How to Remove Body Dark Spots

Dark spots on the body are one of the most common skin concerns that a lot of the Nigerian Population deal with, but unfortunately, a lot of people focus on having a clear facial skin; which is odd because a clear and healthy skin is for both face and body and not just for the face alone.

While some people do not pay attention to the dark spots on their body, those who do don’t have the slightest clue as to what's actually causing them let alone knowing what to do to fade them safely.

But do not worry, the good news is body dark spots are almost never permanent and with the right knowledge, a little patience and a consistent body care routine, you can restore your skin to an even skin tone and get back that healthy glow you remember. In this blog post we will be breaking down why dark spots happen, the mistakes that make them worse and the practical steps you can start taking right now to get rid of them.

What Causes Dark Spots on the Body?

When trying to fix a skin problem such as dark spots on the body, it is important for one to understand , that way you can accurately treat it without risking a comeback. And in the case of dark spots on the body, it is caused as a result of the skin producing excess melanin in certain areas of the body, these parts where the excess melanin is produced is where dark spots (or hyperpigmentation which is the umbrella term for any type of  excess melanin on the skin) appear in the body.  Common triggers of dark spots on the body include: 

Constant sun exposure: UV rays are one of the major culprits of dark spots on the body as exposure to them makes the skin increase melanin production as a defense mechanism, which is why dark spots often appear on frequently exposed areas like the neck, arms and shoulders.

Friction and chafing: Certain areas of the body that rub together often like the inner thighs, underarms and knuckles are subject to darken over time due to constant friction.

Ingrown hairs and shaving irritation:  This might come as a surprise to a lot of people but repeated irritation from shaving, waxing or tweezing can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation  around certain areas of the body like around the bikini line, underarms and the legs.

Skin injuries and breakouts: When you have cuts, insect bites, acne or eczema/ dermatitis flare-ups what usually comes after healing is dark marks.

Hormonal changes: This usually affects women mostly due to pregnancy, use of birth control and other hormonal shifts that often happens to women, all of these can manifest physically as patches of darker skin, particularly on the stomach and inner thighs.

Dead skin buildup: Yes, dead skin buildup can cause dark spots on the skin. Surprisingly enough, this is something a lot of people will never think is the culprit behind their body dark spots. But it should be known that when dead skin cells aren't shed regularly, they can make skin look dull, uneven and patchy which will in turn exaggerate the appearance of dark spots.

Mistakes That Make Dark Spots Worse

In a bid to fade their dark spots, a lot of people unintentionally sabotage their own progress by doing things that will only make the dark spots on their skin get worse. Below are the most common mistakes that people make:

Skipping sunscreen on the body: A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that sunscreen is only for the face alone, however, this is not true as sunscreen is for all parts of the body that will be exposed to sun that day. Therefore, when going out on a daily basis, ensure you use sunscreen on all the parts of the body that aren't going to be covered with cloth.

Over-exfoliating: When some people discover that some parts of their body are darker than the other parts of their body, they start to over exfoliate those darker parts in hope that when they continue to do so, the exfoliant will “scrub off" the dark part. What they do not understand is that they are only exposing their skin to irritation which will only deepen the discoloration.

Using unregulated bleaching products: Products with high concentrations of hydroquinone or steroids might lighten skin quickly, but they often thin the skin which will lead to rebound darkening and in a worst case scenario lead to long-term damage.

Neglecting Moisturizer: Dry, dehydrated skin looks duller and makes uneven tone more noticeable therefore a very effective moisturizer is essential to healthy-looking, radiant skin.

Lack of Patience: A lot of people dealing with body dark spots expect miracles overnight but what they do not understand is the fact that skin cell turnover takes weeks -sometimes months not days. Real change from consistent care usually shows up over 4 to 12 weeks.

Inconsistent routine: Switching products every few days or skipping application process equals to you inviting your body dark spots to remain there.

Now that you know the mistakes making your dark spots darker and can easily avoid them, you are on your way to getting a healthy even tone body skin that is spots free. 

Practical Tips to Fade Body Dark Spots (And the Products That Help)

Now let us talk about the effective step you can take to effectively fade dark spots on your body as well as the effective products that will hasten the process:

1. Use a Brightening Shower Gel

Cleansing is the bedrock of any skincare routine, and if you're dealing with dark body spots, your body wash matters more than you'd think. Look for a cleanser that hydrates as well as brightens and in order to do this ingredients such as niacinamide, salicylic acid, vitamin C and white tea are widely recognized in dermatology for helping even out skin tone over time, which is why they show up in formulations of  globally trusted brands such as the CeraVe SA smoothing cleanser and the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash (Pink Grapefruit) 

However, if you prefer a locally formulated body wash that is as equally effective as the above mentioned body ashes, then the ORÍKÌ White Tea Shower Gel  is for you. Its main ingredient is the white tea which is a known and trusted skin-brightening ingredient that gently cleanses the skin without stripping the skin's natural oils, thereby preserving the skin barrier so everything you apply afterward can actually do its job. Within a few weeks of consistent use of this product,  you'll start to notice a difference.

