Your skin care routine will help you maintain a healthy complexion and avoid hyperpigmentation. Dark spots develop for a range of reasons, many of which you can control. If you want to avoid them, here are a few precautions you can take daily. 

What Causes Dark Spots?

1. Hormones

Hyperpigmentation becomes more common during pregnancy due to changes in body chemistry. Since birth control mimics some of the hormonal changes that occur during gestation, it can also cause dark spots.

Nonhormonal birth control options, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), don’t have the same side effects. You can also ask your doctor for pills with lower doses of estrogen.

2. Light

Sunlight makes your skin produce pigment, causing you to tan and gain freckles. In some people, this pigmentation can grow unevenly and cause spots. Tanning beds, fluorescent lights, and even using a computer for too long may also darken parts of your skin.

To minimize damage, always wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours.

3. Food

Many people don’t consider dinner part of their skin care routines, but what you eat makes a difference. Too little folic acid in your diet can lead to more pigment. Also watch out for citrus ingredients your cosmetics, as they can darken your skin when you're in the sun.

You can boost your folic acid intake by eating more whole grains and leafy green vegetables, including spinach and kale. Look for milk and rice ingredients in cosmetics to prevent hyperpigmentation. 

If you have hyperpigmentation and dark spots, turn to Bared Monkey Laser Spa - Penn Station in New York City. Their certified laser technicians will help you look and feel younger using advanced, painless, nonsurgical skin care treatments. Their pigment removal devices are strong enough to remove tattoos, and don’t come with recovery periods. Learn more about dark spot removal on their website or call (212) 256-9777 to schedule an appointment.