Dark spots can be caused by two distinct processes occurring at the same time – one on your skin, the other beneath it. These two processes are:
Sun damage
Glycation
When the sun’s harmful UV rays hit your skin, your skin responds by producing melanin – a protective molecule that helps shield skin from further damage. Melanin is also responsible for giving skin its color – more melanin means a darker tan. But over several years, “pockets” of melanin begin to form, which contribute to forming dark spots.
Glycation occurs when excess sugar in your body binds to the protein molecules in your skin, and forms what are known as Advanced Glycation End-products – or A.G.E.s. A.G.E.s are also a major culprit when it comes to many forms of skin damage – including dark spots. Sun damage is what everyone typically thinks of as the primary cause of dark spots…but glycation is equally important…and unless you address that process as well, you probably won’t effectively diminish your dark spots.*