spots?
Skincare Routine to Reduce Dark Spots
How to Prevent Dark Spots on Skin?
Summary
FAQs

Dark Spots –
Overview

Dark marks, often referred to as hyperpigmentation or brown marks, are a common skin concern that can affect anyone. Whether caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or ageing, these spots can diminish the skin's natural radiance. To help get rid of dark spots, incorporate a skincare routine that contains ingredients that target their appearance. To prevent dark spots from developing or darkening, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.

In this comprehensive guide, NIVEA explores the causes of dark spots and shares effective ways to manage and prevent them, revealing a path to a more luminous and even-toned complexion.

Understanding brown spots

What are
Dark Spots on the Skin?

Dark spots or brown patches are areas of pigmentation that form on the skin. They appear when melanin, the pigment that determines the colour of your skin, is overproduced. This results in patches of skin being darker than the surrounding skin. These marks are commonly referred to as brown spots or dark patches. Dark spots on the face are particularly common, although dark spots on the body also affect many people.

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Understanding dark spots

4 Common Areas for
Dark Spots

1
Face:
The face is especially vulnerable to pigmentation because of constant UV exposure and its thinner, more sensitive skin. Over time, this can result in uneven tone and visible dark patches that affect overall brightness.

2
Hands:
Hands are one of the first places to show signs of sun damage, often developing brown spots or age spots. With frequent environmental exposure and less melanin regulation as we age, hyperpigmentation on the hands becomes more pronounced.

3
Chest:
The chest area is often overlooked in sun care, but it's highly prone to UV-induced pigmentation. Irregular skin tone and darkened areas on the chest can result from years of unprotected or inadequate exposure, especially in warmer climates.

4
Back:
Dark patches can form on the back due to a combination of sun exposure, skin irritation from friction, or the buildup of dead skin cells. These marks may appear uneven and can be difficult to treat without a consistent routine.

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How does the formulas within
Luminous630 help dark spots?

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The formulas of the Luminous630 range include NIVEA's breakthrough patented ingredient: thiamidol (previously called Luminous630®), which can help fade and prevent dark spots. The Luminous630 range is also enriched with effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid which can be found in the advanced serum to help brighten the skin.

NIVEA Luminous630 products are developed to fade dark spots and help prevent future pigmentation by working at the cellular level to rebalance melanin production and target dark spots at the root cause.

NIVEA Luminous630 Range

What causes dark spots on the face and body?

6 Common Causes of
Brown Spots on Skin

Understanding what causes dark spots on the face and body is essential for prevention and treatment. Although some causes are unavoidable, it is still important to understand why you've developed them, as this can inform prevention. Here are six of the most common contributors to hyperpigmentation:

1
Sun Exposure:
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Unprotected skin reacts by producing excess melanin, leading to sun spots, brown patches and uneven skin tone.

2
Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraceptives, can trigger conditions like melasma. This results in dark patches on the face and body, often difficult to fade without targeted care.

3
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
When the skin experiences trauma—such as after insect bites, rashes, or shaving—melanin can concentrate at the site, leaving behind dark marks. PIH is especially common in medium to darker skin tones.

4
Genetics:
Your genetic makeup can influence how your skin reacts to sunlight and irritation. If your family members are prone to brown marks, you're more likely to experience them too, regardless of your sun exposure.

5
Friction and Rubbing:
Chronic friction from tight clothing, shaving, or repeated movement in areas like the underarms, neck, and thighs can stimulate melanin production. This often results in dark patches and rough skin texture in those regions.

6
Ageing:
As we age, the skin's natural processes can become less efficient, including the distribution of melanin. This can result in the accumulation of skin pigmentation in certain areas, causing dark brown to black spots to appear.

How to help get rid of dark spots

6 Ways to reduce
Dark Spots

Removing or getting rid of dark spots could be quite difficult however, there are some approaches you can take to help reduce them. Here are some effective approaches to minimise the appearance of dark spots. Be sure to bear in mind that some of these solutions can be invasive, so seek advice from your dermatologist where appropriate:

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer skin layers, helping new skin to grow and reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Cryotherapy:

In this process, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and eliminate the extra melanin in dark spots, causing them to gradually fade away.

Microdermabrasion:

Through microdermabrasion, the outer skin layers are mechanically removed. This is achieved by propelling fine crystals onto the skin's surface at high velocity, followed by their rapid removal through suction. As a result, the outer layer of the dark spots is removed and the skin regenerates. Repeated treatments are typically needed for noticeable results.

Home Remedies:

While certain natural remedies like lemon juice, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and green tea extract can sometimes be recommended to help in lightening skin spots, caution is needed because the efficiency of these products is not proven, and they can even irritate the skin depending on how they are used.

Laser Therapy:

Laser procedures, like intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional laser therapy, have the capability to focus on melanin within areas of hyperpigmentation, resulting in a reduced appearance. Typically, these procedures are administered by dermatologists or skilled practitioners.

Skincare Routine:

Adopt a skincare routine that specifically targets this concern by choosing cleansers, serums, moisturisers and a sunscreen that can help to fade and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.

Before starting any treatment, consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about the cause of the spots or to determine the most suitable approach for your skin type and the severity of your dark spots. Remember, consistent sun protection is key to preventing new dark spots from forming and maintaining overall skin health.

Reduce Dark Spots on Face

NIVEA Luminous630
Skincare Routine to reduce Dark Spots:

Cleanse:

Start your skincare routine with a facial cleanse, effectively eliminating impurities and prepping your skin for the next steps. This initial step ensures a clean, receptive canvas for the rest of your skincare products.

