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How to Help Get Rid of Dark Spots:
Causes, Care & Prevention

Noticing brown patches on your skin? Here is everything you need to know about dark spots on the face and body – from the most common causes to the skincare routine you can follow to reduce their appearance.

Read Time

5 min

In short:

Dark Spots – Overview
What are Dark Spots?
4 Common Areas for Dark Spots
6 Common Causes for Dark Spots on the Face and Body
How to Help Get Rid of Dark Spots?
Skincare Routine to Reduce Dark Spots
How to Prevent Dark Spots on Skin?
Summary
FAQs

Dark Spots –
Overview

Dark marks, often referred to as hyperpigmentation or brown marks, are a common skin concern that can affect anyone. Whether caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or ageing, these spots can reduce your skin's natural radiance. To help get rid of dark spots, build a skincare routine with ingredients that specifically target their appearance. To prevent dark spots from developing or getting darker, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.

In this comprehensive guide, NIVEA explores the causes of dark spots and shares effective ways to manage and prevent them, showing a path to a more luminous and even-toned complexion.

Understanding brown spots

What are
Dark Spots on the Skin?

Dark spots or brown patches are areas of pigmentation that form on the skin. They appear when melanin, the pigment that determines the colour of your skin, is overproduced. This leads to patches of skin being darker than the surrounding areas. These marks are commonly referred to as brown spots or dark patches. Dark spots on the face are particularly common, although dark spots on the body also affect many people.

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Understanding dark spots

4 Common Areas for
Dark Spots

1
Face:
The face is especially vulnerable to pigmentation because of constant UV exposure and its thinner, more sensitive skin. Over time, this can result in uneven tone and visible dark patches that affect your overall brightness.

2
Hands:
Hands are one of the first places to show signs of sun damage, often developing brown spots or age spots. With frequent environmental exposure and less melanin regulation as we age, hyperpigmentation on the hands becomes more pronounced.

3
Chest:
The chest area is often overlooked in sun care, but it's highly prone to UV-induced pigmentation. Irregular skin tone and darkened areas on the chest can result from years of unprotected or inadequate exposure, especially in warmer climates.

4
Back:
Dark patches can form on the back due to a combination of sun exposure, skin irritation from friction, or the buildup of dead skin cells. These marks may appear uneven and can be difficult to treat without a consistent routine.

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How do the formulas within
Luminous630 help dark spots?

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The formulas of the Luminous630 range include NIVEA's breakthrough patented ingredient Thiamidol® (previously called Luminous630®), which can help fade and prevent dark spots. The Luminous630 range is also enriched with effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which can be found in the advanced serum to help brighten the skin.

NIVEA Luminous630 products are developed to fade dark spots and help prevent future pigmentation by working at the cellular level to rebalance melanin production and target dark spots at the root cause.

What causes dark spots on the face and body?

6 Common Causes of
Brown Spots on Skin

Understanding what causes dark spots on the face and body is essential for prevention and treatment. Although some causes are unavoidable, it is still important to understand why you've developed them, as this can guide your prevention steps. Here are six of the most common contributors to hyperpigmentation:

1
Sun Exposure:
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Unprotected skin reacts by producing excess melanin, leading to sun spots, brown patches and uneven skin tone.

2
Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraceptives, can trigger conditions like melasma. This results in dark patches on the face and body that are often difficult to fade without targeted care.

3
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
When the skin experiences trauma – such as after insect bites, rashes, or shaving – melanin can concentrate at the site, leaving behind dark marks. PIH is especially common in medium to darker skin tones.

4
Genetics:
Your genetic makeup can influence how your skin reacts to sunlight and irritation. If your family members are prone to brown marks, you're more likely to experience them too, regardless of your sun exposure.

5
Friction and Rubbing:
Chronic friction from tight clothing, shaving, or repeated movement in areas like the underarms, neck, and thighs can stimulate melanin production. This often results in dark patches and rough skin texture in those regions.

