Discolorations and red spots are among the most common skin problems. However, most changes can be lightened or completely removed if you use the right methods. In this article, you will learn how to effectively fight discolorations and red spots – from home remedies to professional treatments.
Discolorations and red spots – key differences
What are skin discolorations and how do they form?
Skin discolorations are divided into two categories: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation it is an excessive accumulation of melanin leading to darker spots. This group includes melasma, sun spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory discolorations after acne. It is the most common type and responds best to treatment.
Hypopigmentation it is a reduction in melanin production resulting in lighter spots. It includes vitiligo, albinism, or post-inflammatory discolorations. These changes are more difficult to treat.
Discolorations can be superficial (in the epidermis) or deeper (in the dermis). Shallow ones respond faster to treatment, deeper ones require more intensive therapy [1] [2].
What are red spots and where do they come from?
Red spots are changes related to the dilation of blood vessels, inflammation, or tissue damage. They are not caused by overproduction of melanin but by increased blood flow or damage to the skin's protective barrier.
They are divided into:
- vascular spots – hemangiomas, spider veins,
- petechial spots – blood extravasation under the skin,
- spots related to hyperemia – erythema in infections or allergies.
Red spots can be temporary (disappear after the cause subsides) or permanent. Their color can be red, pink, or even purple [3] [4] [5].
Discoloration – causes, types, and prevention
The three most common types of discoloration
Melasma – large, symmetrical spots on the face related to hormonal changes and sun exposure. One of the most difficult types of discoloration, often returns after treatment. Dermatologists consider melasma a type of photoaging [6].
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – dark marks from acne, wounds, burns. They form when inflammation stimulates melanocytes. Over time they fade on their own, but this process can take months [7].
Age spots – small, brown spots on hands, face, décolleté. Effect of years of UV exposure, can appear as early as age 20 if someone tans often or is exposed to the sun [8] [9].
Main causes of discoloration
- UV radiation – main cause, stimulates melanocytes to overproduce melanin [10],
- hormonal changes – pregnancy, contraception, menopause [11],
- inflammatory conditions – acne, eczema, burns [12],
- aging – melanocytes act less evenly [13],
- drugs – some antibiotics, antimalarial drugs [14].
How to prevent discoloration?
- Use SPF 30-50 every day, even in winter – UVA radiation penetrates clouds and glass, even when it’s cold.
- Do not touch or squeeze acne lesions, it may only worsen inflammation.
- Introduce antioxidants (vitamin C, niacinamide) into daily care, which neutralize free radicals formed under UV and pollution, protecting melanocytes from excessive stimulation [15].
- Avoid irritating treatments in summer – peels and lasers increase skin photosensitivity.
SEE ALSO: How should facial skin care look after thirty?
Red spots – causes and prevention
Mild causes and more serious conditions
Contact allergies, stress, insect bites, sun reactions – these are temporary body responses. After removing the cause, symptoms subside within a few days. However, red spots are often also associated with infections (fungal, viral, bacterial), autoimmune diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis), vascular problems. These require diagnosis and medical treatment.
How to prevent red spots?
- Avoid allergens in cosmetics – choose hypoallergenic products, free from artificial fragrances and preservatives that irritate the skin.
- Manage stress – chronic stress worsens the condition of skin and vessels. Stress hormones dilate blood vessels.
- Use gentle care – avoid aggressive cosmetics, hot water, and strong peels. Choose products with panthenol, allantoin, aloe.
- Protect yourself from the sun (SPF) – UV intensifies redness and damages vessels, especially with couperose skin and rosacea.
- Avoid alcohol and spicy foods – in people prone to redness, they dilate blood vessels, intensifying the flush.
Is it possible to completely remove discolorations and red spots?
Surface discolorations respond very well to treatment – they can be lightened by 70-90% within a few months. Deep discolorations require more intensive methods and this may last a year or longer [16].
Transitional red spots (e.g., after allergy, stress, bites) disappear spontaneously after the cause subsides – usually within a few days to weeks. You can speed up this process by using soothing and anti-inflammatory cosmetics (niacinamide, centella asiatica, panthenol) [17].
