What Products Should I Use to Remove a Dark Spot?
Dark spots on the face are generally the result of melanin overproduction—an issue called hyperpigmentation. There are many underlying causes—most of which are benign. Many people are keen to remove them, especially if they become particularly noticeable.
Dark spots on the face are generally the result of melanin overproduction—an issue called hyperpigmentation. There are many underlying causes—most of which are benign. Many people are keen to remove them, especially if they become particularly noticeable.
There are some home remedies, or you might choose to consult a dermatologist experienced in dark spot removal.
Dark Spots on the Face: What They Are & How to Get Rid of Them
- Why have I got dark spots on my face?
Why have I got dark spots on my face?
There are many reasons dark spots can develop on the face (or, indeed, any other area of the body). Some of the most common reasons include:
- Injury: Such as skin trauma from acne, ingrown hairs, scars (from a skin disorder, like psoriasis), harsh hair removal techniques, burns, cuts, and insect bites.
- Sun damage: Even minor sunburn can cause areas of hyperpigmentation.
- Hormonal changes: Such as during pregnancy, menopause, and andropause.
- Aging: As we get older, the appearance of liver spots and age spots becomes more likely.
- Medication & treatments: Certain drugs and medical treatments can increase the likelihood of hyperpigmentation or make existing dark spots worse. These include certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy. Generally, such issues will rectify themselves within 6-12 months of stopping the drug or treatment.
Dark Spot Removal: Dermatologist & Home Remedies
- Dark spot removal: dermatologist care
- Dark spot removal: home care
Dark spot removal: dermatologist care
Seeking expert dermatological care for the removal of dark spots is important. While there are multiple over-the-counter (OTC) skin-lightening products for sale, these should be used with extreme caution—and usually with advice from your skin care provider. This is even more crucial for those with darker skin tones.
Effective dark spot removal first needs a professional assessment. Once determined that it’s appropriate to remove a dark spot, a dermatologist has a range of treatment options. These include:
- Microdermabrasion: An intense exfoliation that effectively removes dead skin cells, helping to smooth and even out skin tone.
- Laser therapy: This uses cutting-edge laser technology to target the area of hyperpigmentation. Such treatments should be used with caution on darker skin, as inexpert use can potentially make them worse. If laser therapy is being considered, those with darker skin should satisfy themselves that their chosen dermatologist has a high level of experience in treating darker skin.
- Chemical peel: This treatment uses a chemical blend to provide a deep exfoliation. The most common peels are light or medium in depth and can be very effective in reducing or removing the appearance of dark spots. There are also deep chemical peels, but these are only carried out in very specific circumstances.
Depending on the severity of the dark spot (or spots), a dermatologist might first recommend a course of home care.
Dark spot removal: home care
At-home treatments for dark spots should only be addressed using products that contain:
- Kojic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Retinoids
- Vitamin C
The use of hydroquinone should only be considered with advice from your dermatologist. The. FDA requires a prescription to purchase this because it’s believed that improper use can increase the risk of skin cancer. It can also cause skin irritation and even lighten the skin around the dark spot, creating even more of an issue.
Looking for Expert Dermatologist Dark Spot Removal? Contact Our Team Today
Bayou City Dermatology offers bespoke treatment to expertly deal with dark spots and hyperpigmentation issues. We specialize in treating all skin tones, from fair through to black—something that’s incredibly important when seeking a suitable dermatologist.
Discover more about our treatments at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/ and call today to book a consultation.