6
Ageing:
As we age, the skin's natural processes can become less efficient, including the distribution of melanin. This can result in the accumulation of skin pigmentation in certain areas, causing dark brown to black spots to appear.

How to help get rid of dark spots

6 Ways to Reduce
Dark Spots

Removing or getting rid of dark spots can be quite difficult; however, there are some approaches you can take to help reduce them. Here are some effective ways to minimise the appearance of dark spots. Keep in mind that some of these solutions can be invasive, so seek advice from your dermatologist where appropriate:

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer skin layers, helping new skin to grow and reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Cryotherapy:

In this process, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and eliminate the extra melanin in dark spots, causing them to gradually fade away.

Microdermabrasion:

Through microdermabrasion, the outer skin layers are mechanically removed. This is achieved by propelling fine crystals onto the skin's surface at high velocity, followed by their rapid removal through suction. As a result, the outer layer of the dark spots is removed and the skin regenerates. Repeated treatments are typically needed for noticeable results.

Home Remedies:

While certain natural remedies like lemon juice, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and green tea extract are sometimes recommended to help lighten skin spots, caution is needed because the effectiveness of these products is not proven, and they can even irritate the skin depending on how they are used.

Laser Therapy:

Laser procedures, like intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional laser therapy, can focus on melanin within areas of hyperpigmentation, resulting in a reduced appearance. Typically, these procedures are administered by dermatologists or skilled practitioners.

Skincare Routine:

Adopt a skincare routine that specifically targets this concern by choosing cleansers, serums, moisturisers and a sunscreen that can help to fade and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.

Before starting any treatment, consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about the cause of the spots or to determine the most suitable approach for your skin type and the severity of your dark spots. Remember, consistent sun protection is key to preventing new dark spots from forming and maintaining overall skin health.

Reduce Dark Spots on Face

NIVEA Luminous630
Skincare Routine to Reduce Dark Spots:

Cleanse:

Start your skincare routine with a facial cleanse, effectively removing impurities and prepping your skin for the next steps. This first step ensures a clean, receptive canvas for the rest of your skincare products.

Serum:

Apply a serum that can help brighten your skin and fade dark spots. The Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630 ANTI DARK MARKS Serum formula contains patented LUMINOUS630® (Thiamidol®) to act on existing pigmentation, lighten dark marks and reduce their size, while working with your skin's natural melanin production to reduce the appearance of new dark marks and spots. Effective on all skin tones, dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, it offers a gentle and approved approach to skincare.

For men, the NIVEA MEN 2 in 1 Anti-Dark Spots Anti-Age Power Serum can help tackle dark spots. It is formulated with Luminous630 (previous denomination for Thiamidol®) and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, combat wrinkles and diminish the size of brown marks. The serum offers a convenient solution for men seeking effective anti-dark spot care.

Smiling woman holding a bottle of NIVEA Brightening Micellar Water with 5% serum beside her face

Hand holding a pump bottle of NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Age and Spot Serum against a blue sky

Moisturise:

Select a moisturiser that effectively hydrates your skin without clogging pores. Maintaining proper skin hydration can significantly improve its overall look and feel.

A day cream offers vital moisture and hydration throughout the day to help maintain the skin's natural barrier. Choosing a day cream containing UV filters and antioxidants helps protect against external factors such as UV rays, pollution and stressors, which can play a role in the development of dark spots and other skin concerns. The Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630 ANTI DARK MARK Day Cream SPF50 provides triple protection at cell level against dark marks and their reappearance, and against sun-induced photoageing, while giving an oil-control, mattified finish and helping to visibly reduce existing dark marks and spots.

At night, it's beneficial to support your skin's renewal process by using a night cream. Opt for a night cream infused with ingredients that can help reduce the visibility of dark spots as you sleep. The NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Dark Spot Even Tone Night Cream contains cell-activating hyaluronic acid to plump wrinkles, and Thiamidol® to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. The formula also helps regenerate the skin overnight.

