Understanding and Treating Dark Spots Naturally | Dr. Kellyann's Methods

Understanding Dark Spots and How to Treat Them

Many people develop dark spots on their skin over time, which can be caused by various factors like sun exposure, aging, and hormones. Though harmless, dark spots can make people self-conscious about their appearance.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat dark spots and achieve more even, radiant skin. One emerging method is from Dr. Kellyann, a wellness expert who developed her own dark spot treatment protocol.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Dark spots, also called hyperpigmentation, occur when there is excess production of melanin in certain areas of the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color.

Some typical causes of dark spots include:

• Sun exposure - Years of sun damage can cause uneven pigmentation and age spots.
• Hormonal changes - Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy or menopause can trigger melasma.
• Skin injuries - Dark spots may form after cuts, burns, acne, or other trauma.
• Medications - Certain drugs like chemotherapy agents can cause hyperpigmentation issues.
• Genetic predisposition - Those with darker skin tones are at higher risk.

Locating Your Dark Spots

Before treating dark spots, it's important to closely analyze your skin first. Dark spots can pop up in various facial areas like:

• Forehead
• Cheeks
• Upper lip
• Chin
• Near eyes or mouth

Pay attention to whether the dark spots are generally surface level on the epidermis, or if they have more of bluish-gray hue indicating deeper skin layers.

Ingredients That Lighten Skin

Skincare products aimed to lighten dark spots contain active ingredients that limit melanin production. Some examples include:

• Vitamin C - Antioxidant that inhibits enzyme involved in melanin synthesis.
• Niacinamide - Form of vitamin B3 that fades discoloration over time.
• Kojic acid - Created from fungus during fermentation and prevents tyrosinase activity.
• Arbutin - Naturally derived from bearberry plants, inhibits melanin formation.
• Licorice extract - Contains glabridin that interferes with pigment production and dispersion.

Examining Dr. Kellyann's Dark Spot Protocol

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is a naturopathic physician and weight loss expert best known from appearances on national TV programs. She takes an integrative approach to health across the board.

For treating dark spots specifically, Dr. Kellyann does not endorse hydroquinone as many conventional dermatologists do. She believes it has too many risks like further discoloration. Instead, she puts patients on natural regimes.

Step 1 - Collagen Building

Dr. Kellyann always begins by helping improve collagen levels first. Collagen is an essential structural protein found throughout connective tissues. It keeps skin strong, supple, and aids in cell regeneration.

Around age 30 however, collagen production starts declining. The loss of collagen can let dark spots and signs of aging develop easier. Dr. Kellyann says...

"I explain to my patients that building collagen is the foundation. Focusing only on lightening those dark spots won't get to the deeper issue."

She recommends patients try sipping bone broth, applying collagen powder to drinks, or taking marine-based supplements. Adding vitamin C also helps since it plays a role in collagen synthesis.

Step 2 - Attack Dark Spots

Once collagen restoration therapies are underway, Dr. Kellyann advises applying actives like vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid directly to dark spots.

She generally recommends gentle exfoliation first to remove dead skin cell layers, followed by targeted serums or creams containing brightening agents.

However, she cautions patients to introduced active topicals slowly at first to avoid irritation. Going too strong too fast with certain acids or hydroquinones often backfires.

Step 3 - Drink Bone Broth

Drinking bone broth and bone broth protein powder daily doubles down on the collagen regeneration, while also providing hydration for glowing skin.

Dr. Kellyann prefers bone broth over traditional protein shakes because the collagen peptides are more bioavailable. She believes the amino acid glycine in particular helps regulate melanin dispersion nicely.

"By sipping bone broth or mixing powder in your coffee, you get a constant supply of connective tissue helpers to fight oxidative damage."

Step 4 - Take Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

To reduce any inflammation that can set the stage for hyperpigmentation, Dr. Kellyann recommends:

• Turmeric - Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory abilities and enhances skin radiance.
• Green tea - The EGCG catechins calm inflammation, help rebuild collagen, and protect skin cells from UV radiation.
• Resveratrol - This polyphenol antioxidant found in grape skins inhibits excess melanin production while fighting free radicals.

Other Lifestyle Strategies for Fading Dark Spots

Aside from targeted skin creams, hydrating from the inside-out and providing skin protection can keep dark spots at bay.

Increase Healthy Fats

Dr. Kellyann is a big advocate of incorporating more anti-inflammatory fats from sources like salmon, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

These nourishing fats help hydrate skin, lock in moisture, support skin cells, and reduce redness. Targeted fat intake leads to less irritation predisposing you to hyperpigmentation.

Wear Sunscreen

UV light exposure remains one of the most common triggers for dark spots and uneven pigmentation. Grabbing some sunscreen appropriate for your skin type helps.

For the body, use SPF 30 at minimum, applied 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 80 minutes ideally when sweating or swimming.

Facial sunscreens are formulated differently than body creams, since they avoid overly greasy textures. Grab facial SPF 50 and apply it evenly until absorbed without rubbing too vigorously.

Supplement as Needed

Research shows that being low in certain vitamins and minerals seems correlated with skin hyperpigmentation.

Getting bloodwork periodically can pinpoint if you need more iron, vitamin D, vitamin E, or zinc for example. These all help skin integrity and stem unnecessary inflammation.

The Takeaway on Fading Dark Spots Gracefully

Dealing with annoying dark spots can sometimes feel inevitable, especially with age and genetics beyond our control. However Dr. Kellyann's natural methods aim to regulate melanin gone haywire gently.

Her 4 prong approach involves:

1. Revving up collagen production
2. Applying specialized creams to discolored areas
3. Hydrating with bone broth and powder
4. Taking targeted herbs and antioxidants

Along with smart sun protection, adequate healthy fats, and monitoring nutrients through blood tests, her dark spot protocol touches all the bases.

Commit to her tips for a few months to visibly brighten and even out your complexion!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.