Dark marks? No more!

Here comes the sun! And the happy, lazy days of summer. Unfortunately, being exposed to rays also contributes to our biggest beauty concern: uneven skin tone.

We know, you’ve heard it all before and you’re being vigilant about applying your sunscreen, but unfortunately our skin cells are like elephants – they have long memories. Those sun-worshipping days of your past may suddenly show up on your face in brown spots and splotches. Dark spots are also politically incorrect: they discriminate according to skin colour, too. Here’s why: “Darker skin tones are susceptible to discolourations caused by sunlight, scarring and overstimulated pigment-producing cells,” explains Dr Sven Fey, head of product development of facecare at Nivea.

What causes blotches?

Before you can treat it, it helps to understand it. Dark marks, or hyperpigmentation, is the uneven overproduction of melanin by cells in your skin called melanocytes.

“When your skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment. Genetics and hormonal fluctuations can also influence excess production,” adds Dr Fey. In darker skins, inflammatory reactions caused by allergies, eczema, acne or burns will also leave dark marks.

The good news: uneven skin responds well to treatment – but only if you also commit to using sun protection every day!