SEE ALSO: Best ways to maintain youthful skin
Chronic red spots (hemangioma, telangiectasia, changes in rosacea) often require laser treatments that close dilated blood vessels. Some changes can be completely removed, others require regular maintenance treatments [18].
Red spots after acne is a type of post-inflammatory changes – fresh ones respond well to anti-inflammatory and regenerating ingredients, but without intervention, they can turn into permanent, brown discolorations [19].
Home care for discolorations
The most effective active ingredients in the fight against discolorations
- Azelaic acid (5-20%) – blocks melanin production, has anti-inflammatory effects. After 24 weeks, it significantly lightens discolorations.
- Vitamin C (10-20%) – inhibits melanin synthesis, lightens spots.
- Niacinamide (2-5%) – reduces melanin transfer, strengthens the skin barrier.
- Retinoids – accelerate exfoliation, remove cells with excess melanin.
- Arbutin – natural brightener, milder than hydroquinone [20] [21].
Daily routine preventing discoloration
Morning care should start with gentle skin cleansing – use a gel or foam without SLS, with a neutral pH. After drying the skin, apply a serum with vitamin C at a concentration of 10-20%, which will protect your skin from oxidative damage throughout the day. Then apply a light moisturizer, and finally – an absolute must-have – SPF 30-50 filter. This is the most important step in fighting discoloration, so never skip it.
In the evening, use a two-step cleansing (oil or milk, then foam) to thoroughly remove impurities and makeup. After cleansing, you can use a tone-balancing toner with niacinamide or azelaic acid. Time for a brightening serum – here you can reach for retinol, kojic acid, or arbutin, depending on your skin's tolerance. Finally, apply a regenerating cream with peptides, ceramides, or panthenol, which will work throughout the night.
About once a week, it is worth introducing a gentle enzymatic or chemical peel (AHA/BHA in low concentration), which accelerates the exfoliation of cells with excess melanin. However, remember to introduce retinoids and acids gradually – at first every 2-3 days, observing the skin's reaction. If redness or burning appears, reduce the frequency of application [22] [23].
Home care for red spots
Ingredients soothing redness
- Azelaic acid (10-20%) – reduces erythema and inflammation, effective for rosacea.
- Benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) – has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces overall redness.
- Niacinamide (5%) – soothes redness, strengthens blood vessels.
- Centella asiatica – anti-inflammatory, accelerates healing.
- Panthenol – moisturizes, soothes irritation.
Daily care preventing red spots
Skin with red spots requires special gentleness and minimalism in care. The simpler the formulas and fewer products, the better. In the morning, cleansing with a gentle gel or soap-free foam is enough, followed by application of a soothing serum with niacinamide, panthenol, or centella asiatica. Finally, apply a protective cream with SPF 30 or higher – UV radiation intensifies redness and damages vessels, so protection is key.
In the evening, use a two-step cleansing (oil, then foam) to thoroughly remove impurities without rubbing the skin. After cleansing, use an alcohol-free toner – alcohol dries and irritates couperose-prone skin. Then apply a regenerating serum with azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide (spot treatment on lesions), and finally a moisturizing cream with ceramides and lipids that rebuild the skin's protective barrier.
Be sure to avoid:
- hot water (dilates vessels and intensifies redness),
- alcohol in cosmetics (dry and irritate),
- strong mechanical peels (damage the protective barrier).
If you are thinking about introducing retinoids, do so very carefully – at high concentrations they can initially worsen redness. Focus on barrier regeneration and soothing inflammation instead of aggressive treatments [24].
Home remedies – myth or truth?
Popular methods of lightening spots or reducing red spots can be harmful. Lemon juice used on discolorations has a very acidic pH (about 2), which disrupts the skin's protective barrier. Substances in lemon increase photosensitivity, which paradoxically can deepen discolorations.
Baking soda has an alkaline pH (about 9), which destroys the skin's lipid barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Apple cider vinegar is too acidic and can even cause chemical burns.
