Have you tried treating dark spots on your own without getting the results you want? Do you constantly see new dark spots appear as others fade?

If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Darks spots and patches rank as one of the most common reasons that people with skin of color see a dermatologist.

Effective treatment begins with understanding why you get this discoloration. If you can eliminate the cause, many spots will clear on their own and you can prevent new ones from appearing.

Why dark spots and patches appear

People who have medium to darkly colored skin get dark spots and patches because something triggers their skin to make extra melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Many everyday things can trigger extra melanin in people who have skin of color.

Dark spots and patches often appear when:

• A pimple or patch of psoriasis clears
• A wound caused by an insect bite, cut, burn, or other injury heals
• You take (or apply) certain medications
• A skin or hair care product irritates your skin
• Changes due to hormones occur, such as during pregnancy

If you treat a skin condition like acne or psoriasis so that you stop the flare-ups or breakouts, you’ll eliminate what’s causing the discoloration. Most dark spots will then fade on their own.

Likewise, if you find that a skin care product is causing the discoloration, switching to a gentle product that doesn’t irritate your skin can stop new dark spots from forming and allow existing spots to clear.