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A cosmetologist near you explained how to prevent dark spots and how to treat them
Freckles, dark spots, and scarring can make your complexion uneven. Although harmless, dark spots and rough skin affects self-esteem and drive people to use various skin-lightening products. These skin-lightening products could be dangerous. Knowing what to look for can help you choose a safe option for eliminating dark spots. Read this comprehensive guide on the prevention and treatment of dark spots.
Causes Of Dark Spots
- The overproduction of melanin causes the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin, eyes, and hair. The excessive production of this pigment is referred to as hyperpigmentation. Aging, sun exposure, and hormonal changes result in hyperpigmentation.
Other causes of dark sports include:
- Acne
- Cuts and burns
- Incorrect hair removal techniques
- Ingrown hairs
- Scarring from psoriasis or other skin conditions
How To Prevent Dark Spots?
Taking care of your skin to avoid skin damage in the first place is typically the best solution. Here are some tips to prevent the appearance of dark spots.
- Practice strict sun protection, such as using sunscreens or products with blocking agents like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your skin further.
- If you have acne, get an appropriate treatment to prevent dark spots.
- Avoid going out in the sun between 10 am to 4 pm.
Treatment Of Dark Spots
- Various treatments are used to help lighten and diminish the dark areas. It is advisable to choose a treatment that works best for your skin.
Retinoid-Based Solutions
- Retinoids are chemically derived from vitamin A and contain retinoic acid. Retinoids enhance cell proliferation, maturation, and turnover, speeding up exfoliation and promoting healthy skin growth. However, these solutions take a few months to work.
Hydroquinone Creams And Serums
- Topical solutions containing hydroquinone are pretty famous for spot-by-spot skin lightening. Although deemed safe for use on the skin, hydroquinone creams and serums are only available on prescription. This is because, at higher concentrations, hydroquinone poses risks to the skin. Therefore, they should not be used without consulting a dermatologist.
OTC Products
Some OTC products are used for skin lightening and correcting dark spots. The active compounds in these products include:
- Vitamin C
- Azelaic acid
- Pomegranate extract
- Beta carotene
- Licorice extract
All of these products pose risks and may lead to an allergic reaction. The best way to get rid of dark spots is laser therapy and chemical exfoliation.
Laser Therapy
- In laser therapy, dermatologists use guided beams of light to the areas of discoloration. The laser heats the skin and stimulates collagen production. This process rejuvenates the damaged skin and diminishes the dark spots.
Chemexfoliation Or Chemical Peeling
- Chemical exfoliation is a technique that uses a chemical solution to cause a controlled peeling of the epidermis and the dermis. The solution causes the outer layer of the skin to strip away gradually, which helps stimulate the skin’s regenerative process. The process of chemical exfoliation begins by cleansing and degreasing the skin with alcohol and acetone.
Sometimes a numbing cream is applied to the skin to make the procedure more comfortable. Superficial peels do not require topical numbing agents. Deeper peels, however, require local anesthetic, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. This process triggers the natural production of collagen and elastin, thereby revealing smoother, spot-free skin within a week.
At Alladerm, your chemical peel is customized to ensure that you get the most benefits from treatment. Whatever your concerns may be, there is always a peel option for you. Book your appointments at 949-916-7166. We are located in Aliso Viejo, CA.