Explore Face Cleansers

Serum:

Apply a serum that can help brighten your skin and fade dark spots. The Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630 ANTI DARK MARKS Serum formula acts on existing pigmentation to lighten marks and reduce their size, while balancing new melanin production to prevent their reappearance for even & luminous skin. Dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and pregnant women, it offers a gentle and approved approach to skincare.

For men, the NIVEA MEN 2 in 1 Anti-Dark Spots Anti-Age Power Serum can help to tackle dark spots. It is formulated with Luminous630 (previous denomination for thiamidol) and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, combat wrinkles and diminish the size of brown marks. The serum offers a convenient solution for men seeking effective anti-dark spot care.

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Moisturise:

Select a moisturiser that effectively hydrates your skin without causing pore blockages. Maintaining proper skin hydration can significantly improve its overall look and feel.

A day cream offers vital moisture and hydration throughout the day, to help maintain the skin's natural barrier. When selecting a day cream containing UV filters and antioxidants, it helps protect against external factors such as UV rays, pollution, and stressors, which can play a role in the development of dark spots and other skin concerns. The Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630 ANTI DARK MARK Day Cream SPF50 is a lightweight moisturiser that acts on existing pigmentation to visibly reduce dark marks while working with the skin's natural melanin production to prevent the appearance of new dark marks and spots. It also offers high SPF sun protection and an oil-control, mattified finish for even & luminous skin.

During the night, it's beneficial to help your skin's renewal process by using a night cream. Opt for a night cream infused with ingredients that can help to reduce the visibility of dark spots as you sleep. The Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630 Advanced Night Cream helps strengthen and rejuvenate the skin every night, while fighting dark marks in 3 dimensions: size, colour intensity and amount. It acts on existing pigmentation to lighten dark marks and reduce their size, and balances new melanin production to prevent the appearance of new marks, helping to reveal an even skin tone and a fresh, revitalised-looking complexion.

Sunscreen:

Throughout the day, it's essential to protect your skin from the sun and against harmful UV rays by using a sunscreen with a strong SPF. Sun exposure can further darken your dark spots.

The NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Dark Spot Control Fluid helps to prevent and visibly reduces sun-induced spots by protecting your delicate facial skin against UV rays. Its light and Non-greasy fluid formula contains thiamidol, hyaluronic acid & vitamin e, and offers a Refreshing effect and a smooth skin feeling.

Smiling woman holding NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+ beside her cheek

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Body Care for Dark Spots:

Dark spots can also appear on the body, especially on areas like the shoulders, chest, arms, and back. Incorporating a dedicated body care step can help improve overall skin tone and reduce visible marks.

The NIVEA Luminous630 Anti Stretch Marks range with thiamidol (previously called Luminous630) is specially formulated to address both stretch marks and dark spots on the body. Thiamidol, a patented active ingredient, is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots and help prevent their reappearance with consistent use. It also evens out skin tone differences to make stretch marks less visible.

This targeted range includes two skincare products for the body: an anti-dark spots and anti-stretch marks Cream and a body oil-serum, specially designed for stretch marks. Apply daily to areas of concern for best results. Use only one Luminous630/thiamidol containing product per day on the body.

Optional Weekly Exfoliation:

1-3 times a week gently exfoliate your skin to help remove dead skin cells and improve the effectiveness of your skincare products. Exfoliate can help to speed up the skin's natural turnover process, which can fade dark spots over time.

The NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Exfoliant Liquid 100ml, formulated with 4% AHA, 1% PHA, and soothing aloe vera, provides gentle and effective exfoliation to help refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and leave the complexion looking brighter and more even.

Be cautious not to over-exfoliate your skin, as this can lead to irritation.

Explore NIVEA Face Exfoliators

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By incorporating NIVEA's Luminous skincare products into your routine, you could improve your dark spots and can help to prevent new spots from forming.

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Luminous630 Instant Glow Serum

The NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum is an efficient dark spots skincare product formulated with thiamidol—NIVEA's patented active proven to reduce pigmentation and visibly even skin tone. With additional skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it deeply Hydrate the outer layers of the skin while targeting the root causes of hyperpigmentation.

This Lightweight serum is suitable for all skin tones and works effectively to fade existing dark spots and prevent their reappearance. Used consistently, it helps reveal a more radiant, smooth, and even-looking complexion in just a few weeks.

Amber dropper bottle of NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum with Thiamidol on a blue background

How to prevent
dark spots on skin?

Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented - some occur naturally due to age and other factors. Black and brown spots on skin caused by sun damage can be prevented. We've highlighted some tips to help you prevent brown patches on skin caused by sun damage:

1
Use Sunscreen
Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots. By using a high SPF sunscreen you can prevent your skin from becoming damaged and ensure that it's as healthy as possible to combat dark spots on the skin.

2
Cover Up
Black or brown spots on the face, neck and other overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun. Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to offer your face and neck protection from the sun.

3
Avoid The Midday Sun
The sun reaches its highest temperature and most intense points during midday and early evenings, increasing the risk of sun damage and the potential development of black and brown spots on the skin. To protect your skin, seek shade during these times and choose to enjoy the sun during periods when it isn't as damaging to your skin.

By adopting these preventive measures and making sun protection a priority, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dark spots and maintain healthier, youthful-looking skin over time

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Summary

Dark spots are a common skin concern, often occurring on sun-exposed regions such as the face, hands, back and chest. However, they can be effectively managed through a dedicated skincare routine, allowing for their reduction and prevention.

Consistency is key, as is the regular application of sunscreen to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing the dark spots from intensifying.

While dark spots are generally not dangerous, it's strongly advised to have any skin discolouration examined by a dermatologist to rule out serious skin conditions.