Dark spots can appear on our skin from time to time for many reasons. We sometimes call them sun spots, or age spots, depending on the underlying cause. There is no need for concern; sometimes, we want to reduce them.
Carrier oils such as avocado, evening primrose, and rosehip can help reduce the dark spots on our skin. But which are the best carrier oils for dark spots?
Before we jump into the best carrier oils for dark spots, let’s look at what dark spots are and what causes them.
What are Dark Spots?
Dark spots on the skin are called hyperpigmentation. It happens when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. Melanin is what gives our eyes, skin, and hair their color.
What Causes Dark Spots
Dark spots can be caused by spending large amounts of time in the sun. Changes in the levels of hormones in our bodies can also cause them. There are different types of hyperpigmentation like sunspots, dark spots, freckles, and melasma (dark spots during pregnancy). They are generally nothing to worry about; however, always check with your doctor to ensure they are not something more sinister.
Our Best Carrier Oils for Dark Spots List
Grapeseed Oil
On top of our list of best carrier oils for dark spots is Grapeseed oil. It can brighten the skin, as well as tone and soothe it. Grapeseed oil is made from grape seeds, byproducts of the winemaking process. It is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that can reduce dark spots.
Shi et al (2003) found that grape seed “is beneficial in many areas of health because of its antioxidant effect to bond with collagen, promoting youthful skin, cell health, and elasticity.” In addition, this oil is light and easily absorbed, and it isn’t likely to clog your pores.
Evening Primrose Oil
Next on our list of best carrier oils for dark spots is Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). It is rich in omega-6 essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). These properties give Evening Primrose Oil its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and soothing qualities. It can help to even out the skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. In addition, evening Primrose is unlikely to clog your pores, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
Avocado Oil
Extracted from the seed of the avocado, Avocado Oil is nourishing for the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids such as Palmitoleic Acid, which can reduce signs of aging such as dark spots. In addition, it is hydrating and soothing to the skin, leaving it feeling nourished and youthful.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a great choice to help reduce dark spots on the skin. It can cleanse and freshen the skin. It can soften scars and hyperpigmentation, leaving the skin soothed and moisturized. It is a rich, thick oil that leaves a glossy sheen on the skin, so best used as a part of your nighttime skincare routine. Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and cleansing.
Jojoba Oil
Pronounced ho-ho-ba, this oil is technically a waxy liquid closely resembling our skin’s oil called sebum. Jojoba is rich in essential fatty acids such as oleic and palmitoleic acid, as well as Vitamins E and B, all of which help with signs of aging. In addition, the complex Vitamin B’s within Jojoba oil help regulate skin pigment production and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid), which give it its ability to soften skin and improve skin barrier function. It is noted for its skin brightening properties, helping diminish dark spots and other signs of aging.
Sweet Almond Oil
Last, and by no means least on our list of best carrier oils for dark spots, is Sweet Almond Oil. Sweet Almond Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins such as A, D, and E. It is calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory. Sweet Almond Oil soothes and rejuvenates skin and can be used to improve complexion and skin tone.
Safety: Anyone with a nut allergy should avoid Sweet Almond Oil.
Other Treatment Options
There are many additional treatment options for dark spots on the skin. They include laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. However, other treatment options can be aggressive, expensive, and have higher risks.
The best treatment option will depend on the size and location of the dark spot. These treatments cannot be done at home and require a consultation with a trained dermatologist.
Prevention of Dark Spots
It is not always possible to stop the appearance of dark spots. However, applying sunscreen before going out into the sun can help. Also, make sure you wear a hat and pop on some sunglasses.
Regularly check your skin to monitor the appearance of dark spots. If you notice any changes in your dark spots, see your doctor and get it investigated immediately.
Recipes for Best Carrier Oils for Dark Spots
Lighten Up Oil
- 1 oz Rosehip oil (Rosa canina)
- 3 drops of Lemon essential oil (Citrus Limon)
- 3 drops of Carrot Seed essential oil (Daucus carota)
Method of Use: Combine all ingredients in a dark bottle, and shake gently. Add a few drops to your fingers and rub gently on the face focusing on the areas with the dark spots. Use morning and evening.
Safety: Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Luscious Lightening Oil
- 1oz Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
- ¼ oz Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
- ¼ oz Rosehip Oil (Rosa canina)
- ½ oz Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)
- 6 drops of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata)
- 5 drops of Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
- 3 drops of Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 1 drop of Carrot Seed essential oil (Daucus carota)
Method of Use: Combine all ingredients in a dark bottle, and shake gently. Add a few drops to your fingers and rub gently on the face focusing on the areas with the dark spots. Use morning and evening.
Safety: Not suitable for use in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. (Rose)
Night Lightning Oil
- ½ oz Grapeseed Oil (Vitus vinifera)
- ½ oz Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)
- ½ oz Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
- ½ oz Rosehip Oil (Rosa canina)
- 3 drops of Carrot Seed essential oil (Daucus carota)
- 3 drops of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata)
- 3 drops of Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Method of Use: Combine all ingredients in a dark bottle, and shake gently. Add a few drops to your fingers and rub gently on the face focussing on the areas with the dark spots. Use every evening.
Safety: Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Conclusion
We don’t need to worry about dark spots or hyperpigmentation. But if it concerns you, don’t stress; we have plenty of options to help reduce them. Our list of the best carrier oils for dark spots will help loosen them and lighten them up. So give them a try - it will take time and the consistent application of the oils to provide you with the best results.