2. Moisturize daily, without exception

This is the step most people underestimate. A rich, hydrating body lotion that contains brightening ingredients for dark spots keeps the skin barrier healthy, supports cell renewal and also helps active ingredients do their job. Skin that is well-moisturized also simply looks brighter and more radiant, even before pigmentation fully fades.

As an individual dealing with body dark spots, when choosing moisturizers, go for the ones that have things like ceramides, aloe, shea, vitamin C and Niacinamide ( Vitamin B3) on its ingredient list and perfect examples of widely recognized body moisturizers that contains one or more than one of these ingredients include  Facefacts Ceramide Nourishing Body Lotion and Cerave Intensive Moisturizing Lotion. 

A locally formulated option that you can opt for is the ORIKI Skin Nourishing Body Lotion. Formulated with lemon, peppermint, aloe and shea, it works on multiple levels at once; the lemon helps brighten and even out skin tone, the aloe soothes and calms irritated areas, while the peppermint revives dull-looking skin, and the shea butter deeply nourishes and restores the skin barrier. It's a non-greasy body lotion for glowing skin that absorbs quickly, smooths rough patches and leaves your skin visibly supple. It is an easy way to support your skin's natural brightening.

3. Exfoliate 2–3 Times a Week

Regular, gentle exfoliation helps clear away the dead skin buildup that makes dark spots look more pronounced, therefore, If your skin can take it, try to exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a mild but effective body scrub, be it a chemical or a physical exfoliant. For the chemical exfoliants, there are various ranges of exfoliants with AHAs/BHAs that you can choose from brands like The Ordinary or Paula's Choice. And the physical exfoliant, you can opt for the ORÍKÌ Mint Sugar Body Scrub. It  is a natural exfoliator made with safe, natural ingredients that removes dead skin cells and helps reveal brighter, more even-toned skin. If your skin is very sensitive, reduce this to once a week, or two to three times a month.

4. Never Skip Sunscreen

Apply SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas every morning, and reapply if you're outdoors for long periods. This single habit can prevent existing spots from getting darker and stop new ones from forming. And for this there are various options to choose from in Nigeria, there is Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 50 PA +++, Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel Pump, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UNMune 400 Anti Dark Spots Fluid Sunscreen, Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen and so much more. All of the above mentioned sunscreen recommendations are well known to work well with skin of colour and do not leave white cast on the skin. Choose whichever one that fits your budget and stay consistent with it.

5. Build a Consistent Body Care Routine

Cleanse, exfoliate a few times a week (or month, depending on your skin), moisturize, and use SPF 30+ every single day. Consistency, more than any single miracle product, is what actually changes your skin over time, especially when you pair the routine with effective and unique products such as the recommended products above. 

6. Be Patient with Friction-Prone Areas

When treating areas such as the underarms, inner thighs and knees you  need a great deal of patience because these areas tend to be stubborn, however with consistent body care routine, they will even out with the rest of your body. Also wearing loose fitting clothes in those areas can help reduce friction and also help prevent the issue from recurring. 

Final Thoughts

Dark spots on the body are common, manageable and most importantly not permanent. With a bit of patience, the right habits and the right  products you can watch your complexion gradually even out, get brighter and even glow.

Are you ready to give your skin the care it deserves? Explore the full range of ORÍKÌ body care products on their  official website or visit any o physical ORÍKÌ shops across Lagos, Nigeria, to experience the products in person and get personalized recommendations from the ORÍKÌ team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fade dark spots on the body? With consistent care, most people start noticing visible improvement within 4 to 8 weeks. 

Can body lotion really help with hyperpigmentation? Yes it can. A well-formulated body lotion for hyperpigmentation like the ORÍKÌ Skin Nourishing Body Lotion will get the job done.

Do I need sunscreen on my body every day, even indoors? If you're near windows or spend any time outdoors, yes you  do because UV exposure is one of the biggest reasons dark spots persist or return. Therefore daily SPF on exposed skin is one of the most effective habits you can build to help protect your body from dark spots.

Where can I get ORÍKÌ products in person? You can explore and purchase the full collection on the ORÍKÌ website, or visit any of the ORÍKÌ physical shops located across Lagos, Nigeria.