Dark spots are common in men. Inflammation is usually the main cause. In fact, according to Men's Health, this is known as "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation" and is more common in men with darker skin due to their higher melanin content.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is hyperpigmentation that stems from inflammation and it impacts your body and face. They appear as flat discoloration spots that can range in colors like:

  • Black
  • Brown
  • Pink
  • Red

This will depend on the depth of the discoloration and your skin tone.

PIH often impacts men with acne, although certain skin treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser therapy can also trigger it.

A rash, blemish or injury causes your skin to become inflamed. Then, this inflammation goes on to trigger melanocytes (cells that produce melanin). These release an excessive amount of melanosomes (pigment granules) which discolor and darken the area that was formerly wounded, staying there a long time after the recovery of the initial wound.

Men of all skin types can become affected by PIH, although, as mentioned, it's more prevalent in those with darker skin tones. 

The Best Way Men Can Prevent Dark Spots

Avoiding inflammation is actually the best way to prevent dark spots. But, this can be difficult, particularly if you have chronic acne. Since it's hard to prevent inflammation, it can help to use gentle products with natural or minimal ingredients, such as:

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a type of antioxidant. It helps protect your skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV exposure. It hinders the production of melanin in your skin, helping to lighten dark spots or hyperpigmentation. It also enhances skin radiance and evens out skin tone.

2. Blackberry

Blackberries are a vitamin C powerhouse. Vitamin C stops free radical growth that induces dark spots and prevents further formation.

They're also rich in:

  • Vitamin K
  • Folic acid
  • Antioxidants

3. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is rich in vitamin B which helps to increase hydration in sensitive or dry skin. It's also rich in vitamin C, so it helps in firming and smoothing your skin and fading dark spots.

4. Rosemary

When you massage rosemary into your face, the oil helps lighten blemishes and dark spots on your skin, leading to an enhanced skin complexion. Rosemary extract's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness and swelling of skin as well. 

5. Green tea

Green tea, which is a natural ingredient you'll find in this Triple Tea & Glycolic Hydrating Facial Cleanser, helps lighten skin blemishes and dark spots. This makes it perfect for complexion care. It helps reduce inflammation and is gentle on your skin. 

6. Black tea

Black tea is antioxidant-rich, helping you flush out toxins and eliminate free radicals. Use black tea on your dark spots and blemishes to help fade them away. It even helps even out your skin tone and lighten scars.

7. Shea Butter

Shea butter is ideal for evening out skin tone and correcting skin discoloration. It's often more effective in lightening up acne scars than those store-bought moisturizers. It's healing properties help repair acne scar discolorations.

8. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid helps reduce blemishes and pigmentation linked with age, particularly when you combine it with brighteners.

9. Lactic Acid

This is specifically used for treating age spots, hyperpigmentation and other factors contributing to an uneven and dull complexion. Lactic acid's other benefits include reduced pore appearance and improved skin tone. This Green Tea & Lactic Toner is an anti-inflammatory, helps with deep exfoliation and provides a blemish-free texture.

PIH doesn't lead to scarring necessarily and can improve on its own over time. However, recovery rates will vary widely from one individual to the next and the timing will depend on the skin tone difference between the darkened spots and the natural skin tone. The bigger the difference, the longer it takes for the tones to rebalance. Using products with natural/minimal ingredients can help speed up the recovery process.

HIMistry Naturals is your one-stop-shop for men's skincare, including tackling blemishes, acne and dark spots.  Contact us to learn more about our products with natural/minimal ingredients designed to take your skin to a whole new level.