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Dark spots can emerge due to hyperpigmentation, hair follicles piercing the skin, clogged follicles, or ingrown hairs. If you notice dark hair follicles beneath the skin after shaving, the best options are waxing or plucking. Dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation (excess pigment leading to darker skin) often fade naturally within a few months, but there are steps you can take to lighten the skin more quickly. Consult a dermatologist if the dark spots persist after trying home remedies.
Steps
Use Natural Home Remedies
Try Waxing or Plucking. Dark spots that appear after shaving may result from freshly shaved hair follicles piercing the skin. If the cause is the hair follicles beneath the skin, consider waxing or plucking the area to eliminate the dark spots.
Apply sunscreen daily. Remember to use broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside, especially when the area with dark spots is exposed to sunlight. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Unprotected sun exposure can worsen dark spots.
Use vitamin C serum to fade dark spots. Over-the-counter vitamin C serum can brighten dark spots without affecting the surrounding skin. Cleanse your skin, apply a small amount of serum, and follow up with sunscreen.
Use licorice root extract to lighten dark spots. Look for skincare products containing licorice root extract with liquiritin. Applying the cream daily (1g per day) for a month can help brighten dark spots.
- It’s best to consult a doctor before using licorice root extract or other herbal remedies, especially if you have health conditions like diabetes. Avoid licorice root if you are pregnant or planning to be.
- Licorice root is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate skin issues.
Shave to prevent dark spots
Wet your skin before shaving. Avoid shaving on dry skin! Water softens the skin and hair, making shaving easier. Rinse your skin or at least wet it before using a razor.
Apply shaving gel. Use gel or cream while shaving. Opt for products designed for sensitive skin if necessary.
- Standing hair and moist skin make shaving easier. A razor is less likely to cause skin irritation or ingrown hairs.
Use a sharp razor. Avoid using dull blades. Dispose of disposable razors or replace blades after 5-7 uses.
- Consider switching to an electric razor and leaving a bit of stubble if possible.
Shave gently in the direction of hair growth. No matter where you’re shaving, always go with the grain. Shaving against the grain can lead to ingrown hairs and razor burn.
- Shaving with the grain means moving the razor from the tip to the root of the hair, rather than the opposite.
- Rinse the razor with hot water after each stroke to prevent hair buildup between the blades.
Rinse your skin with cool water. Hot water can irritate the skin, so rinse off hair and cream with cool water after shaving.
- Store the razor outside the bathroom to let it dry completely.
Consult a dermatologist
Ask your family doctor for a dermatologist referral. If dark spots persist for months and home remedies don’t work, seek medical intervention. Call your family doctor to request a dermatologist referral. You can also find a dermatologist using the search tool on the American Academy of Dermatology’s website: https://find-a-derm.aad.org/
- Contact your insurance company to ensure skin care services are covered. Ask if prior approval is needed for specialized medical care or if they can recommend an in-network provider.
Discuss your skincare routine with the dermatologist. Inform the dermatologist about your shaving habits, skincare routine, and the products you use. This can help them determine the best treatment for you.
- Be prepared to discuss your diet, sun exposure, sunscreen use, and any skin-lightening products you’ve tried.
- If your job requires clean-shaven skin but you’re prone to ingrown hairs, ask your employer if a dermatologist’s note can exempt you from daily shaving.
Rule out other medical causes. Even if you’re certain the dark spots are from shaving, work with your doctor and dermatologist to rule out other causes. Hyperpigmentation can have underlying issues.
- Common causes of dark spots include ingrown hairs, mild or chronic bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, and diet. The dermatologist will explain the necessary steps, which may involve changing your shaving routine or diet.
- Discuss your current health conditions, as the doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment.
Ask the dermatologist about treatment options. The doctor may prescribe skin-lightening creams, recommend laser or light therapy, or suggest chemical peels. Note that chemical peels require 2-3 days at home, as your skin will peel for several days after the procedure.
- You can purchase 2% hydroquinone cream, but consult your dermatologist first.
- These treatments are often considered cosmetic, so they may not be covered by insurance and can be costly.
