When we talk of skin problems, most people tend to think about acne, uneven skin tone, sallow skin, and hyperpigmentation. However, another common skin problem often gets ignored – white spots on the skin. And if ignored, these can have lasting consequences that may reach out to change your skincare experience negatively.

There are many reasons why white spots appear on the skin, and it depends upon your age, your genetics, your diet, and more. They could occur when dead cells or skin proteins get trapped under the skin’s surface or due to depigmentation. In most cases, white spots are harmless and go away on their own. 

Note: Treatment of the white spots depends upon the underlying cause and prevalent condition.

What causes White Spots on Skin?

Many reasons cause white spots on the skin. While some could be genetic or environment-induced, even lifestyle factors can contribute to the white spots on the skin. It is worth noting that some of these factors may work alone or in conjunction to offer a series of varied results.

Let’s have a look at some of the causes. 

1. Sun Spots

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH), also known as sun spots, is one of the most common causes of white spots on the skin from the sun. When the skin is exposed to the sun for long, sun spots can appear as small white spots on the skin, indicating areas that have lost pigment. The condition is more common in older adults and runs in families.

2. Eczema

Eczema, also known as Atopic dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin, which appears in different forms, including dry white spots on the skin. On some people, the spots may appear red. The spots are often accompanied by itchiness and sores. Eczema usually affects young children and some adults, and it is more common in people with allergies.

3. Pityriasis Alba 

Pityriasis alba is a kind of eczema, mainly affecting children and appearing as white spots on baby skin, particularly the chin and cheeks. These white, small spots on the skin feel dry and scaly and generally clear up on their own. The spots may sometimes appear on the arms, shoulders, neck, and face.

4. Milia

Milia appear as tiny white spots on the skin but are fluid-filled sacs on the skin’s surface. They occur when keratin gets trapped under the skin, although they can also develop due to external trauma like blistering or tissue damage. Milia are commonly found on the face and generally don’t cause any itchiness or other problems. 

5. Fungal Infections

We already have some yeast living on our skin. Still, an overgrowth of it leads to fungal infections like mycosis, also called pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor. They worsen when the weather is hot and humid and can appear as dry, scaly, or itchy white spots on the skin.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Another common reason for white spots is a nutritional deficiency, particularly of calcium or Vitamins D and E. This could be due to an imbalanced diet or a disorder or infection that impairs the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. These white spots can also appear as patches on the body or face.

Treatment

It is easy to tackle white spots on the skin with some easy skincare remedies and products that you can incorporate into your regime. You will also need to include lifestyle and dietary changes that can work towards reducing these dark spots on the skin. Let’s look at some ways you can follow to get clear and healthy skin. 

Note: We would also recommend that you consult a dermatologist if the symptoms have persisted for quite some time. He can help you have a better grip on the situation. 

1. Stay cool

Some causes of white spots on the skin are exacerbated due to heat and humidity, like tinea versicolor and eczema. It helps to stay in cool spaces and to avoid hot environments like hot showers or too much sun exposure. If you need extra soothing power, using a calming skin and face gel like the Mamaearth Aloe Ashwagandha Gel or the Mamaearth Aloe Turmeric Gel is ideal. 

The main ingredient in these gels is aloe vera, known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It also relieves irritation and itchiness on the skin. Glycerin and Vitamin E nourish the skin while keeping it deeply hydrated. Turmeric and Ashwagandha provide antioxidant benefits while healing skin. 

There are many ways to use these aloe vera gels on the skin: 

  • As a moisturizer: Use the gel as a gentle moisturizer to soothe and calm the skin post using a face wash. It will help lock in the moisture and leave your skin hydrated and nourished without making it feel oily or sticky. 
  • As a face mask: Post a face wash, take a generous amount of the gel, and apply it evenly on the face and neck. You can also mix it with your regular face mask for best results. Let the gel stay for ten minutes, and wipe it with a warm washcloth. Follow up with a moisturizer if needed. 

2. Keep skin moisturized

Skin conditions like eczema and pityriasis alba are due to excessive dryness and appear as scaly patches. You can fix these problems by providing skin with loads of moisture through good quality moisturizers. One of our top picks is the Mamaearth Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer

This contains Vitamin E that provides both nourishment and hydration, along with Vitamin C that smoothens skin. Besides these, the moisturizer is rich in Gotu Kola and Turmeric extract, adding an extra glow.

If you’d like more intense hydration, go with the Mamaearth Aqua Glow Gel Face Moisturizer, which contains hyaluronic acid and binds water to skin cells. It also has Himalayan Thermal Water packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This toxin-free face moisturizer protects the skin’s barrier, preventing water loss and maintaining hydration. 

3. Use mild cleansers

Washing your face is something that you can’t do without, but when you are suffering from white spots on your skin, you need to be mindful of your cleansers. Go with a mild face wash that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. This kind of white spots-on-skin treatment is particularly important for conditions like eczema.

One cleanser we recommend is the Mamaearth Honey Malai Face Wash. The honey in the face wash is hydrating and possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties. Malai has been traditionally known for nourishing skin and making it glow. Coconut oil and Vitamin E provide additional nourishment and protect the skin.

