Treatment FAQ

what is the best clinical treatment for dark spots

by Angelina Durgan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is a great treatment to target dark spots. IPL uses multiple wavelengths to treat brown pigmentation and age spots. Common areas include hands, neck, chest, and face. IPL targets melanin-making cells without harming the surface of the skin.

What is the best home remedy for dark spots?

1. Lemon juice is a natural skin lightener...

2. Potatoes reduces dark spots...

3. Horseradish for radiant skin...

4. Milk for fair skin...

5. Almonds for healthy skin...

Learn More...

What is the best product to remove dark spots?

With high Vitamin C content, applying onion juice on the skin and lips can help bring back your skin's natural tone, get rid of dark spots and pigmentation as well. Milk Best for those with acne-prone skin who also struggle with pigmentation, milk contains ...

What is the best skin care for dark spots?

These are the best dark spot correctors to buy in 2021:

  • Best Rated on Amazon: Eva Naturals Vitamin C+ Serum
  • Best Drugstore Serum: Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector
  • Best With Tranexamic Acid: Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
  • Best Face Wash: La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser
  • Best With Lactic Acid: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid
  • Best Peel Pads: Dr. ...

More items...

What is the most effective dark spot remover?

  • Apply dark spot serum first. A dark spot serum should be the first face product that you apply to your skin. ...
  • More isn’t always better with dark spot serum. ...
  • Always wear sunscreen during the day when you’re using a dark spot serum. ...
  • Stay in the shade. ...
  • See a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening if you have a dark spot that changes in color or size.

image

What do dermatologists do for dark spots?

A dermatologist may recommend one treatment option over another based on the size and pigmentation of the dark spot. Some of the most common solutions include laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

Which laser treatment is best for dark spots?

One of the most common lasers used to treat dark spots is the intense pulsed light (IPL). The goal of IPL is to reduce and even eliminate uneven pigmentation to provide a more even appearance. Another benefit to IPL is that is can also brighten the skin.

What do dermatologists recommend for dark spots on face?

To make sure you pick the best (and most effective) product for removing dark spots, our experts recommend looking for cream or serum that contains ingredients like vitamin C (an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and brightens skin), niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that slows pigment production), hydroquinone (a ...

What facial procedure removes dark spots?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) IPL is a great treatment to target dark spots. IPL uses multiple wavelengths to treat brown pigmentation and age spots. Common areas include hands, neck, chest, and face. IPL targets melanin-making cells without harming the surface of the skin.

Does microneedling remove dark spots?

Microneedling can help improve the appearance of dark spots on the skin. During the microneedling for dark spots, the platelets in the blood help kickstart a rejuvenation process, one that results in the creation of newer skin cells that are healthier than what they replace.

What is the number 1 Dark Spot Remover?

Best Classic: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter. The intense antioxidant properties in this formula noticeably reduce acne spots and scars in 12 weeks (according to the brand), and it's gentle enough for daily use.

Does laser treatment remove dark spots?

Lasers are the most expensive yet most impactful treatment to reduce dark spots. “These use a focused beam of light that has a specific target or chromophore [pigment] to break up and eliminate the pigment particles in the skin,” Dr. Cook-Bolden says. “IPL [intense pulsed light] can treat unwanted pigmentation.

Can dermatologist prescribe something for dark spots?

A cosmetic dermatologist can provide treatments to fade or eliminate these spots. Some of the most effective treatments for melasma and dark spots include: Topical Creams: Dermatologists often prescribe topical medication to reduce the appearance of melasma and dark spots.

How to prevent dark spots on skin?

Preventing dark spots. For most people, the effects of skin lightening products are minimal when compared with the risks. Avoiding skin damage in the first place is typically the best solution. Taking care to protect your skin even after you have spots will keep them from worsening.

What is the best way to remove dead skin cells?

Chemical exfoliators. Chemical exfoliating products typically use various types of gentle acids to break up dead skin cells, or the top layer of the skin. Removing this layer can help reveal healthier and more evenly toned skin beneath.

What are some ways to make your skin look uneven?

Hydroquinone. Retinoids. Laser treatments. Chemical exfoliators. Other solutions. Prevention. From freckles and age spots to scarring, many things can make your complexion look uneven. While harmless, uneven skin may prompt some people into trying various skin lightening products. While there are many skin lightening products and solutions on ...

How does laser skin treatment work?

Some laser treatments target the pigment itself, while others work by removing the skin layer by layer. With this method, the darkened layers of skin are burned off. There are several different types of laser treatment. This solution works faster than topical products. But, needless to say, there are risks.

What is the best product to use for skin?

Products like Retin-A and Renova are an alternate solution. They contain retinoic acid, which works to increase cell turnover, speed up exfoliation, and promote new, healthy skin growth. . These ingredients can be considerably drying and make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Does melasma cause discoloration?

found potential benefits for facial melasma, which causes patches of discoloration. More research is needed to determine the full scope of effectiveness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source.

