When to Use an Anti-Spot Serum

Most people, especially those who enjoy taking care of their skin, as well as the physical appearance of their body in general, tend to look at themselves in the mirror several times during the day, especially during daylight hours before carrying out their facial care routine. Sometimes the image that this object reflects back to us is just what we imagine, a cheerful face full of life, without imperfections or marks caused by various factors.

On other occasions, the one who looks back at us through the mirror shows spots of some kind on the face, not due to dirtiness or lack of hygiene, but because some pigments of the dermis have taken a darker tone. This can happen for many reasons, although there is always a fairly simple solution, offered to us thanks to the best and most optimal cosmetic treatments; we refer to the products to reduce spots.

Among them, one stands out for its functions and unique characteristics, the depigmenting, lightening, or anti-spot serum, a substance capable of delivering incredible results after applying it to the skin. However, there are certain times when it is a good or bad idea to use it, either because of the effects it can have on the tissue, because of the reason for the appearance of the spots, or simply because it is not the appropriate time, so it is up to us to discover when to resort to it and use it.

Another equally potent and effective presentation contains different ingredients; if you want to learn about it, we invite you to read Why use an antioxidant serum

About this product and its function

Although there are many types of serum (called “suero” in Spanish from its Latin translation), none change with respect to their functioning or main task, which is the moisturization of the skin and the retention of this moisture at deep levels, although we should not think of this as a replacement for more conventional moisturizing creams, as although similar, they work under very different methodologies, capable of harmonizing incredibly with each other.

It is a very lightweight liquid solution, with low density achieved thanks to the methods with which it is mixed and produced, using processes such as hydrolysis and ingredients that, to put it simply, weigh less than water. This achieves that the substance has a unique ability, to be absorbed by the pores almost immediately, so it does not fulfill its role gradually or on the surface of the skin, as a cream would do.

Thanks to this ability, the serum fulfills its role in the lower layers of the dermis and the hypodermis, where moisture from other products to nourish the skin would usually accumulate. Thus, its active ingredients go directly to the cells and, in the case of the anti-spot substance, to the melanin pigments that are located under the tissue, hydrating at a very different level than other cosmetic use products with this same task.

The difference between the anti-spot serum and the rest is the same variation they have from each other, since in addition to moisturizing, each one fulfills a specific function, according to the formulation with which they are produced. In the case of this one, its task is to lighten the darkened pigments for various factors, which are the cause of the appearance of spots with different tones than what our dermis naturally has.

This is achieved through different processes, such as the integration of a component called hydroxy acid, found in ascorbic acid which appears as a common ingredient of this type of solutions. This is a natural lightener, which does not simply aim to bleach the pigments, but does so through the regeneration of melanin and other particles whose degeneration or appearance causes the spots.

When to opt for the anti-spot serum

There are cases in which, no matter what we do, the spots will not reduce nor will they be eliminated, so using this type of products will become a waste of time, effort, and money, causing more than one annoyance or stressful situation for ourselves. It is important to learn to detect the probable causes of these imperfections in our dermis, so as to know whether or not we should purchase and apply the serum against spots.

First of all, we must be clear that there are two types of these spots, which can be the dark ones, where the tone of the affected area is denser than what corresponds to the dermis naturally, being common due to the pigmentation of various tissue factors. The other type would be the light spots, which usually come from the intervention of different particles that adhere to the tissue or get trapped in it, making it, so to speak, translucent and lighter.

The important thing here is that there are hundreds of interactions that can cause this imperfection, among which we can count elements as common as the action of ultraviolet rays, the coloring caused by inflammation of the capillaries or blood vessels, dark circles, bags or other pigmentations due to topical swelling; to diseases and pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, genetic alterations, eczema, and other health problems.

When not to resort to this product

If the spots appear spontaneously, accompanied by other factors that we can describe as symptomatic of some condition, such as acute pain, internal bleeding or inflamed blood vessels, suppuration or release of fluid, pus retention, skin infections, irritation or chronic inflammation, among others just as recognizable. At this point, we will appreciate that we suffer from some kind of disease or topical pathology.

Although the serum may reduce these spots, without solving or alleviating the rest of the symptoms, it will be impossible to eliminate them unless said condition or pathogen is eliminated from our body, so before resorting to the serum, we will have to visit a specialist, whether a general practitioner or a dermatologist, who will analyze and detect the causes of the disease in order to fight them.

In addition, if this is our case, it is most likely that we should first opt for consuming or applying different types of medications, prescribed by the specialist to, precisely, fight and eliminate the health problem. Many of these have some contraindications or produce alternate effects when interacting with other components, so we must avoid using cosmetic products that are absorbed through the pores and combine them with the medicine.

We also cannot opt for the serum if the spots are caused by skin injuries, such as bruises, lacerations, burns, bruises or bumps, since these appear at a level that cannot be combated in this way, so we will have to wait for them to begin to reduce naturally, before starting a cosmetic treatment.

Similarly, if they are caused by very recent scars, it is also not a good idea to apply cosmetic articles with internal action, or that are absorbed by the skin, since at this point the tissue is in full healing action. As a scar forms, the tissue is sensitive and vulnerable to alterations, so any active, property, or compound that comes into contact with it can cause its deterioration or the appearance of infections.

When it is possible to solve the spots with the serum

In the last case mentioned above, if we see that the redness and the increase in sensitivity, as well as the pain or burning response of the scars disappear, many recommend starting to use depigmenting products, which can help to make, at the end of the scarring process, these permanent marks remain more natural tones, so they will be much less noticeable on the skin.

