Dark spots, sun spots or hyperpigmentation are formed by melanocytes with the overproduction of melanin in the skin.
Melanin production can be triggered by hormones. Estrogen and progesterone can increase the level of melanin which is why pregnant women can develop melasma called "pregnancy mask" and may disappear afterwards.
The sun and age increases the level of melanin in skin. Dark spots will get darker with sun exposure. Broad spectrum sunscreens will protect against UVA and UVB rays, but reapplication every 2 hours is necessary.
Our Pick: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 to help prevent sun damage, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C can be used as a topical antioxidant to help reduce dark coloration of skin and target pigmentation concerns. Vitamin C is an enzymatic inhibitor for melanin production.
Our Pick: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid helps combat environmental damage and the appearance of photo damage.
Hydroquinone is a well known ingredient for topical creams in concentrations of 2% or less over the counter and 4% or greater in prescription. Hydroquinone inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase which aids in the production of melanin. The less tyrosinase produced the less melanin produced.
To see a visible difference with hydroquinone one should anticipate 8-12 weeks of use. Hydroquinone can cause dryness, redness, and a burning sensation. Sides effects can include ghosting which is the lightening of the skin outside of the targeted area.
Hydroquinone is most effective by trying a test spot first and sparingly. You must pair with sunscreen as this ingredient can cause sun sensitivity.
Our Pick: Consult with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for this topical cream to treatK dark spots and hyper pigmenation.
Kojic acid is a common ingredient used in skin lighteners. It is extracted from mushrooms or fermented rice. It works best when paired with hydroquinone. Visible results take several months. Common side effects include inflammation and irritation in the area used. Not recommended for sensitive skin.
Our Pick: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense with 1% kojic acid as a daily spot corrector targeting visible sun spots and discoloration.
The most impactful treatments to reduce dark spots are lasers. We offer several treatments to target hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
PicoSure Laser Skin Revitalization
PicoSure Laser improves skin and reduces signs of aging. The laser's energy delivery uses PressureWave technology to convert laser energy into gentle pressure. The pressure activates new collagen and elastin without damaging the skin.
The PicoSure laser gently disrupts the pigment particles that are responsible for sun spots and discoloration.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL (Intense pulsed light) can treat unwanted pigmentation. IPL uses the power of broadband light instead of one specific wavelenth to improve the appearance of sun spots, rosacea, age spots, and skin texture.
ICON Laser
ICON laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that heats up the targeted tissue without destroying it. This stimulates your body’s collagen production to fill in unwanted skin imperfections. The laser works to reduce wrinkles, skin irregularities, brown spots, acne scars, enlarged pores, and other blemishes. Added benefits include minimal social downtime because the laser targets below the surface.
Our Tip: Anticipate multiple treatments with laser. Individual results may vary and number of treatments needed will vary.