Sunscreen:

Throughout the day, it's essential to protect your skin from the sun and harmful UV rays by using a sunscreen with a strong SPF. Sun exposure can further darken your dark spots.

The NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Dark Spot Control Fluid helps to prevent and visibly reduce sun-induced spots by protecting your delicate facial skin against UV rays. Its light and non-greasy fluid formula contains Thiamidol®, hyaluronic acid and vitamin e, and offers a refreshing effect and a smooth skin feeling.

Smiling woman holding NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+ beside her cheek

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Body Care for Dark Spots:

Dark spots can also appear on the body, especially on areas like the shoulders, chest, arms and back. Including a dedicated body care step can help improve overall skin tone and reduce visible marks.

The NIVEA Luminous630 Anti Stretch Marks range with Thiamidol (previously called Luminous630) is specially formulated to address both stretch marks and dark spots on the body. Thiamidol, a patented active ingredient, is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots and help prevent their reappearance with consistent use. It also helps even out skin tone differences to make stretch marks less visible.

This targeted range includes two skincare products for the body: an anti-dark spots and anti-stretch marks cream and a body oil-serum specially designed for stretch marks. Apply daily to areas of concern for best results. Use only one Luminous630/Thiamidol-containing product per day on the body.

Optional Weekly Exfoliation:

1–3 times a week, gently exfoliate your skin to help remove dead skin cells and improve the effectiveness of your skincare products. Exfoliation can help speed up the skin's natural turnover process, which can fade dark spots over time.

The NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Exfoliant Liquid 100ml, formulated with 4% AHA, 1% PHA and soothing aloe vera, provides gentle and effective exfoliation to help refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores and leave the complexion looking brighter and more even.

Be careful not to over-exfoliate your skin, as this can lead to irritation.

Smiling woman holding a bottle of NIVEA Luminous Skin Glow Liquid Refiner with 4% AHA and PHA beside her cheek

By incorporating NIVEA's Luminous skincare products into your routine, you can improve the appearance of dark spots and help prevent new spots from forming.

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Luminous630 Instant Glow Serum

The NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum is an efficient dark spots skincare product formulated with Thiamidol® – NIVEA's patented active proven to reduce pigmentation and visibly even skin tone. With additional skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it deeply hydrates the outer layers of the skin while targeting the root causes of hyperpigmentation.

This lightweight serum is suitable for all skin tones and works effectively to fade existing dark spots and help prevent their reappearance. Used consistently, it helps reveal a more radiant, smooth and even-looking complexion in just a few weeks.

Amber dropper bottle of NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum with Thiamidol on a blue background

How to prevent
dark spots on skin?

Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented – some occur naturally due to age and other factors. Black and brown spots on skin caused by sun damage, however, can be prevented. We've highlighted some tips to help you prevent brown patches on skin caused by sun damage:

1
Use Sunscreen
Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots. By using a high SPF sunscreen, you can help prevent your skin from becoming damaged and keep it as healthy as possible to combat dark spots on the skin.

2
Cover Up
Black or brown spots on the face, neck and other overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun. Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to give your face and neck extra protection from the sun.

3
Avoid The Midday Sun
The sun reaches its highest temperature and most intense levels during midday and early evenings, increasing the risk of sun damage and the potential development of black and brown spots on the skin. To protect your skin, seek shade during these times and enjoy the sun during periods when it isn't as damaging.

By adopting these preventive measures and making sun protection a priority, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dark spots and maintain healthier, youthful-looking skin over time.

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Summary

Dark spots are a common skin concern, often occurring on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, back and chest. However, they can be effectively managed through a dedicated skincare routine, allowing for their reduction and prevention.

Consistency is key, as is the regular application of sunscreen to shield the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent dark spots from getting more intense.

While dark spots are generally not dangerous, it's strongly advised to have any skin discolouration examined by a dermatologist to rule out serious skin conditions.