How to Tackle Dark Spots and Pigmentation Before Wedding

Written by Dr. Usama Hassan

Last Updated on January 8, 2025

Image: canva

Are you preparing for a wedding, whether it’s yours or for someone close to you? You’ll want to look stunning without any dark spots on your face. Before we begin, let’s confirm that:

You are not suffering from iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.
The spots you’re experiencing may be sunspots caused by excessive sun exposure and melanin deposition.
Consider whether you are currently taking antibiotics.
These spots could be post-acne effects or be linked to genetics.
They may be due to tobacco smoke, diabetes, or thyroid diseases.
They could also result from ageing without significant underlying issues requiring treatment.
Additionally, we should consider the possibility of conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

Tapping the underlying conditions can address these spots in almost all cases mentioned above. [1]

Articles Contains

Ways to Tackle Dark Spots and Pigmentation Before Wedding
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
References

Ways to Tackle Dark Spots and Pigmentation Before Wedding

1. Topical Creams for Hyperpigmentation.

Image: canva

Topical treatments for hyperpigmentation Info Icon Tooltip

are practical and often contain potent ingredients that lighten the skin, including:

Azelaic acid
Cysteamine cream
Vitamin C
Hydroquinone
Corticosteroids
Retinoids
Arbutin
Glycolic acid peels
Mequinol
Niacinamide
N-acetyl glucosamine
Soy

They’re usually applied once or twice a day to help lighten the skin over time. Topical treatments for lightning also come in gel form. [13] These creams, particularly those with steroids and hydroquinone, typically take 3 to 6 months to deliver results. However, users should be aware that these products can cause side effects, such as skin rashes, irritation, thinning skin, redness, and extreme dryness. In rare cases, prolonged use can lead to blue and purple pigmentation. To prevent potential adverse effects, it is essential to consult a doctor before using any skin-lightening products. [2]

2. Application of Sunscreen

Image: pexels

Use SPF every day without exception. Regular sunscreen application with an SPF of 30 or higher prevents hyperpigmentation. [3]

Quick Tip: UV exposure not only exacerbates dark spots but also hinders the fading process. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining health and appearance. [3]

3. Chemical Exfoliants

Image: pexels

Chemical exfoliants are acids that help dissolve the outer layer of skin cells. This category includes alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid.

These exfoliants also promote the turnover of new skin cells, making them suitable for individuals with dry or sensitive skin. However, like retinoids, these acids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so sunscreen is essential. [4]

The procedure goes like this: pretreatment with 4% hydroquinone for two weeks before starting the peels. Five sessions with 20 to 30 % salicylic acid are spaced at two-week intervals. Observe the skin for any adverse reactions during treatment. Post-peel skin care includes moisturizers and sunscreen. [6]

4. Kojic Acid

Image: pexels

Kojic acid is a by-product of fermenting rice or soybeans with certain types of mould, like Aspergillus oryzae. Because kojic acid blocks and inactivates tyrosinase, an enzyme required for melanin production, it can effectively help fade and prevent discolouration of all types, including sun damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama: “It is best for anyone looking for a more naturally occurring ingredient to lighten dark spots and provide a more even complexion.” [5]

It is generally univalent to other therapies but may be more irritating. Kojic (KA) acid is used at 1 to 4% concentrations. In one double-blind study, KA 2% combined with HQ 2% was superior to glycolic acid (GA) 10% and HQ 2%. Another double-blind study compared GA 5% with either HQ 4% or KA 4% for three months. Both combinations proved equally compelling, reducing pigmentation in 52% of the patients. KA may be effective if a patient has difficulty tolerating other first-line therapies. It may cause contact dermatitis and erythema. [6]

Keep in mind: If a patient has seborrheic dermatitis and melasma, they should clear it before treating it. This step is crucial because some skin conditions, especially facial skin, can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). If you don’t address these issues, it can make the overall treatment of skin quality and hyperpigmentation less effective. [6]

5. Glycolic acid

Image: iStock

Glycolic acid is a white crystalline alpha hydroxy acid extracted from sugarcane (Van Scott et al., 1996). The effect of glycolic acid is concentration-dependent. It works by causing the desquamation of keratinocytes

at lower concentrations and producing epidermolysis Info Icon Tooltip

at higher concentrations (Fischer et al., 2010). [7] A study involving 19 subjects showed that those undergoing six consecutive glycolic acid peels (up to 68%) experienced more rapid and greater improvement than those using a twice-daily 2% hydroquinone/10% glycolic acid gel and nightly tretinoin 0.05% cream. [6]