Such home methods sound tempting (cheap, natural, accessible), but the lack of control over concentration and pH makes them unpredictable and potentially harmful. Skin is not a testing ground – it's better to invest in proven, dermatologically tested cosmetics.
Professional treatments and medical treatment
When home care does not bring the expected results after 8-12 weeks of systematic use, or when you are dealing with deep, resistant discolorations or chronic redness, it is worth considering professional treatments.
Dermatologists and medical cosmetologists have advanced methods that work faster and more effectively than home cosmetics. The key is choosing the right treatment for the type and depth of changes – so it is always worth starting with a consultation with a specialist.
Treatments for discoloration
- chemical peels – exfoliate the epidermis along with excess melanin,
- microdermabrasion – mechanical exfoliation,
- fractional laser therapy – most effective for deep discolorations,
- IPL – breaks down melanin accumulations, effective for age spots.
Treatment of red spots
- hydrocortisone ointments – for mild redness,
- antihistamines – for allergic redness,
- antifungal drugs – for fungal infections,
- vascular lasers – close dilated vessels.
LED mask – modern and safe home therapy
Unlike dubious home tricks and expensive treatments, LED light therapy is a scientifically proven method. ZENT® DermaLight™ offers four types of light:
- red (630 nm) – stimulates collagen production, smooths wrinkles, supports skin regeneration after inflammations,
- blue (415 nm) – has antibacterial effects, reduces acne, and prevents the formation of post-inflammatory spots,
- yellow (590 nm) – improves microcirculation, brightens discolorations, reduces redness, and soothes redness,
- infrared (850 nm) – penetrates the deepest, supports regeneration after injuries, and accelerates healing of post-inflammatory red spots [25].
SEE ALSO: LED phototherapy at home – benefits and applications
This is technology brought to your home straight from a professional clinic. The mask has 216 LED diodes, is ultra-lightweight (93 g), and works wirelessly. Recommended use: 3-5 sessions of 20 minutes weekly. Effects visible after 2-6 weeks.
When should you definitely see a dermatologist for discolorations or red spots?
Be sure to see a dermatologist when:
- the discoloration quickly enlarges or changes shape,
- the spot is asymmetrical, has irregular edges,
- red spots do not disappear despite treatment for 2 weeks,
- you experience symptoms such as: fever, weakness, pain,
- spots itch, hurt, or bleed,
- changes appear suddenly without an obvious cause [26] [27].
Important: Discolorations can transform into cancerous changes (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma). Early detected melanoma has over 95% chance of cure. Regular dermatological check-ups (once a year) are crucial [28].
It is worth using the well-known method of self-examination and assessment of skin changes for melanoma, the ABCDE rule, where you need to pay attention to criteria such as:
- A (Asymmetry) – asymmetrical change,
- B (Border) – irregular edges,
- C (Color) – different colors in one spot,
- D (Diameter) – diameter greater than 6 mm,
- E (Evolution) – change in size, shape, or color.
If any change meets one or more of these criteria, schedule a dermatology appointment as soon as possible [29].
Discolorations and red spots are common skin problems that can be effectively treated if you understand their cause. Most changes respond well to home care with active ingredients (azelaic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide) and modern methods like LED therapy. If you do not see improvement after 8-12 weeks, see a dermatologist. Remember: daily SPF protection is the best prevention.
FAQ – most frequently asked questions
How long does discoloration fading take?
Shallow spots: 6-12 months. Deeper ones: 12-24 months of intensive therapy. The key is patience and consistency.
Can discolorations be permanent?
Some deep discolorations are difficult to completely remove without treatments. Melasma tends to recur. The best strategy is a combination of treatment and prevention.
Can vitamin C be used for discoloration?
Yes, vitamin C (10-20%) is one of the most effective brightening ingredients. Use it in the morning before SPF. Choose products in dark, airtight packaging.
Is an LED mask effective for discoloration and red spots?
Yes, LED light therapy is a scientifically proven method.
