Have you ever wished for plastic surgery, because acne and black spots won’t leave you alone? If yes, you’re totally not alone. Acne is a battle that almost everyone (male and female inclusive) faces, as they advance in age. What’s worse? The after-effects – the hideous black spots (that never seem to go away).

The good news is, there are a number of ways to avoid these hideous creatures on your face, or better still, treat them! And we’re going to show you how to do that, so, keep reading.

Before we dive into the remedies, let’s take a look at what acne is, and what black spots are. Just for the sake of those that are not familiar with these terms.

What is acne?

Acne is a chronic skin inflammation that results in spots, and pimples – especially on the face, chest regions, shoulders, and upper arms. It involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles.

Blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, are all types of acne.

Study shows that acne begins mostly when individuals hit puberty. Therefore, it affects 3 in every 4 people aged 11 to 30 years.

Some known causes of acne include:

–          hormonal changes

–          some medications that contain androgen and lithium

–          greasy cosmetics

–          emotional stress

–          menstruation

What are black spots?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the medical terminology for dark spots caused by pimples/acne, or other types of inflammatory damage, such as burns or eczema.

For the sake of this article, our main focus is the dark spots caused by acne.

So, we know that as a pimple heals, your body begins to produce cells with too much melanin in them to replace the damaged skin. This results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which we sometimes just call a dark spot.

What are the best remedies for black spots and acne?

Now that you know the differences between acne and black spots, let’s take a look at the remedies.

To treat black spots, try these home remedies:

Vitamin C

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which can brighten skin and even skin tone. Vitamin C has been proven to be an effective depigmenting agent that reduces melanin formation.

Aloe Vera

If you look online, you’ll find out that many people are using aloe Vera to treat black spots from acne. It’s true that aloe vera is an exceptional healing agent, especially when it comes to your skin.

Grape Seed extract

Grape Seed extract is another natural product that may work to help lighten dark spots.

Research showed that 6 months of grape seed extract taken orally was beneficial for people who have the skin condition – melasma. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots.

Melasma is somehow related to dark spots.

Sun protection

Too much sun damages your skin, so wear sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 each day, regardless of if the day is overcast or humid, will help prevent more damage to your skin.

To avoid pimples, use these tips:

Always wash your face

To help prevent pimples, it’s important to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat daily. And you can only do that by washing your face regularly. Don’t wash your face with harsh cleansers that dry skin. Use an alcohol-free cleanser.

Moisturize

Do not underestimate the power of moisturizing. Moisturizers help your skin stay hydrated.

No more makeup, please

It’s tempting to use makeup to cover up pimples. However, doing so may clog pores and trigger outbreaks.

If you must apply makeup, avoid greasy, heavy foundation, and use products that are non-comedogenic, sheer, and fragrance-free.

Conclusion

Acne and black spots are totally treatable and avoidable. Follow the right steps, and you’re sure on your way to glowing skin.