肌  ·  2025/01/07

Why Do Dark Spots Appear and How Can We Prevent Them?

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss the supplements I take for dark spot prevention with one of my clients.
Isn't dealing with dark spots incredibly challenging?
Nowadays, laser treatments can remove them, but since they tend to appear in noticeable areas like the face, I haven’t been able to muster the courage to try it yet… I just keep researching. And when I do, I inevitably come across data suggesting that removing dark spots with lasers can lead to them reappearing darker or increasing in number.
However, I wanted to learn more, so today I’ll share some insights.

The Mechanism Behind Dark Spots and Skin Structure

Our skin plays a crucial role in protecting our bodies from external environments. The skin is broadly divided into three layers – the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Dark spots mainly form due to excessive melanin production in the epidermis.

Skin Structure

  • Epidermis: The outermost layer, which includes the stratum corneum and the basal layer. The basal layer contains melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin.

  • Dermis: Rich in fibres like collagen and elastin, helping to maintain skin elasticity.

  • Subcutaneous Tissue: Mainly composed of fat, providing cushioning.

How Dark Spots Develop

UV Rays and Inflammation
Exposure to UV rays or skin issues activates the melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Melanin Production
Melanocytes use an enzyme called tyrosinase to produce melanin.

Melanin Accumulation
Normally, melanin is expelled through the skin’s turnover process. However, as turnover slows due to ageing or stress, melanin remains on the skin’s surface, leading to dark spots.
Factors such as ageing, hormonal changes, and external stimuli (UV rays or friction) have a significant impact, with treatment methods varying depending on the type and symptoms of the spots.

 

 

Supplements Known to Help with Dark Spot Prevention

Cinal (Vitamin C)

  • Key Features: Strong antioxidant properties, supports collagen production.

  • Benefits:

    • Suppresses melanin production, preventing dark spots.

    • Prevents ageing by removing free radicals.

    • Enhances skin clarity.

  • Effective For:

    • Sunspots (post-inflammatory pigmentation).

    • Age spots.

Transamin (Tranexamic Acid)

  • Key Features: Anti-inflammatory properties, suppresses melanin production.

  • Benefits:

    • Particularly effective for melasma and hormone-related dark spots.

    • Prevents the progression of dark spots by reducing inflammation.

  • Effective For:

    • Melasma.

    • Post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Uvela (Vitamin E)

  • Key Features: Promotes blood circulation, antioxidant properties normalise skin turnover.

  • Benefits:

    • Improves dullness by boosting circulation.

    • Prevents ageing through antioxidant effects.

  • Effective For:

    • Dullness caused by poor circulation.

    • Light pigmentation.

 

 

Vegan Alternatives – Natural Plant-Based Supplements

Since a vegan lifestyle requires all supplements to be plant-derived, I explored ways to replace the above supplements with natural, chemical-free alternatives.

1. Vitamin C (Alternative to Cinal)

  • Acerola Cherry – Rich in natural vitamin C.

  • Camu Camu – Highly antioxidant, with brightening effects.

  • Rosehip – Inhibits melanin and promotes skin regeneration.

2. Tranexamic Acid (Alternative to Transamin)

  • Liquorice Extract (Glycyrrhiza) – Suppresses melanin production.

  • Mulberry Leaf Extract – Brightening and antioxidant properties.

  • Centella Asiatica Extract – Calms skin and improves pigmentation.

3. Vitamin E (Alternative to Uvela)

  • Sunflower Seed Oil – Rich in natural vitamin E.

  • Almonds – Strong antioxidant, boosts circulation.

  • Sesame Seeds – Sesamin aids antioxidant and metabolic processes.

4. Supporting Ingredients

  • Astaxanthin (Algae-derived) – Prevents skin ageing through antioxidant properties.

  • Glutathione (Plant-fermented) – Promotes skin clarity.

  • Green Tea Extract – Removes free radicals with polyphenols.

 

 

Dietary Suggestions for Daily Vegan-Friendly Dark Spot Prevention

Since developing supplements takes time, here are some food-based suggestions that can help in the meantime:

1. Foods High in Vitamin C

  • Acerola juice or smoothies.

  • Red peppers, kiwis, strawberries.

  • Rosehip tea.

2. Foods that Mimic Tranexamic Acid

  • Liquorice or mulberry leaf tea (also available at the salon).

  • Incorporate anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger into your meals.

  • Add centella asiatica powder to smoothies.

3. Foods High in Vitamin E

  • Sunflower seeds or almonds as snacks.

  • Avocado or spinach in meals.

  • Dressings and pastes with plenty of sesame seeds.

4. Foods that Boost Antioxidant Levels

  • Berries like blueberries and blackberries.

  • Switch daily coffee to green tea.

  • Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits.

 

Preventing dark spots and maintaining bright skin is a long-term effort.
Since the skin's turnover process takes time, results won’t appear overnight.
That’s why small, daily habits matter. Consistency in skincare and diet will lead to gradual improvements.