I have been on a mission to eliminate the dark spots or “age” spots on my skin. I have two spots that have been especially difficult. They show through makeup and happen to be under my eye and on my cheekbone, front and center. When I look at myself in the mirror, my spots are the first thing I notice. I have tried expensive bleaching products, chemical peels, retinol, DNA products, and at-home laser treatments. I even tried a fibroblast treatment–which I will share in an upcoming post. Not only do I want to get rid of those two offending spots, but I want to prevent more from developing.
What causes brown spots?
Call them sun spots, liver spots, or age spots, it doesn’t matter! Age spots are caused by the production of melanin and are the result of sun exposure. We can also develop dark spots from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, better known as acne scars. It has been my experience that brown spots caused by acne disappear over time–though I have had chemical peels and used tretinoin for my acne and oily skin when I was younger. Skin discolorations can also be caused by hormonal changes at various points in our lives, most notably post pregnancy and during menopause–this is known as melasma. It was my experience that melasma did fade over time–and responded well to treatment–but it is pesky and you have to keep on top of it with topical creams and sunscreen. By contrast, age spots seem to be much more difficult to treat, especially for those with dark skin pigmentation and those with sensitive skin. While those of us with fair skin tend to get more visible damage from UV rays, we have a greater number of treatment options.
Treating Brown Spots:
The first step to treating sun spots and dark spots is to rule out skin cancer, which should be done by a dermatologist–I’ve known several people whose primary care physician wrongly rule out skin cancer–it’s best to go to a doctor that specializes in skin, and skin care treatments. Once you have ruled out cancer, and other skin conditions, you can move on to treatment options. There is a wide range of options for removing dark marks from the skin, both in-office treatments and those that can be done at home using topical treatments. Depending on the severity of the spots, skin color, and type a dermatologist or master esthetician can make recommendations for the best results. Laser treatment, liquid nitrogen, and chemical exfoliants administered by a professional can eliminate the appearance of dark spots, and be a very effective treatment. There are a variety of over-the-counter treatments and at-home devices that can also help, though it has been my experience that they don’t work as well as in-office treatments. You and your dermatologist or esthetician can work out the best strategies for your skin type and concerns.
The preliminary strategy:
I’ve tried a lot of strategies and treatments on my dark spot journey, and I have found that having the right skincare products, and consistent use, are the best way to keep your skin spot free and healthy. I know that for me, the simpler the routine the more likely I am to follow it. In addition, when working on a skin concern such as dark spots patience is key. Many of the products require weeks of use before results are seen. Another important thing is that your new skin care regimen is a lifestyle change–meaning that to keep your skin looking good, you have to continue your skincare routine on an ongoing basis. Occasionally, you will have to make changes, but in general, maintaining an effective skincare routine will not only reduce your existing issues but also the future appearance of age spots.
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