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How to Help Get Rid of Dark Spots:
Causes, Care & Prevention

Noticing brown patches on your skin? Here’s everything you need to know about dark spots on your face and body – including the most common causes and a simple skincare routine you can follow to help reduce how visible they look.

Read Time

5 min

In short:

Dark Spots – Overview
What are Dark Spots?
4 Common Areas for Dark Spots
6 Common Causes for Dark Spots on the Face and Body
How to Help Get Rid of Dark Spots?
Skincare Routine to Reduce Dark Spots
How to Prevent Dark Spots on Skin?
Summary
FAQs

Dark spots –
Overview

Dark marks, often referred to as hyperpigmentation or brown marks, are a common skin concern that can affect anyone. Whether they’re caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes or ageing, these spots can reduce your skin's natural radiance. To help get rid of dark spots, try building a skincare routine that contains ingredients which directly target their appearance. To prevent dark spots from developing or becoming darker, use sunscreen every day, wear protective clothing and look for shade during peak sun hours.

In this easy, comprehensive guide, NIVEA walks you through the causes of dark spots and shares simple but effective ways you can manage and prevent them, so you can enjoy a more luminous, even-toned complexion.

Understanding brown spots

What are
Dark Spots on the Skin?

Dark spots or brown patches are areas of pigmentation that form on the skin. They appear when melanin, the pigment that determines the colour of your skin, is overproduced. This leads to some patches of skin looking darker than the surrounding areas. These marks are commonly referred to as brown spots or dark patches. Dark spots on the face are particularly common, although dark spots on the body also affect many people just like you.

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Understanding dark spots

4 Common areas for
Dark Spots

1
Face:
Your face is especially vulnerable to pigmentation because of constant UV exposure and its thinner, more sensitive skin. Over time, this can lead to an uneven tone and visible dark patches that take away from your overall brightness.

2
Hands:
Your hands are one of the first places to show signs of sun damage, often developing brown spots or age spots. With frequent exposure to the environment and less melanin regulation as you age, hyperpigmentation on the hands can become more noticeable.

3
Chest:
Your chest area is often overlooked in sun care, but it's highly prone to UV-induced pigmentation. Irregular skin tone and darkened areas on the chest can build up over years of unprotected or inadequate sun protection, especially in warmer climates.

4
Back:
Dark patches can form on your back due to a combination of sun exposure, skin irritation from friction, or a build-up of dead skin cells. These marks may appear uneven and can be difficult to treat without a consistent routine.

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How do the formulas within
Luminous630 help dark spots?

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The formulas in the Luminous630 range include NIVEA's breakthrough patented ingredient Thiamidol® (previously called Luminous630®), which can help fade and prevent dark spots. The Luminous630 range is also enriched with powerful ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, which you’ll find in the advanced serum to help make your skin look brighter.

NIVEA Luminous630 products are developed to fade dark spots and help prevent future pigmentation by working at the cellular level to rebalance melanin production and target dark spots at their root cause, giving your skin more even-looking radiance over time.

What causes dark spots on the face and body?

6 Common causes of
Brown Spots on Skin

Understanding what causes dark spots on your face and body is essential for both prevention and treatment. Although some causes are unavoidable, it’s still important for you to know why you've developed them, as this can guide you towards better prevention. Here are six of the most common contributors to hyperpigmentation:

1
Sun exposure:
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. When your skin is left unprotected, it reacts by producing excess melanin, leading to sunspots, brown patches and an uneven skin tone.

2
Hormonal changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or when you’re using hormonal contraceptives, can trigger conditions like melasma. This results in dark patches on the face and body that are often difficult to fade without targeted care.

3
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH):
When your skin experiences trauma – such as after insect bites, rashes or shaving – melanin can concentrate at the site, leaving behind dark marks. PIH is especially common in medium to darker skin tones.

4
Genetics:
Your genetic makeup can influence how your skin reacts to sunlight and irritation. If your family members are prone to brown marks, you’re more likely to experience them too, regardless of how careful you are with sun exposure.

