• 1. Causes of Dark Spots on Legs
• 2. How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Legs
• 3. Clinical and Salon Treatments for Dark Spots
• 4.  Prevention of Dark Spots on Legs
• 5. Should You Talk to a Doctor?
• 6. FAQs: What you Want to Know About Dark Spots on Legs

Causes of Dark Spots on Legs

Hyperpigmentation can pop up on any body part, usually as a result of aging or in response to inflammation - especially sun exposure. That’s also true for dark spots on the legs!

The primary factor that causes or worsens most dark spots is sun exposure. You can end up with a few dark spots immediately after getting a sunburn, but cumulative sun exposure over time can also cause them to suddenly pop up, especially as you get older.

That said, even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the sun, there are other factors that can lead to dark spots on the legs. Irritation from shaving and waxing can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the same kind of black spots you can get after popping a pimple. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, it’s common to end up with dark spots even once the hair is released and the follicle heals.

If you have other skin conditions, like eczema, the inflammation can also lead to dark spots, as can inflammation from constant friction and rubbing, especially in the upper thighs.

how to get rid of dark spots on legs

Just like your face, your body also benefits from a skincare routine that’s a little more involved than just washing it with some soap. When it comes to dark spots on the legs, your post-shower lotion and cream can actually dramatically reduce the visibility of those discolored marks.

Here are the key products and ingredients you need to look for:

• Sunscreen is mandatory every time you bare your legs. Otherwise, no matter what kind of ingredients you use, the sun’s continued assault will still cause the black spots to become even darker and more pigmented.
• Vitamin A/retinoids are incredible ingredients that are most popular in skincare for acne-prone skin or premature aging. They’re incredibly useful for improving skin tone, as well, since they encourage visibly comprehensive renewal, making sure that the skin appearing on the surface is young and healthy.
• Glycolic acid is the next best ingredient to introduce for reducing the appearance of dark knees and legs. It’s a gentle exfoliating molecule that removes dead skin completely yet gently. By eliminating the pigmented dead skin cells at the surface, glycolic acid encourages renewal and helps reveal clear, even-toned skin. As a bonus, it’ll also make your skin smoother and help reduce the visibility of cellulite and stretch marks.
• Vitamin C is another popular skin brightener. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to help with a few types of pigmentation, and may also help give your legs a brightening boost.

Not sure where to start? We created our Evertone Dark Spot Treatment Duo to fade the visible signs of hyperpigmentation on your legs or other body parts with ease. It features a targeted blend of all of these skin-brightening ingredients, to renew and transform your legs to smoothness.

Clinical and Salon Treatments for Dark Spots

If you want faster results, you can also consider boosting your at-home dark spot routine with some salon or clinical treatments. Normally, professional treatments to reduce dark spots focus on targeting the specific marks or resurfacing the skin through powerful exfoliation. They include chemical peels, microdermabrasions, and even laser resurfacing treatments.

 Laser hair removal is another clinical salon treatment worth considering, especially if your dark spots are caused by irritation from shaving. It works by targeting the hair follicle and permanently reducing hair growth. It saves you irritation while also preventing ingrown hairs.

It’s important to choose your provider carefully, regardless of the clinical treatment. In the wrong hands, these powerful treatments can end up causing more harm than good, and there’s a risk that an experienced provider could burn or irritate the skin, making dark spots seem worse.

Prevention of Dark Spots on Lower Legs

If you’d like to prevent brown spots on your legs from returning, there are a few preventative habits you’ll need to follow consistently:

• Always apply sunscreen or wear UPF-rated clothing when going out in the sun.
• Avoid any hair removal methods that leave your skin irritated or cause ingrown hairs. .
• If you shave, make sure to do so gently, always using a cushioning shaving cream and a sharp razor that’s less likely to irritate.
• Exfoliate regularly to prevent dead skin buildup and to encourage your skin to renew itself in a healthy way. Our Evertone Body Exfoliator includes coffee powder and oils to keep your skin looking firm, supple, and smooth while also helping to reduce the look of cellulite.
• Find ways to reduce rubbing and friction against your skin by wearing soft, comfortable clothing or using barrier creams.
• Moisturize regularly to keep your skin strong and fortified. Look for creams like our Evertone Body Shaper, which features soothing green tea and caffeine to keep dark spot-causing irritation at bay.

Should You Talk to a Doctor? 

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between plain old dark spots on the legs and melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Thankfully, the American Academy of Dermatology has released its ABCDES of Melanoma, which is an excellent guide for knowing when you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. That said, consider having your doctor look at your skin for signs of skin cancer as part of your yearly checkup.