Origin of the issue
The main cause of dark spots is long-term sun damage. They are more likely to appear where the skin is most fragile and sensitive to UV rays, particularly in areas with acne scars.
The causes
Sun exposure and acne are the primary causes of dark spots. When the skin is exposed to the sun, it produces melanin to protect itself. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to an overproduction of melanin, resulting in dark spots. Acne scars can also become dark spots when exposed to the sun.
Who is most affected?
People with fair skin and those who have experienced sunburns or acne are more prone to developing dark spots.
Prevention & solutions with tips
- Prioritize sun protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF before leaving home, regardless of the weather. Reapply every two hours.
- Adopt suitable habits regarding sun exposure: Avoid exposure during peak hours, stay in the shade, and wear protective clothing.
- Protect your scars and respect the wound healing process: Keep scars and acne marks protected from sun exposure and adopt a gentle skincare routine.
Test & results
Incorporate targeted active ingredients into your skincare routine, such as:
Vitamine C
Neutralizes free radicals and stimulates cell renewal to remove hyperpigmented dead cells.
![Remove Dark Spots 02](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=260&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=8CABB87F3F6726F9CA72008CD8EF56D8E9E4F9C5 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=320&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=8F54A49B662AFD18114A6558738CEBF8BC745412 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=660&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=5F48B1B059F3923C046AE4DCB7AC20121B5D72A0 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=700&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=BE46790A69D5C38032BF477D68D9878801B251A9 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=810&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=3044A7E3D6E2B0A962ACFFFFFD7E7E0175B5E1F3 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=910&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=BD8FBAB5E4C3BD5DF5479AF50D10B2B5E24914F2 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-02.jpg?w=1170&rev=36a4323390ca416d9d3e8fdc4f991a1f&hash=69356618C0AC4C78573F64333212F9AB229D0083 1170w)
Discover our pure vitamin C skin care
Discover our pure vitamin C skin care
Glycolic acid
Exfoliates the skin and promotes cell renewal, allowing better absorption of depigmenting ingredients.
![Remove Dark Spots 03](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=260&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=D84FE0995E082FBAC5A39F1B782FCF45444FE053 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=320&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=E67C58E19B0F56C0FFBB4DFD20D8EF358DB492E8 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=660&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=564E561FB02F7D118F7FC306D4A9D944C2AF3538 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=700&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=ED420BD59230BA989B1D4BD98626708DB83BF79E 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=810&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=FB10FBBA62FF2EDFB08D03B7C1C2839F16A78ECA 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=910&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=0E284BF535288ECED1FCCD6BE4BC83D79CB2C3F4 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-03.jpg?w=1170&rev=bf89365bbcd64e39a9270d19b5827d84&hash=0E58EFDA93EF8EAFD54DF9DC380F691C8802F1C8 1170w)
Discover our exfoliating treatments with glycolic acid
Discover our exfoliating treatments with glycolic acid
Niacinamide
Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection, blocks melanin transfer to the skin’s surface, and strengthens the skin's natural barrier.
![Remove Dark Spots 04](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=260&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=DBA2934F23110B963D077C7375413F28D000ACA9 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=320&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=518F217D750FF95045D746A4E62F9DD38E0EF8F6 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=660&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=802B7B057782779C2EE164EB5529B6F39C5BC659 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=700&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=AF6936F478272D4AA6F1D00FAAC5D3CC2045EA3A 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=810&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=543A48D1ECBE45F02C91A41CA081838BCE09B7AD 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=910&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=F6AE238663F4C4E5E16D79E09828709D61F99995 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/emea/uk/articles/skin-care-articles-april-2023/how-to-remove-dark-spots/remove-dark-spots-04.jpg?w=1170&rev=07366ee0dcc24a5fba60ef9ca86b4c1c&hash=43E1E10211D434046E189D07FD7E117FC18C18F2 1170w)
Discover our skincare with niacinamide
Discover our skincare with niacinamide
Consult a dermatologist for medical options like Kligman's Trio, depigmenting peels, depigmentary lasers, or pulsed light treatments.
For instant coverage, use makeup products like color-correctors, concealers, and full-coverage foundations. L'Oréal Paris Infaillible Matte Cover + 4% Niacinamide offers full matte coverage while preventing and correcting dark spots with its niacinamide content.