5
Friction and rubbing:
Chronic friction from tight clothing, shaving or repeated movement in areas like your underarms, neck and thighs can stimulate melanin production. This often results in dark patches and a rougher skin texture in those regions.

6
Ageing:
As you age, your skin's natural processes can become less efficient, including the even distribution of melanin. This can result in the build-up of pigmentation in certain areas, causing dark brown to black spots to appear.

How to help get rid of dark spots

6 Ways to reduce
Dark Spots

Completely removing or getting rid of dark spots can be quite difficult. However, there are a few approaches you can try to help reduce them. Here are some effective ways to minimise how visible your dark spots look. Keep in mind that some of these solutions can be invasive, so do check with your dermatologist where appropriate before you start:

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of your skin, helping new skin to grow and reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Cryotherapy:

In this process, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and eliminate the extra melanin in dark spots, causing them to gradually fade away.

Microdermabrasion:

Through microdermabrasion, the outer skin layers are mechanically removed. This is done by propelling fine crystals onto your skin's surface at high speed, followed by their quick removal through suction. As a result, the outer layer of the dark spots is removed and your skin regenerates. Repeated treatments are usually needed before you see noticeable results.

Home Remedies:

While certain natural remedies like lemon juice, Aloe Vera, Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Tea extract are sometimes recommended to help lighten skin spots, you need to be careful. Their efficiency is not proven, and they can even irritate your skin depending on how they’re used.

Laser Therapy:

Laser procedures, like intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional laser therapy, have the capability to focus on melanin within areas of hyperpigmentation, helping reduce their appearance. Typically, these procedures are done by dermatologists or trained practitioners.

Skincare Routine:

Follow a skincare routine that specifically targets this concern by choosing cleansers, serums, moisturisers and a sunscreen that can help fade and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.

Before starting any treatment, it’s a good idea to talk to a dermatologist if you’re unsure about the cause of your spots, or to find out the most suitable approach for your skin type and the severity of your dark spots. And remember, consistent sun protection is key to preventing new dark spots from forming and to maintaining your overall skin health.

Reduce Dark Spots on Face

NIVEA Luminous630
Skincare Routine to Reduce Dark Spots:

Cleanse:

Start your skincare routine with a gentle facial cleanse, effectively removing impurities and prepping your skin for the next steps. This first step makes sure your skin is clean and ready to soak in the benefits of the rest of your skincare products.

Serum:

Apply a serum that can help brighten your skin and fade dark spots. The NIVEA Luminous630 Dark Spot Advance Serum formula contains Thiamidol® to target existing pigmentation, lighten spots and reduce their size. Dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types, it offers you a gentle and approved approach to skincare.

For men, the NIVEA MEN 2 in 1 Anti-Dark Spots Anti-Age Power Serum can help tackle dark spots. It is formulated with Luminous630 (previous denomination for Thiamidol®) and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, combat wrinkles and reduce the size of brown marks. The serum offers a convenient solution for men looking for effective anti-dark spot care.

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Hand holding a pump bottle of NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Age and Spot Serum against a blue sky

Moisturise:

Choose a moisturiser that effectively hydrates your skin without clogging pores. Keeping your skin properly hydrated can significantly improve the way it looks and feels.

A day cream offers essential moisture and hydration throughout the day to help maintain your skin's natural barrier. When you pick a day cream that contains UV filters and antioxidants, it helps protect against external factors such as UV rays, pollution and everyday stressors, which can all play a role in the development of dark spots and other skin concerns. The NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Dark Spot Daily UV Fluid is a lightweight moisturiser that not only works gradually to minimise the visibility of dark spots but also helps prevent the appearance of new dark spots thanks to its SPF 50.

At night, it's helpful to support your skin's renewal process by using a night cream. Go for a night cream infused with ingredients that can help reduce the visibility of dark spots while you sleep. The NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Dark Spot Even Tone Night Cream contains cell-activating Hyaluronic Acid to plump wrinkles and Thiamidol® to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. The formula also supports your skin's overnight regeneration.