Is hydroquinone safe to use in cosmetics?

It’s the only ingredient classified as a “bleaching agent” by the FDA. While deemed safe for use in cosmetic products, the concentration of hydroquinone is limited because it poses greater risks at higher concentrations. In fact, in South Africa, it’s not legal for any use at all.

Topic Treatments

There is no topical treatment more effective than hydroquinone, when it comes to removing dark spots from the skin. Many studies have shown that it works to bleach brown spots from the skin. Hydroquinone halts the cells that produce melanin and inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme found in our skin that controls the production of melanin.

Microdermabrasion

Many beauty fanatics love microdermabrasion (microderm, for short) treatments, as they can be relaxing and spa-like. During a microdermabrasion session, a skin specialist will gently remove your top layer of skin using a specialized tool that exfoliates the top layer of skin, removing sun spots, discoloration and some acne scars.

Chemical Peels

An in-office chemical peel can be an excellent way to send your dark spots packing. A chemical peeling agent is applied to the skin for about 10 minutes and then its removed.

Intense Pulsed Light

IPL is one of the few treatments that can really target just the sun spots on your face. Many dermatologists think of IPL as the gold standard in sun spot removal.

Fraxel Laser

The mother of all laser treatments, Fraxel has the ability to completely transform the skin. Sun spots are removed, as well as any overall skin pigmentation issues. Fraxel is also able to turn the clock back by regenerating collagen growth. Downtime: Immediately following treatment, the skin will be red and swollen.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Schweiger Dermatology Group was founded to help make excellent dermatology care accessible throughout the Northeast. In 2010, Dr. Eric Schweiger started the practice with a single location in Midtown Manhattan.

How do I get rid of dark spots on my face?

How to remove dark spots. Laser treatment can remove dark spots on the skin. Dark spots on the skin do not require treatment, but some people may want to remove the spots for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them.

What kind of laser is used to remove dark spots?

Different types of lasers are available. The most common laser to treat dark spots on the skin uses an intense pulse light laser. The light targets melanin and breaks up the dark spots.

Why is my skin dark?

Diabetes. Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker. Conditions associated with diabetes include acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened, velvety skin, and shin spots or diabetic dermopathy, which people may confuse with age spots.

What causes dark spots on the face?

Anyone can develop dark spots on the skin. Certain risk factors appear to increase a person’s chances including: 1 sun exposure 2 pregnancy 3 skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis 4 trauma or injury to the skin 5 medications that increase pigmentation 6 liver disease 7 diabetes

How to prevent dark spots during pregnancy?

There are, however, a few things people can do to decrease the chances of dark spots and prevent them from getting darker: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when the sun is not bright .

What are the dark spots on your skin?

Sun damage. Also called sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, people can develop dark spots on their skin after being exposed to the sun or tanning beds. Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots.

What color are dark spots on the body?

Dark spots on the skin can range from light brown to dark brown. The color of dark spots may depend on the tone of a person’s skin. The spots are the same texture as the skin and are not painful. Dark spots also vary in size and can develop on any part of the body but are most common in areas often exposed to the sun.

What causes dark spots on skin?

Whether you're dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, or hormone-induced melasma, these typically unwanted changes in the skin all fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation. Caused by the cells responsible for skin's color, melanocytes, depositing excess pigment into deeper levels ...

What is the best serum for hyperpigmentation?

"Hydroquinone is the gold standard for hyperpigmentation, as it works on the cells that make melanin to block further production," Del Campo tells Allure. "Many people call it a 'bleaching cream,' but I consider it a 'color blender.'" Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum contains 2 percent hydroquinone — the highest level available in over-the-counter products — as well as a skin-brightening peptide and glycolic acid, which helps the hydroquinone penetrate more effectively. (It's worth noting that hydroquinone is currently banned in Europe; however, many dermatologists are comfortable recommending it for limited topical use for areas of discoloration.)

What ingredients are used in melasma cream?

"For those with melasma, ingredients that block pigment synthesis — hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, soy, licorice — are best," according to board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann. Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum just so happens to have several of those ingredients (tranexamic and kojic acid s, as well as licorice root) and then some. Its antioxidant azelaec acid prevents excess melanin, while niacinamide stands in the way of pigment production and cica keeps everything nice and calm.

What is the ingredient in SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi Phase Serum?

In addition to kojic acid and niacinamide, the dermatologist-celebrated SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Multi-Phase Serum contains tranexamic acid. "It's a new ingredient for skin darkening," Miami dermatologist Roberta Del Campo tells Allure. "This ingredient is known to help not only lighten [hyperpigmentation] but decrease recurrence, which is crucial."

Is Cerave Resurfacing Retinol over the counter?

"This is a great over-the-counter br ightening serum," says Marchbein, who says the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum's ingredients fight more than just hyperpigmentation. "Niacinamide is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant vitamin B3 derivative that has been scientifically shown to help with redness and discoloration in the skin." Its licorice root also has antioxidant and brightening properties, and as the name suggests, it also contains an encapsulated retinol. That means its slow release makes it more tolerable.

