Noticing dark spots on the legs? In most cases, these spots or patches are due to the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. For the unversed, melanin is the substance that gives your skin its unique tone. The more melanin you produce, the deeper your skin tone becomes.
While these dark spots are generally not worrisome – they do make your skin tone look patchy and uneven. So, in this blog, we delve deeper into ways to get rid of pesky dark spots on the legs. Additionally, we explore different causes and types of dark spots and pigmentation you may be grappling with.
What Causes Dark Spots On The Legs?
To get rid of dark spots on your legs, you need to be well-versed in its different causes -
1. Sun damage: Dark spots may appear on your skin due to continued sun exposure. That’s right. Direct sunlight triggers your skin to produce more melanin, leading to an uneven skin tone.
2. PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: If you have underlying skin concerns like eczema, psoriasis or acne – you may notice dark spots in and around the affected areas.
3. Injuries: Trauma to the skin in the form of cuts, wounds and bruises also leads to discolouration on the legs.
4. Age Spots: Folks above 60 usually struggle with age or liver spots. These random dark spots and patches appear on your feet and legs – and other body parts often exposed to direct sunlight.
5. Genetics: You may have a genetic predisposition to dark spots and patches.
How To Prevent Dark Spots On The Legs
Age and genetic-related dark spots on the legs cannot be cured. Having said that, you can take measures to protect your skin against sun damage.
1.Wear sunscreen: Don’t limit sun protection to your face. If your legs are exposed, ensure to apply a shot glass of sunscreen on them. We recommend opting for a broad-spectrum formula for infallible sun protection.
2. Aloe Vera: If you’re prone to dark spots on the legs, might we recommend adding aloe vera to your skincare rotation? According to expert studies, aloe vera breaks melanin in skin cells, administering an even skin tone.
3. Avoid direct sunlight: If you can, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight between 10 am to 4 pm. This little step can save you from dark spots and pigmentation on the legs.
How To Remove Dark Spots On The Legs
If you want to get rid of dark spots on your legs, here are some treatments for your consideration
Professional Treatments
Folks with severe dark spots on their legs can opt for the following professional treatments. But before you go down this route, make sure to get a medical diagnosis.
1. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses beams of light to shed the skin’s outermost layer and boost collagen production – fading dark spots and pigmentation in the process.
2. Cryotherapy: The widely popular method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove dark spots on the legs – or anywhere else on the skin.
3. Chemical peels: Peels are replete with Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid that exfoliate the dermis and reveal a smoother, even tone surface.
Best Ingredients For Dark Spots On The Legs
Alternatively, you can fade the menacing dark spots on your legs, using active ingredients. For those unaware, active ingredients seep deep into the skin to address concerns like overactive melanin production. Here are our top picks-
1. Vitamin C: The brightening agent fades dark spots and patches by inhibiting melanin production. Use it in your body wash or lotion to see results with time. The best part? Vitamin C also shields your skin against pollutants and free radicals.
2, Niacinamide: This skincare all-rounder curbs melanin synthesis across skin cells, helping fade dark spots on the legs.
3. Glycolic Acid: The potent yet gentle exfoliant sloughs off your skin’s outermost layer to reveal a more even tone complexion.
Best Products To Remove Dark Spots On Your Legs
Here are some active-infused body care that help remove dark spots on the legs
1. Brightening Body Wash: Infused with glow boosters, Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid – the Brightening Body Wash ensures even-tone skin in 30 days. Use it in your bath and body rituals to eventually fade dark spots on the legs.
2. Brightening Body Lotion: Powered with Vitamin C and Niacinamide, Foxtale’s Brightening Body Lotion tackles dark spots while enhancing your skin’s latent glow. The best part? This SPF 30 formula also shields your skin against harmful UV rays.
Conclusion
Dark spots on the legs may appear due to factors like age, genetics, sun exposure, and skin trauma. While mostly harmless, do recommend your on-call doctor or a board-certified dermatologist if you have severe dark spots or discolouration of the skin. If unrelated to a medical issue, you can opt for professional treatments or active-infused body care products to get rid of these dark spots.
