Dark spots on the skin can begin to appear at any age, but it’s more common for seniors and pregnant women. These dark spots are physically harmless, but can cause emotional and mental distress.
Understanding what causes dark spots and how to treat them can bring solutions to the people who suffer from this condition.
What Are Those Dark Spots?
Dark spots on the skin may be a condition called hyperpigmentation. Some people call hyperpigmentation “age spots” or “liver spots”. This harmless condition can turn patches of skin a darker color. The darkening of the skin comes from too much melanin in the area. Melanin is what gives skin its tone; from lighter to deep skin tones.
One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation is sun damage (solar lentigines). People with freckles often suffer from the condition because they already have a heightened level of melanin.
Melanin absorbs ultraviolet rays to protect the skin, which then results in tanning. The issue is that some areas become darker than others because of the freckles. Wearing sunscreen is the only way to prevent this from happening.
Some pregnant women experience the “mask of pregnancy” also known as melasma or chloasma spots. These spots are much larger, so they can appear to cover most of the face in some cases. It can also appear on the hands, abdomen, and other parts of the body.
Birth control pills may also cause hyperpigmentation because of the hormones present. Stopping birth control pills can return the skin to its normal color.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation
I understand the distress that hyperpigmentation causes. While it’s a common condition, it’s not something anyone wants to see when looking in the mirror, no matter how young or old. Luckily, there are skin creams that can lighten dark areas of the skin.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is the most widely known treatment for hyperpigmentation. It is FDA approved and has been used for the past 50 years. Hydroquinone is usually mixed in a cream with antioxidants, retinoid, and hydroxyl acids to further improve the appearance and tone of the skin. The result is a lightening of effect on dark spots.
Kocic Acid
This solution produces similar effects. It’s a naturally occurring substance, which is why many clients decide this is the best choice for them.
To learn more about these and other treatments for hyperpigmentation, contact me for a free consultation. Everyone residing in Long Island, Suffolk County, and surrounding areas such as Islip, West Hampton Beach, Commack, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Rockville Centre, Huntington Bay, and Farmingdale, New York are welcome to set up an appointment with me by calling 917-860-3113.
Don’t jump to first looking at invasive Long Island plastic surgery procedures; call me at James Christian Cosmetics today for non-invasive aesthetic solutions.
To Better Looking Skin,
James Christian Sardelli, RPA-C
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*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