6. Cryotherapy

Image: iStock

Cryotherapy can treat solar lentigines or liver spots caused by excessive sun exposure, but it is associated with pain and a risk of hyperpigmentation. Brief cryotherapy (less than five seconds) with repeated treatments is preferred over more intense one-time treatment. [8]

Quick Tip: Use Vitamin C on your face to help prevent hyperpigmentation. This ascorbic acid can lighten dark spots and is effective for acne and rosacea. It’s found in various forms like serums, moisturizers, patches, and spot treatments. [12]

7. Chemical peels and Micro-needling

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Chemical peels exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, promoting the production of new skin cells and helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, microneedling can stimulate skin healing and enhance collagen production, which may improve the appearance of dark spots. [9]

8. Neogen Plasma

Image: istock

This treatment offers several skin benefits, particularly in reducing hyperpigmentation. It uses heated nitrogen gas delivered through a needle-less gun, which can be slightly painful but manageable with numbing cream. Safe for all skin tones, the gas promotes cell renewal and breaks down excess melanin, helping unwanted pigmentation fade over time. While some shedding may occur, the results include noticeably lighter dark spots or even their complete removal. [10]

Quick Tip: Apply hydrocolloid bandages on pimples to promote healing, absorb moisture, and prevent scarring. Use them until healed, or wear them overnight if you’ve lanced a pimple. Also known as blister bandages or pimple stickers, they’re easy to find and can be cut to size if needed. [12]

9. Skincare Alternatives with Similar Benefits

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If you’re concerned about finances, there’s no need to worry; we have effective alternatives that provide the same results.

Liquorice Root Extract: This powerful natural ingredient offers skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively soothing irritated skin and reducing dark spots.

Cleanse the skin, apply a toner to balance skin’s pH, take a few drops of liquorice root extract and mix it with carrier oil, and gently apply it to hyper pigmented area, massage gently to get it fully absorbed. Then rinse it off and apply a moisturiser.

Niacin amide: This active form of vitamin B3, found in root vegetables and yeast, is essential for improving uneven skin tone, diminishing dark spots, and enhancing the skin’s barrier function. It’s commonly available in budget-friendly skincare products and is suitable for all skin types. Cleanse the skin, apply toner, then apply Niacin amide serum and massage gently to absorb it. Apply Niacin amide two times a day for better results.

Aloe Vera: This natural, affordable option effectively reduces melanin production and prevents hyperpigmentation. It also relieves dry, irritated skin, making it perfect for every skin type.

You can use pure aloe Vera gel straight from the plant or get it from the nearest store. However, do a patch test before applying it to the affected area. It will help reveal if you are allergic to it or not. [14] Wash and cleanse your face to remove dirt, then dry it. Apply aloe Vera, wait 30 minutes for it to absorb into the skin, then rinse it off. Apply a moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated.

Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, topical green tea extracts are potent for educating hyperpigmentation and safeguarding your skin against UV-induced damage. Don’t underestimate its benefits. [11]

Green tea can be used for skin in several ways:

As a cleanser: Mix green tea infusion with honey and apply to the face, massaging for 2 minutes before rinsing.
As a toner, Apply cooled brewed green tea to the face using cotton wool.
Mix green tea powder with yoghurt, milk, or honey as a face mask to create a nourishing face pack. [15]

10. How to cover hyperpigmentation with makeup?

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Apply concealer to troubled areas using clean fingers or a brush, gently Patting to blend it with your complexion. Be very gentle around the eyes, as the skin is thinner. Dot the concealer under your eyes, starting from the inner corner, and pat it softly to cover the area. [12]

CONCLUSION

So here we conclude with the objective of putting up little effort to add these simple techniques to our routines. Nothing is going to hinder your excelling beauty from popping up. Just start these basic things today if you are going to prepare for a wedding to look as young and pigment-free as ever.

Key Takeaways

Apply topical creams in combo that suit your skin
Use sunscreen
Kojic acid has magical effects on dark spots
Exfoliate your skin regularly
Use glycolic acid
Consider techniques like cryotherapy, micro-needling and chemical peels
And if you are in a hurry, conceal your pigmentation with makeup products that best match your skin tone