Skin spots: why they appear and how to take care of yourself

Dark spots appear where the skin has accumulated more melanin, almost always due to the sun or previous inflammation, such as a breakout. They fade slowly, so two habits are the most important: daily sunscreen and a consistent routine. Without the former, the latter is not enough.

What are dark spots and how do you recognize them?

Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocytes to protect the cell nucleus from radiation. When they are overstimulated in a specific area, the pigment becomes concentrated and a dark spot appears. The most common types:

• Sun spots: small, light or dark brown spots in areas that receive the most sun, such as cheekbones, forehead, hands, and décolletage.
• Marks after a breakout or irritation: inflammation also activates melanocytes, and the mark can take weeks or months to fade.
• Melasma: larger, symmetrical spots on the cheeks, forehead, or above the lip. It is associated with the sun and hormonal factors, and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Why do they appear?

General causes

• The sun is the main trigger: it stimulates pigment production and darkens the spots you already have.
• Hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy.
• Skin inflammation: picked pimples, irritations, or products that cause a stinging sensation.

The sun in Colombia

Here, the sun is strong all year round, not just at the beach. Due to the altitude, in Bogotá the midday sun often reaches the "very high" or "extreme" category of the UV index, even on cool days, according to IDEAM data published by El Tiempo. At higher altitudes, there is less atmosphere to filter radiation, and the proximity to the equator makes it more direct. That is why you get sunburned in cold climates even if you don't feel heat: infrared radiation is what heats, and ultraviolet radiation is what causes spots. Even so, among those who have completed our online assessment, almost half say they do not use sunscreen daily. If you are going to change just one habit, let it be this one.

Your routine for dark spots, step by step

Morning

1. Cleanse with a gentle foam.
2. Toner to prep the skin.
3. Moisturizer of your choice.
4. SPF 50+ Sunscreen as the final step, in a generous amount. Reapply if you are exposed to the sun, sweat, or wash your face.

Night

1. Cleanse thoroughly: remove sunscreen and makeup.
2. Apply the corrector only on the dark spots, after your cream.
3. One or two nights a week, you can replace the cream with an illuminating night mask.

Two or three times a week

A gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface, which contain pigment, and makes the skin look more even. Do not exfoliate irritated skin: irritation also causes spots.

Recommended products

• Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF50+ 40mL: SPF 50+ against UVA and UVB rays that protects against sun damage and the appearance of sun spots.
• Multi-Protection UV Shield Cream SPF50 30 mL: daily SPF 50+ facial sunscreen, for all skin types.
• Anti-Shine Sunscreen SPF50+ 40 mL: broad-spectrum SPF 50+ with an anti-shine finish, for combination or oily skin.
• Illuminating Facial Cleansing Foam 125 mL: creamy foam that removes impurities, sunscreen, and makeup residue without drying out the skin.
• White Botanical Seed Illuminating Toner 200 mL: gel toner that hydrates and leaves the complexion more even.
• Anti-Spot Concentrate 14 mL: corrector with a precision applicator to be used only on dark spots, morning and night after your cream.
• Illuminating Night Facial Mask 75 mL: gel mask to be left on all night; after a month of use, dark spots appear reduced.
• Illuminating Facial Exfoliator 125 mL: creamy exfoliator to be used 2 to 3 times per week.

A note on the daytime emulsions with SPF 30 in our illuminating lines: they are not a sunscreen. Use them as a day cream, but apply your sunscreen on top.

When to consult a dermatologist

Make an appointment if a spot changes in size, shape, or color; if it has irregular borders; if it bleeds, itches, or does not heal; or if a new one appears that is different from the others. Also, if you suspect melasma or if your dark spots do not improve after several months of protection and care. A dermatologist has options that are beyond the reach of cosmetics.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need sunscreen if I live in Bogotá or if it is cloudy?

Yes. UV radiation penetrates clouds and is more intense at higher altitudes. Due to the altitude, in Bogotá the midday sun often reaches the "very high" or "extreme" category of the UV index.

How long does it take to see results?

Dark spots fade slowly: think in terms of weeks or months, always with daily sunscreen. Without protection, the sun will darken them again and any progress will be lost.

Can I use anti-spot products if I have sensitive skin?

With care. A product that causes a stinging sensation irritates, and irritation can darken spots. Introduce one product at a time and discontinue use if your skin reacts.

Are marks from pimples also dark spots?

Yes, and they improve the same way: by protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding picking at pimples.

Continue exploring

• Bright Botanical Line
• Sunscreens
• Take the free facial and hair assessment: it takes less than a minute and recommends a routine based on your answers.
• Other guides by need: wrinkles and expression lines, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin.