I have a loving relationship with the sun–I cherish the warmth of a glowing tan on my skin after a sunny day outdoors. Truth be told, I am not an every-day sunscreen type person. Most days, I welcome the morning and late afternoon sunlight on my skin. Any time in between when the sun is high and harsh, I protect myself with clothes (hats/scarves) instead of repeated sunscreen application.
But of course, there are many instances when I use sunscreen, too. It’s a balancing act between protecting yourself from over-exposure and getting the proper amount of Vitamin D. Your own skin’s tolerance to sun exposure is affected by your genetics, your diet, where you live, and a whole litany of factors.
Shielding yourself from the midday sun can also help you avoid dark spots. As someone who loves the sun, I’ve recently begun my battle with dark spots. The other factor contributing to my dark spots? Hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive absorption of dietary iron by the body, leading to iron buildup in various organs. Iron overload. This can result in damage over time, particularly affecting the liver, heart, and pancreas. (Reminder, I’m not a doctor and all diagnoses and treatment recommendations should be treated by a physician. I’m sharing my personal experience to help bring awareness to hemochromatosis.)
A little over 2 years ago when looking at my blood work, my iron levels were called out as being high. One symptom of hemochromatosis is the hyperpigmentation (aka, dark spots!) of certain (usually sun-exposed) areas of the skin.
Over the next 2 years, my iron began to climb as well as these dark spots on my arms and face. Cut to today: after having consistent bloodwork, I was informed that I have the double gene for Hemochromatosis. Many women are not diagnosed until reaching menopause as excess iron is being released through having a period. Once menstruation stops, iron levels climb.
There are many products on the market that claim to assist in the lightening of dark spots, however, I believe that looking at your liver is also an important step in getting to the root cause of why you are beginning to see dark spots. Paying attention to your body can give you some insight into what is going on internally. In addition to trying out some of the products below, I have also found that a liver cleanse/detox and full moon coffee enemas help, but of course that is just my personal experience, not medical advice.)
Discovering what works to conceal and treat dark spots has been nothing short of an experiment, to say the least. Luckily, I’ve found a few game-changing products that help to cover up and take care of pesky dark spots–all without a visit to the dermatologist.
Cover & Conceal
It takes a few time, consistency in your skincare routine, and good ol’ fashioned patience to see a reduction in the appearance of dark spots. While you wait for those dark spots to fade into the sunset, here are a few of my favorites.
Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in No.4
This tinted moisturizer gives my skin a natural glow and provides sun protection–helping to prevent further sun damage that might worsen hyperpigmentation.
Fortified with black currant seed oil, peony root extract, and vitamin C, the Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer boosts radiance and nourishes skin. I apply it with my fingertips and blend it to a natural finish. I have always said this product is the perfect “protect & correct!”
Rituel de Fille The Ethereal Veil
Another favorite of mine is the Rituel de Fille Ethereal Veil concealer. This creamy pigmented formula allows me to pinpoint areas with dark spots and gently buff them out, giving my skin an even-looking tone.
Using a small concealer brush, like the La Bouche Rouge eyeshadow brush, allows me to apply concealer precisely onto dark spots. Then I blend the edges to create a seamless coverage.
La Bouche Rouge Eyeshadow Brush Blender
A quality makeup tool can make all the difference when it comes to concealing dark spots–that’s why I adore the La Bouche Rouge Eyeshadow Brush Blender. While it might be an unconventional choice, I find that its soft bristles work wonders for gently applying concealer on small areas where a conventional beauty blender might prove too big.
On the Topic of Topicals
For the longest time, the most accessible topical treatment for hyperpigmentation was hydroquinone, which is effective but can possibly be damaging to the skin and definitely not clean. Now, there are clean options available for treating hyperpigmentation that utilize cleaner ingredients. Here are a few of my favorites:
Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum
This serum is spectacular at fading dark spots while being gentle on my skin. It’s enriched with 10% vitamin C (two forms to be exact) as well as turmeric and camu camu. It helps to brighten the appearance of my skin and even out its tone. I prefer to apply this product in the evening followed by a moisturizer if needed.
GOOP GoopGlow Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk
There’s something so satisfying about waking up to smoother, brighter skin! This exfoliating sleep milk helps to gently slough away dead skin cells overnight, revealing a more radiant complexion come morning. Apply before bedtime, avoiding the eye area.
Let There Be Light
Last but not least, light therapy has revolutionized how we treat acne and dark spots at home. Light therapy can be used in conjunction with spot treatment or by itself to treat the appearance of dark spots. My ride-or-die laser is the Lyma Laser. More to come on this.
This at-home laser is definitely an investment in my at-home skin routine. A non-invasive approach to dark spot treatment, the LYMA Laser is FDA-cleared and a clinic-grade tool that effectively treats stubborn dark spots. It stimulates cell renewal and is safe to use on the delicate skin around the eyes–a place where sun spots and dark patches can be hard to treat.
Dark Spot Recap
Treating and correcting dark spots and hyperpigmentation is a journey that requires dedication and the right products. Armed with some helpful tips and my experience with these products, I hope you can confidently embark on your path toward radiant, even-toned skin. Remember to be patient, stick to clean products, consider your liver health, and always prioritize mid-day sun protection!
*Please note that the information shared in this blog post is based on personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to address any individual health concerns and determine the underlying causes for your specific situation.
Forever grateful and rooted in beauty –
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