Another good mild cleanser is the Mamaearth Tea Tree Facewash which is excellent for those with oily skin, especially teenagers who are more prone to small white spots on the skin. Neem and Tea Tree Oil are known for combating excessive oiliness and providing your skin with a fresh, clean feel.

4. Wear sunscreen

As mentioned earlier, one common cause for white spots on the skin is too much exposure to environmental pollutants and the sun, which can result in sun spots or worsen conditions like eczema. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin more vulnerable to being affected. 

This condition can be tackled by wearing sunscreen with adequate SPF, like the Mamaearth Rice Sunscreen Gel, which has an SPF 50 & PA+++ and protects against both UVA & UVB rays. It has rice water which acts as a natural sunscreen. Glycerin and aloe vera provide hydration, while Niacinamide removes any scars or tan.

Another excellent sunscreen for preventing white spots is the Mamaearth Skin Illuminate Sunscreen Gel, packed with SPF 50 and UVA & B Protection. Along with Aloe Vera and Glycerin, it also contains Vitamin C and Turmeric. They are two well-known ingredients and contain a higher grade of antioxidants.

5. Exfoliate regularly

One of the recommended treatments for white spots on the skin is dermabrasion, which refers to scraping away the top layers of skin to reveal fresh new skin underneath. If you’d rather not go for it, you can opt for a milder version, which is exfoliation. 

It would help to have a good scrub that sloughs off old, dead skin cells, like the Mamaearth Green Tea Face Scrub. This toxin-free face scrub contains Green Tea, which offers gentle exfoliation and reduces oiliness. It also features Collagen that boosts skin elasticity and Glycerin that safeguards the skin’s moisture barrier.

Another scrub to try is the Mamaearth Vitamin C Face Scrub, which uses the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C and the mild abrasion of walnut shell powder to exfoliate the affected skin cells. Saffron and turmeric help keep the new skin healthy, making it glow. Be sure to use a face cream after it to keep the facial skin moisturized. 

6. Use antifungal skincare products

If your white spots are due to a fungal infection, like Tinea versicolor, using antifungal skincare products will be the best. An excellent ingredient to look for is apple cider vinegar or ACV. It is antibacterial and anti-fungal and creates an inhospitable environment for the fungus to thrive. It also maintains the skin’s pH balance, clears clogged pores, and keeps it healthy.

Our recommended ACV products are the Mamaearth Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash and the Mamaearth Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask. Besides ACV, these also contain other skin-friendly ingredients like Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Neem, Rosehip, and Mulberry. These are specifically good for all skin types but also best suited for those with oily skin that helps to control sebum production. 

Additional Products to get rid of White Spots on Skin

We’ve spoken of cleansing and moisturizing, but there’s another important step in between – toning. It helps close open pores and protects the skin from further infections and damage. Go for a good, natural toner like the Mamaearth Niacin Face Toner, which contains Niacinamide as the main ingredient. Along with Citric Acid and Witch Hazel, it also corrects skin tone and removes scars. If you want something gentler, try the Mamaearth Rose Face Toner, which uses Rose Water, a traditionally well-known natural toner, along with Witch Hazel and Cucumber. 

Besides your daily CTM routine, it also helps to give your skin some TLC once in a while in the form of a sleeping mask, like the Mamaearth Aloe Vera Sleeping Mask. This mask contains aloe vera, ashwagandha, black oats, and citric acid, which penetrate deep into your skin while you sleep, ensuring you get all the benefits of these ingredients. To use a sleeping mask, apply a thin layer all over your face, let it sit overnight, and wash it off in the morning.

If you’d also like to remove scars and pigmentation, try the Mamaearth Rice Sleeping Face Mask. It contains Rice Water, Niacinamide, and Aloe Vera that lightens dark spots and removes scars, early signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation.

Note: Please remember that it’s best to consult your doctor if your white spots are severe or accompanied by excessive itching, bleeding, or oozing. Depending upon the cause of the white spots, he may recommend steroids, allergy medication, antifungal pills, or retinoid creams.

FAQs

  1. What causes small white spots on the skin?

    White spots can be because dead skin cells get trapped under the skin’s surface or due to depigmentation, which is the loss of pigment from the skin. It can also be caused due to exposure to environmental pollutants.

  2. Why do I have white spots on my skin?

    White spots can appear for various reasons, including eczema, fungal infections, sun damage, nutritional deficiencies, or skin disorders.

  3. How to get rid of white spots on your skin due to the sun?

    To get rid of white spots caused by sun damage, you must soothe the affected area and stay in a cool environment. Apply a good face moisturizer and sunscreen, and use only mild cleansing products.

  4. Are white spots on the skin a sign of something serious?

    White spots are mostly harmless and benign and usually go away independently. However, if they last more than a couple of months or are accompanied by pain, intense itching, or oozing, it’s best to see a doctor who can identify the exact cause.

  5. How long does it take for white spots on the skin to disappear?

    White spots can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to completely disappear. While most cases resolve independently, you can speed up the process using the right skincare products.

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