Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Use homemade natural remedies
• Method 2 of 3: Prevent Stains
• Method 3 of 3: See a dermatologist

Dark spots appear as a result of hyperpigmentation or the appearance of a hair follicle on the surface of the skin. Hyperpigmentation is common in people with darker skin tones. If dark hair follicles are visible under the skin after shaving, it is best to remove them with wax or tweezers. Post-shave hyperpigmentation is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PHP). These dark spots usually go away on their own after a few months. There are also many home remedies that can help you lighten the affected areas in a shorter time. Change your approach to prevent shaving irritation and ingrown hairs that lead to hyperpigmentation. If the measures taken prevent you from getting rid of dark spots, then see a dermatologist.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use homemade natural remedies

1. 1 Use wax or pluck your hair. Dark spots after shaving can be caused by hyperpigmentation or the appearance of follicles of recently shaved hairs right on the surface of the skin. If the cause of dark spots is subcutaneous hairs, use wax depilation or remove dark follicles with tweezers.
   • Hyperpigmentation will take a little longer as small areas of the skin change color due to irritation or inflammation. Acne, ingrown hairs, and bacterial infections are common causes.
2. 2 Apply sunscreen daily to the affected area. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside, especially if the affected area is not hidden from the sun's rays. Choose a cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Exposing unprotected skin to sunlight will only make the situation worse.
3. 3 Use lemon juice to lighten dark spots. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl or small container. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and treat the affected area. Lemon juice should be applied to dark spots twice a day to gently lighten dark spots.
   • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than packaged commercial juice.
   • Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural exfoliating agent. New skin cells will no longer have the hyperpigmentation that occurs after shaving.
4. 4 Use a vitamin C whitening cream. An over-the-counter vitamin C whitening cream works in a similar way to freshly squeezed lemon juice.Lemon juice is easier and cheaper to use, but a store-bought cream will protect your skin from the dryness and irritation that lemon juice can cause.
   • Go to a pharmacy or beauty store and buy a cream with a vitamin C content of 5 to 10%.
5. 5 Use aloe vera. If you are growing aloe vera, cut off a small piece of the plant and scrape off the gelatinous sap that separates from the cut of the leaf. If you don't have an aloe plant in your home, you can buy 100% aloe vera gel from your drugstore or beauty store. Apply the gel to the affected area, leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash off with cold water.
   • Apply aloe juice or gel to the darkened areas twice a day.
   • Aloe contains natural substances that reduce inflammation and repair the skin.
6. 6 Use licorice root extract. Purchase a ready-to-use licorice root ointment and apply to dark spots as directed on the package. You can also make your own ointment. Boil 1.5 liters of water with 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root. Reduce heat, cover container and simmer slowly for 40 minutes. Apply to skin with a tissue paper or cold compress.
   • Before using licorice root and other herbal extracts, discuss with your doctor, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes. Do not use licorice root if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
   • Licorice root is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and aids in treating skin problems.

Method 2 of 3: Prevent Stains

1. 1 Don't shave dry skin. Always shave only when showering or bathing, or immediately afterwards, regardless of body part. Warm water weakens the hair structure and lifts it above the skin, which significantly reduces irritation. In addition, always use a shaving cream or gel to lubricate your skin.
   • Do not shave using soap and water.
2. 2 Apply and leave the cream on for one minute before shaving. Apply shaving cream or gel and wait about a minute before shaving. During this time, the cream or gel will reach the base of each hair shaft. Thus, each individual hair will be slightly raised, and the skin will be moisturized, so that the razor will not cause such irritation or the appearance of ingrown hairs.
3. 3 Use a sharp razor. Do not shave with blunt blades. Change your shaver after every 3-6 uses, or more often. Check the condition of the lubricating strip on the shaver before shaving. Use a new razor if the strip is worn or the blades are dull.
4. 4 Shave gently in the direction of hair growth. Any area should be shaved in the direction of hair growth. If you shave against hair growth, the razor will pull the hair out, cause ingrown hairs and irritation, and leave cuts on the skin. All of these problems exacerbate hyperpigmentation. Proceed slowly and carefully, and do not apply excessive pressure to the shaver.
   • Rinse the razor with hot water every few shaving strokes to prevent excess cut hair from accumulating in the blades.
5. 5 Rinse your skin after shaving. When you are finished shaving, wash the shaved area with mild soap or gel. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry with a towel.
   • Do not use products containing alcohol. You can use a natural remedy like witch hazel or tea tree oil, which should be applied to freshly shaved skin.
6. 6 Apply after shave balm or moisturizing lotion. An after-shave moisturizer promotes skin regeneration and prevents irritation. Apply a small amount of balm or lotion, but try not to overly moisturize the skin - a thick layer of the product can clog pores and weigh down individual hair shafts, causing ingrown hairs.

Method 3 of 3: See a dermatologist

1. 1 See your local doctor for a referral to a dermatologist. If your dark spots persist in a few months and home remedies don't work, try to find a medical solution. Make an appointment with a therapist for a referral to a dermatologist, or see a specialist in one of the private clinics.
   • If you have voluntary health insurance (VHI), call your insurance company to see if your insurance includes a dermatologist. Clarify all the details and get a list of specialists.
2. 2 Talk to your dermatologist about your skin care routine. Tell us about how you shave, what products you use to care for your skin, and what actions you perform. If you are concerned about the underarm area, ask for another antiperspirant or deodorant.
   • Also, be prepared to discuss your diet, sun exposure, sunscreen, and other over-the-counter medications.
3. 3 Eliminate medical causes. Talk to your doctor about possible medical causes, even if you believe the problem is caused by shaving. Get a complete blood count and take your medical record so the dermatologist can make the most accurate diagnosis.
   • Ingrown hairs, minor and chronic bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, and poor diet are common causes of dark spots. Your dermatologist can help you make the best decisions (such as changing your shaving routine or diet).
   • Communicate any existing medical problems so the dermatologist can choose the right course of action.
4. 4 Ask for a prescription for depigmentation. A dermatologist may prescribe a cream that contains hydroquinone, mequinol, or retinoids. The type and concentration of the drug will depend on your skin type.
   • Keep in mind that the price of these drugs varies widely. Moreover, the effectiveness of the drug does not always depend on its price. Be sure to ask your doctor how much your prescribed medications cost and ask for cheaper alternatives.
5. 5 Do not use over-the-counter products with high concentrations of these products. Some over-the-counter ointments and creams contain hydroquinone or retinol, but they should only be used after consulting a local doctor or dermatologist. In particular, it is best not to use over-the-counter drugs with more than 2 percent hydroquinone.
   • OTC products high in hydroquinone can have dangerous side effects.