Sunscreen:

Throughout the day, it's essential to protect your skin from the sun and harmful UV rays by using a sunscreen with a high SPF. Sun exposure can further darken your dark spots.

The NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Dark Spot Control Fluid helps prevent and visibly reduces sun-induced spots by protecting your delicate facial skin against UV rays. Its light and non-greasy fluid formula contains Thiamidol®, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E and offers a refreshing feel and a smooth skin finish.

Smiling woman holding NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+ beside her cheek

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Body care for dark spots:

Dark spots can also show up on your body, especially on areas like your shoulders, chest, arms and back. Adding a dedicated body care step can help improve your overall skin tone and reduce visible marks.

The NIVEA Luminous630 Anti Stretch Marks range with Thiamidol (previously called Luminous 630) is specially formulated to address both stretch marks and dark spots on the body. Thiamidol, a patented active ingredient, is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots and help prevent their reappearance with consistent use. It also helps even out differences in skin tone so stretch marks look less visible.

This targeted range includes two body-care products: an anti-dark spots and anti-stretch marks cream and a body oil-serum, specially designed for stretch marks. Apply daily to areas of concern for best results. Use only one Luminous630/Thiamidol-containing product per day on your body.

Optional weekly exfoliation:

1–3 times a week, gently exfoliate your skin to help remove dead skin cells and improve how well your skincare products work. Exfoliation can help speed up the skin's natural turnover process, which, over time, can help fade dark spots.

The NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Exfoliant Liquid 100ml, formulated with 4% AHA, 1% PHA and soothing Aloe Vera, provides gentle yet effective exfoliation to help refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores and leave your complexion looking brighter and more even.

Just be careful not to over-exfoliate, as that can irritate your skin.

Smiling woman holding a bottle of NIVEA Luminous Skin Glow Liquid Refiner with 4% AHA and PHA beside her cheek

By including NIVEA’s Luminous skincare products in your daily routine, you can improve the look of your dark spots and help prevent new spots from forming in future.

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Luminous630 Instant Glow Serum

The NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum is an efficient dark spots skincare product formulated with Thiamidol® – NIVEA’s patented active proven to reduce pigmentation and visibly even out skin tone. With additional skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, it deeply hydrates the outer layers of your skin while targeting the root causes of hyperpigmentation.

This lightweight serum is suitable for all skin tones and works effectively to fade existing dark spots and prevent their reappearance. With consistent use, it helps reveal a more radiant, smooth and even-looking complexion in just a few weeks.

Amber dropper bottle of NIVEA Luminous630 Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum with Thiamidol on a blue background

How to prevent
dark spots on skin?

Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented – some occur naturally due to age and other internal factors. However, black and brown spots on skin that are caused by sun damage can be prevented. Here are some simple tips to help you prevent brown patches on your skin caused by the sun:

1
Use sunscreen
Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots. By using a high SPF sunscreen every day, you can help prevent your skin from becoming damaged and keep it as healthy as possible to fight the formation of dark spots on the skin.

2
Cover up
Black or brown spots on your face, neck and other overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun. Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to give your face and neck some extra protection from the sun.

3
Avoid the midday sun
The sun is at its strongest and most intense during midday and early afternoon, increasing the risk of sun damage and the chance of developing black and brown spots on the skin. To protect your skin, try to stay in the shade during these times and enjoy the sun in the early morning or late afternoon when it isn’t as harsh.

By following these simple preventive steps and making sun protection a daily habit, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing dark spots and keep your skin looking healthier and more youthful over time.

Discover NIVEA Sun Products

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Summary

Dark spots are a common skin concern, often appearing on sun-exposed areas such as your face, hands, back and chest. The good news is that they can be managed with a dedicated skincare routine, helping you reduce and prevent them over time.

Consistency is key – especially with the regular use of sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent existing dark spots from getting darker.

While dark spots are generally not dangerous, it’s strongly recommended that you get any new or changing skin discolouration checked by a dermatologist to rule out serious skin conditions.