Here we can also find the case of spots that appear due to pathogens or diseases, since once these conditions have been cured, with the appropriate medical and dermatological treatments, it is possible that the pigmentations do not disappear naturally. If so, it is now a good time to resort to our magical liquid, which will allow us to eliminate the imperfection without causing side effects.

If we talk about purely aesthetic problems, the most common dark pigments occur due to the degradation of melanin, a molecule integrated between different layers of the skin, responsible for protection against ultraviolet radiation. When contact with these rays, emitted by the sun, becomes prolonged or at times when they are more intense, melanin darkens when burned, causing pigments of lower tones.

If we go to the other side of the coin, the light spots, which are usually smaller and less noticeable, usually appear naturally due to the accumulation of keratin among the layers of the skin. This protein is always present in the most superficial areas of this organ, so its alteration is quite common and causes an increase in tonicity, clearer although opaque, at specific points.

It can be caused by a large number of factors, such as the same interaction of ultraviolet rays, pathogens and diseases, contact allergies, or the intervention of external elements, such as acids and toxic agents. However, when it comes to just the appearance of pigmentation or spots due to the accumulation of keratin, they can be easily eliminated with the help of these cosmetic products normalizing the skin tone.

If you are looking for an article perfect for the general care of the complexion, we recommend you read Why use a serum with Vit C?

The best time to use it

Now, not only must we make the decision to use it or not, according to the needs of our skin and the origin of the spots to be eliminated; but we must also take into account, once we have purchased the product, when is the best time to apply it, whether independently or in conjunction with other cosmetic elements, in order to make the most of its active ingredients.

This is because, as a serum, it does not work perfectly by itself, individually, but takes advantage of its complementary capacity, which prepares the skin by deeply moisturizing and helping in the repair of cells. Therefore, not only must we choose whether to use it daily, but the best time of day to apply it and, in case of doing so during a skincare routine, in what order it should come into contact with the delicate skin of the complexion.

Regarding the time of day

Unlike, for example, exfoliating products or invasive elements, such as botox or injections of substances such as hyaluronic acid or pure collagen, topical lighteners can be used for a prolonged period, as they will not cause any damage or side effects to the tissue, while the aforementioned can leave consequences if no breaks are taken between usage sessions.

This means that we can use it every day, as long as we have spots that need reduction or elimination; similarly, we should only apply it to the specific areas or points to be treated. This is not because they can lighten too much places where the skin tone is correct, as it does not work as a bleacher, but simply because of the fact of not wasting any of the substance by being absorbed in vain.

Therefore, if we opt for daily beauty routines, both morning and evening, for example, to put on makeup and then remove makeup at night; every time we accompany these actions with the use of moisturizing creams and anti-aging ointments, we can equally apply our serum to reduce spots, preferably combined with a cream of the same nature, in order to increase the results and minimize the time needed to obtain them.

Its order within the facial care routine

As for whether to apply it before or after another product, the answer lies in the same specifications of any serum, since as we have said, it is a substance used to prepare the dermis and support other cosmetic articles, which will benefit from the deep hydration. This is also due to the level of absorption of the serum, since unlike other creams, it only takes a couple of minutes for the liquid to penetrate the skin, without the need to wash the face afterward.

Therefore, the appropriate order of the routine should be, always start with facial cleansing, which will remove impurities that hinder absorption, followed by exfoliation, although this should not be done more than twice a week. It is at this point that we can resort to the serum, which will be absorbed correctly by a clean complexion and unobstructed pores, and then proceed with the rest of the creams, anti-imperfection ointments, tonics, and fragrances of our choice.

How to apply on the face

We have mentioned the most important part, although we must emphasize this point, for those who skip the above and go directly to the method of application. This substance is preferably used only on the areas affected by spots, as this is where we will truly take advantage of its formula; although if we also want to apply it for its moisturizing property, then we can spread it all over the face.

Even so, it is not an element that can be smeared on like a cream, or simply let fall on the skin like a tonic, since being absorbed almost immediately, as well as its so potent and concentrated composition, it requires following a more specific method for applying it to the complexion, avoiding overloading the dermis with its active ingredients and wasting them, or let the substance be absorbed by the fingers, a wipe, cotton, or a piece of cloth, in case of using them to spread.

If our product comes with a spray, atomizer, or sprayer dispenser, we must bring it quite close to the point where we want to spray the liquid, to prevent it from pouring into unwanted areas, such as the eyes or inside the mouth and nostrils. At this point, we simply press the dispenser and let it do its job, as it applies the substance neatly and in a wider area, so it does not need to be spread manually.

In the case of dropper dispensers, (dropper or pipette), which are the most common presentations for anti-spot serums, as they offer better control of the exact point where we are going to use them, the methodology changes a bit. We simply have to get into a comfortable position, which leaves the area to be treated in a horizontal way, so that the liquid does not run and spill all over the face.

Then, we let drop a small drop or two, depending on the size of the spot to be eliminated or, in case of using it for its moisturizing active ingredients, depending on the area to be treated, which can be the forehead, the nose, the chin, or any other. After leaving a couple of seconds for the absorption process to start, we can simply spread the liquid better using the tips of our fingers, a piece of cotton, or a fine and soft cloth.

Nothing better than nutrients to maintain skin health, if you are looking for a product with these qualities, perhaps you want to read about How to make a vitamin C serum at home

It is not recommended to place the drops all over the surface of the face before starting to spread, again because of the speed at which they will be absorbed, as the active ingredients will end up at the same point and will only reach in depth to that area. Therefore, the best way is to divide the face into quadrants, which can be the forehead, the cheekbones, the contour of the lips, the nose, and the cheeks, and then work them one by one.