How to Reduce Pigmented Spots on Your Skin
No one likes having pigmented spots on their skin. There are two main types of pigmented spots: dark marks caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which shows up as black or pink marks, and scars caused by a change in skin texture, which looks like depressed or raised injuries. Textural scars are created by genuine tears in the dermis, whereas pigmented scars are caused by an injury in the pigment-producing layer of the epidermis. Some people are genetically inclined to scarring more easily than others (due to their higher pigment levels). Hyperpigmentation is also more common in those who have more pigment. If you’re one of these individuals, we’ve put together this guide just for you. Here’s how to reduce pigmented spots on your skin.
Although dark spots on the skin do not require treatment, some people may wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can prescribe creams or procedures to lighten or remove dark spots. The optimal treatment choice for dark spots on the skin will depend on the reason, the size of the dark spot, and the area of the body. Our experts may propose one of the following treatments for dark spots on the skin:
How to Reduce Pigmented Skin Spots
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a procedure that involves applying a solution to the skin that exfoliates the surface and promotes the formation of new skin. It has the potential to fade dark skin patches over time, especially scars from healed psoriasis as well as chemical peels for acne scars treatment.
Laser Treatment
There are a variety of lasers to choose from. A strong pulse light laser is the most used laser for pigment reduction. Pigment is targeted by the light, which breaks up the black areas.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic dermatology procedure in which a razor-like tool is gently scraped along the face to shave away the superficial skin cells. Similar to the effect that chemical peels have, this procedure is known to even out skin tone.
Causes of Dark Spots
The best way to choose the right treatment method for getting rid of pigmented spots is to know what causes them.
Skin Care Products
When you use a skin or hair care product that irritates your skin, it can result in black patches. Use softer products if you have black spots. “For sensitive skin” is a term used to describe skin-friendly products. On the label, you might find the words “fragrance-free.” New dark spots will cease forming once your skin is no longer inflamed, and existing dark spots will usually fade away on their own.
Sun Damage
After being exposed to the sun or tanning beds, people might develop dark spots on their skin known as sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots. Sunspots are most prone to appear on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, and arms. The most common is sun damage on the face.
Hormones
Melasma is a skin disorder that causes coloring in tiny spots of the skin. Women are more likely to have this issue, especially during pregnancy. Acne scars left behind after a hormonal imbalance can also become notorious dark spots.
Medication
Certain drugs might cause dark patches and increased skin pigmentation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tetracyclines, and psychiatric pharmaceuticals are the most common offenders. Certain drugs might cause dark patches and increased skin pigmentation.
To get more help with this condition in Cincinnati, Ohio, our experts at The Dermatology Group can provide advice, resources, and treatment options. Give us a call today!