How to treat dark spots on legs?

Sara P.
A dermatologist based in Canada.

Overview

Anyone of any body type can have dark spots on the skin of their legs or on their legs, and this shouldn't be a problem.

Dark spots on the legs are a result of an overproduction of melanin  and common causes of those dark spots  include sun exposure, skin injury and razor burn from shaving.

Dark spots can develop anywhere in the body.For dark spots on legs,there are several over-the-counter products as well as professional treatments that can effectively reduce their appearance.

What causes dark spots on the legs?

Sun damage

Prolonged sun exposure can also cause black or brown spots on the feet, thighs, and calves because the sun's UV rays increase the production of melanin in the skin.

Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, can cause dark brown spots on the thighs, knees, calves, feet, ankles, and even toes if too much is produced.

While hyperpigmentation is usually more common in people with darker skin tones, sun damage is also a major cause of dark spots on fair skin when it comes to the legs.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

This inflammation is often caused by acne, but inflammation can also be caused by skin damage where the body reacts by flooding the damaged area with white blood cells.

Scratching itchy or inflamed skin can interfere with the natural healing of the skin and cause hyperpigmentation, which causes black spots on the legs.These types of dark spots are most common among people with darker skin.

Diabetes

Some people with diabetes develop a resistance to insulin.  If you develop insulin resistance, this insulin builds up in your blood and can cause areas of your skin to darken.

The hormone insulin can build up in the blood and cause dark spots on the skin of the legs and other parts of the body. 

How to remove dark spots on legs?

Laser treatments

There are different types of laser skin treatments: a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other skin specialist can determine the best laser treatment to remove dark or brown spots.

During laser treatment to remove dark spots on the legs, the scar tissue is burned, which promotes the regeneration of skin cells.

During this advanced aesthetic procedure, dermatologists use a focused beam of light (laser) to target the pigmented area of the skin. This eliminates the excessive melanocytes causing the black spots on the thighs, lower legs, knees, and feet. Your doctor may recommend a few sessions of treatment depending on the severity of hyperpigmentation.

Exfoliation

The exfoliator used helps control exfoliation of the top layer of the skin, thereby reducing dark spots and allowing new and lighter cell growth. Apply a small amount of body wash to a towel and exfoliate with very gentle hands. You should exfoliate with a towel, which will help remove dark skin cells easily.

Hydroquinone cream

Hydroquinone cream is one of the most researched lightening agents, and when used properly, it can effectively treat the dark areas of the skin and maintain an even skin tone. 

Many whitening creams available on the market are high in hydroquinone, which is an excellent ingredient used for skin lightening.

Aloe vera

A study shows trusted Source that aloin, the active ingredient in aloe vera, has the potential to lighten skin. A convenient way to use aloe vera on your feet is to buy aloe vera gel and apply it once or twice a day on dark spots.

The organic oil 

The organic oil heals scars and blemishes on the skin by relieving skin irritation and preventing the overproduction of scar tissue.

Takeaway

While these treatment options can be effective, it's best to take care of your skin first to prevent dark spots on your legs. If no natural remedies or over-the-counter products have shown positive results in removing dark spots on your feet, you may want to consider getting   highly effective professional treatments.  

The appearance of dark spots can be caused by many different reasons, but once you understand what causes them, there are many options that can help you reduce the appearance of dark spots and give you the fair and even-toned look you deserve. 

DISCLAIMER    

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.

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