How frustrating is it to have dark spots and patches pop up on your skin? Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, result from an overproduction of melanin. Dermatologists offer treatments such as chemical peels and laser therapy, but topical treatments can be effective and less invasive (and less expensive).  

The primary causes of melanin overproduction are:

• sun exposure which triggers melanocytes (melanin forming cells)
• inflammation (acne, eczema, injury)
• melasma (hyperpigmentation from hormones - pregnancy/birth control, aging)
• some medications, and
• genetics

These conditions result in brown or gray-brown patches in the skin. Some causes of discolorations such as melasma and genetics can't be cured, but can be managed and discolorations reduced.

Science has identified several compounds in plant based ingredients that work by doing one or all of these functions:

• inhibit melanin production and tyrosinase production (an enzyme crucial for melanin production) 
• disperse melanin in the skin to reduce and/or eliminate discoloration, and
• inhibit free radicals that trigger melanin production. 

What are the topical natural compounds that can manage and reduce these patches? The compounds that perform these functions can be found in many botanicals, so check your skincare labels for these ingredients:

• Glabridin - This compound is primarily found in licorice root and studies have shown it to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase, and lightening discolorations. Licorice root also contains liquiritin, which disperses melanin and has UV-absorbing properties, proving effective in studies for melasma treatments.
  
  
• Catechins - These compounds inhibit tyrosinase, and eliminate free radicals to reduce melanin production. The greatest concentration of these powerful antioxidant flavonoids are found in green and white tea, but are also found in almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, apples and berries.
  
  
• Vitamin C - This important vitamin inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin. Rosehip and sea buckthorn are high in Vitamin C, and guava extract contains more Vitamin C than oranges. Sweet potato extract also has a high concentration of this important antioxidant, along with extracts from hibiscus, black currents, and acerola cherries.
  
  
• Vitamin B3 - Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) regulates melanin production and inhibits its transfer to skin cells, preventing darks spots from forming. By supporting skin cell turnover and promoting the shedding of pigmented cells, it helps maintain an even skin tone. Vitamin B3 is found in yeast extract, mushroom extracts and rice water.
  
  
• Punicalagin - Pomegranate extract contains punicalagin, a polyphenol, and ellagic acid, which prevent melanin formation and offer UV protection.
  
  
• Turmeric (curcumin) - This extract also reduces dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase.
• Kojic Acid - This compound is found in fermented rice water and has been used for centuries to inhibit tyrosinase and lighten skin tone.

If you are looking to reduce those unsightly age spots on your skin, these oils and extracts will help to, over time, reduce melanin production and lighten discolorations, giving you a much clearer skin tone.