When our skin is exposed to the sun, it generates more melanin to shield itself from UV radiation. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our skin. The greater the amount of melanin produced by our skin, the darker it becomes. Except from generic reasons such as direct exposure to sun, your skin could be darkening due to hormonal changes, certain medications, and health conditions such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome. So it is important first to establish the reason behind your skin darkening.
If you are looking for ways to stop your skin from darkening, here are a few things you can do:
1. Avoid prolonged sun exposure:
Spending too much time in the sun can cause your skin to darken. If you must be out in the sun, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to protect your skin from direct sunlight.
2. Use sunscreen:
To keep your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays, be generous with sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours when swimming or sweating.
3. Choose the right skincare products:
Using skincare products that contain skin-lightening ingredients can help to prevent your skin from darkening. Some lightening ingredients to look for include hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C. These ingredients can help to inhibit melanin production and brighten your skin.
4. Exfoliate your skin:
Exfoliating your skin regularly can help to prevent it from darkening. When you exfoliate, you remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Exfoliating allows new, lighter skin cells to come to the surface. You can exfoliate your skin using a gentle scrub or exfoliating glove.
5. Wear Protective Cloth:
Wearing protective clothing is one of the best ways to prevent your skin from darkening. Clothing that covers your skin can protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Clothes such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats can help to keep your skin safe from the sun. Also, choose clothing in light colors, as dark colors absorb more heat from the sun.
6. Try a skin lightening Cream:
If you are looking for a more drastic solution, you may want to try a skin-lightening cream. Skin lightening creams contain ingredients that can help to lighten the skin. However, some of these ingredients can be harmful, so it is important to speak with a dermatologist before using a skin-lightening cream.
Taking these steps can help to prevent your skin from darkening. However, if your skin does darken, there are several ways to lighten it. These include using over-the-counter lightening creams, undergoing laser treatments, or using chemical peels. Speak with a dermatologist to determine which lightning method is right for you.