Retinol and Retinoid creams and serums
Another among the latest entrants in the market, Retinoids are a stronger form of Retinol which contain other critical ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid and retinoic acid, which speed up skin exfoliation, and encourage to accelerate cell turnover and skin growth. Its usage could also result in skin becoming sensitive to the sun so, it is also extremely important to wear a sunscreen before moving outdoors in the sun. Moreover, you will have to keep using such a retinoid based cream till at least a couple of months before seeing any progressive results.Latest fad - Hydroquinone serums and creams
Today the most talked about solution for dark spots is hydroquinone. Its topical application is what makes it the darling of every skin doctor and specialist. Right from celebs to commoners, it is finding acceptance everywhere. While many from the skin specialist and health fraternity find it safe, since its widely used, it still poses grave dangers at higher concentrations. For instance, in countries such as South Africa, it's not unlawful for use whereas in places such as Canada it is considered lethal. However it is important to note that the global Environmental Working Group states that besides being an allergen it is a human skin toxicant. To be on the safer side it is highly advised to use creams and serums containing hydroquinone on a temporary basis. If its usage causes discomfort to your skin or any irritation it is advised to stop immediately and consult a skin specialist for safer alternatives.Skin laser treatments and peeling strips
Another increasingly popular mode of treatment for dark spots is through topical laser treatment which helps diminish darker areas of the skin by using focussed laser therapy, and burns to peel off the skin layer after layer to reveal lighter skin beneath. It is basically about removing the topmost layers of the dark spots to reveal a lighter complexion. However, we must understand that such therapies that peel off the topmost layers, also mean that the inner skin becomes exposed and can be prone to irritation. Take a look at some of the side effects associated with this therapy. To start off with it may cause:- Inflammation
- Skin infection
- Bruising of the skin
- Leaving back scars
- Redness of skin
- And more
Some Natural Answers
Though the market is filled with chemical derivatives, there are still some solutions that can guarantee a safe and healthy treatment for dark spots. Some of these OTC or over the counter offerings contain natural derivatives which can be as follows -- Vitamin C
- Pomegranate Extracts
- Licorice Extracts
- Azelaic Acid
- Beta Carotene
Prevention is better than cure
It is a no brainer that preventing dark spots is the best way to cure it. Today people don't realise that the impact of such skin lightening creams and serums available in the market are far lesser than the damage they can do to the skin. So preventing dark spots that are in our control are the best way to deal with them.Your dermatologist is your best friend when it comes to choosing the right product for your skin. It is highly recommended that anyone using such skin abrasion techniques or products must wear a sunscreen to counter the side-effects of moving out in the sun. unheeding this advise can lead to an aggravation of the spots after initial removal. Since prevention is better than cure here are a few alternatives that can play an important role in warding off dark spots and keeping your skin blemish-free. Let us first understand why Indians have dark spots on their skin. It is primarily due to the excessive production and concentration of melanin in the skin. Since these cells are found in the topmost layer of our skin, it is prone to discoloration and dark spots. Another primary factor that causes dark spots on the skin is the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun which causes these spots as well as photo-aging. So as mentioned earlier the choice of a good sunscreen along with the right serums can help alleviate and prevent such issues. There are certain products available in the market that can stop dark spots in its tracks. For instance, Mitchell USA Intense Dark Spot Remover is an excellent choice when it comes to getting rid of dark spots on the face. As a topical application product by Mitchell USA it also contains the anti-aging properties of Sacred Lotus seed extracts, which probably makes it the only dark spot remover in the world with anti-aging properties.
If you are looking at a sunscreen, one effective option is the triple-action sunscreen with a good SPF by Mitchell USA. Yes, the Age Prevention Sunscreen is a triple-action cream that not only protects from the blazing sun, but also acts as a moisturizer and an anti-aging cream, thanks to Sacred Lotus seed extracts. Not only this, the sunscreen has an SPF of 45 to protect from broad spectrum harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun, and is absolutely water-proof and oil-free. 
So pay attention, do lots of patch testing and weigh your choices before zeroing in on the right one thats absolutely safe and harmless for your skin.
