One of the most asked questions I get from my friends on the gram is “What is the BEST way to get rid of dark spots” I don’t think they ask because they think I have perfect skin. I’m guessing they ask because I too share my struggles with hyper-pigmentation. My answer has always been “exfoliation“, because when you exfoliate overtime the dead skin will peel off and the scar will fade.
I’ve learned so much over the past few months while on my personal skin care journey and thought perhaps we should explore this here on the blog.
There are two main ways to exfoliate your skin. Physically or Chemically! I’d always been a physical exfoliation kinda girl, but I’ve come over to the chemical side, and I think you should too!
Physical Exfoliation: This is when you’re using things like an actual scrubs to physically exfoliate. While it does work, I found myself to be too harsh and rough with my skin. Somehow, I convinced myself the harder I scrub the quicker I’d get rid of dark spots. FALSE.
Chemical Exfoliation– This is when you’re using chemicals to turn over skin cells, which can help to get rid of dark spots. So instead of physically scrubbing your skin, the chemicals do the work for you and they’re less harsh. Well, depending on how much you use.
Chemicals? What Chemicals?
I’m sure we’ve all used or heard of gylcolic or scaylic acid before. Those are part of a group called AHA and BHA. Let me explain.
AHA- Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Think Gylcolic or Lactic Acid- these are used in products to help dissolve the top layer of the skin, revealing new skin.
BHA- Beta Hydrxy Acids: Think Sacylic Acid also helps to break down the top layer. They have been reported to be less harsh than AHA.
Here’s an easier break down for you:
These are my favorite Chemical Peels at the moment. They’re gentle enough to use daily. Even though I highly recommend them, I encourage you to try the 5 piece kit so see how well your skin reacts to it before splurging on the full size kit which contains 30 pieces.
So let’s chat, what are you using to get rid of dark spots? Are you more of a chemical exfoliant or physical exfoliant gal? Let’s discuss in the comments.