Can hyperpigmentation be treated with laser?

Before you ask for a prescription and or make a laser appointment, try treating hyperpigmentation with one of these potent serums. Whether you're dealing with a dark mark left behind by a blemish, spots that indicate sun damage, or hormone-induced melasma, these typically unwanted changes in the skin all fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation.

Does Marchbein brighten serum?

Marchbein is also a fan. " [It's] my favorite brightening serum to help improve brown discoloration, whether from melasma or sun damage, and it also doesn't contain potential irritating bleaching agents," she says. "I combine this with a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinoid at night time.". $98 ( Shop Now)

What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C is another popular treatment. Studies show C can help brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation much like hydroquinone, but without as much irritation. "Look for high levels of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate in the ingredients of a brightening treatment," says Renée Rouleau, a Dallas-based aesthetician who treats hyperpigmentation.

What is the best way to protect your face from UV rays?

Every UV ray that hits your skin causes damage, she says. And the damaging rays can pierce through clouds and glass, so you always need SPF protection. Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face, the area most prone to hyperpigmentation, Tanzi says. You need that physical protection from the sun.

What is hydroquinone cream?

One option is hydroquinone, a prescription topical cream that slows down the pigment-making processes in the skin , Tanzi says.

Should I wear SPF 30 every day?

Whenever possible, stand in a spot out of direct sunlight -- even little things, like crossing to a shadier side of the street, matter. Never skip SPF. " You have to wear an SPF 30 sunscreen every day," Tanzi says. Every UV ray that hits your skin causes damage, she says.

Can you treat brown spots on your face?

But you can't treat all spots equally. Before you pick a course of action, see your dermatologist, Tanzi says.

Can you take tretinoin with hydroquinone?

Retin-A ( tretinoin) and steroids may be prescribed in addition to or in place of hydroquinone, but they might not work as well, says William Rietkerk, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at New York Medical College. That's why he says he suggests his patients try OTC options rather than hydroquinone.

Can hydroquinone cream be used over the counter?

Doctors usually prescribe a 4% hydroquinone cream, and a 2% version is available over the counter. "Hydroquinone can be irritating and can actually increase pigmentation if used for too long, so I have patients take a ‘holiday' every 3 months and use other lightening agents," Tanzi says.

What is the best product to remove dark spots?

To reduce the appearance of spots, Dr. Zedlitz says acids should be your friend: “The best way to treat dark spots at home is with a topical alphahydroxy acid (AHA) product that you apply on the entire area of skin.”. Brighteners to Look for: 2-Percent Hydroquinone. Azelaic Acid. Glycolic Acid. Kojic Acid.

How to lighten dark spots?

Longwill. “Use one that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. No topical treatment or in-office procedure can help remove and treat pigmentation or brown spots without serious UV prevention with physical clothing, sunglasses, an umbrella and a hat.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is commonly caused by an excess of melanin —the pigment that gives skin its color and is produced by skin cells called melanocytes—production in the body. Several conditions or factors can trigger melanin production, and changes in hormone levels that accompany pregnancy or menopause can affect it in some women.

What kind of doctor can I go to for laser treatment?

“In those cases, I might use PicoSure, Fraxel or Nd:YAG,” adds Dr. Bucay. “You should only go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon because when you introduce a heat device, you can make matters worse.

Does hydroquinone lighten dark spots?

Hydroquinone, the gold standard for lightening dark spots, stops about 90 percent of tyrosinase activity. “For topical hydroquinone agents that are compounded stronger, I suggest an 8- or 12-percent formulation,” Baton Rouge, LA dermatologist Ann Zedlitz, MD says. “It works faster than the generic prescription of 4 percent.”.

Does glycolic acid help with dark spots?

Low-strength glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels can help reduce the look of dark spots. “Not in the same strength I would normally use for other skin concerns,” says Dr. Bucay. “For hyperpigmentation, I go low in concentration, and I go slow.”.

Can dark spots fade?

You can call it one of many names: Uneven pigmentation, age spots, liver spots, melasma or hyperpigmentation— while they are relatively harmless, dark spots can be slow to fade and really tough to conceal. Here, top skin-care experts share the best ways to treat and beat those pesky spots.

Key considerations

Like many skin care products, dark spot serums are available in either water-based or oil-based formulas. While both can be effective, you may prefer one formula over another depending on your skin type.

Dark spot serum features

When it comes to dark spot serums, the active ingredients are the most important elements to consider. There are many ingredients that can help fade hyperpigmentation, but some options may be a better fit for your skin than others.

Dark spot serum prices

Dark spot serums vary in price based mainly on the active ingredients. You can usually expect to spend between $8 and $150.

Tips

Apply dark spot serum first. A dark spot serum should be the first face product that you apply to your skin. Because it is thinner in texture than a moisturizer or hydrating oil, it should be applied to bare skin so it can be easily absorbed.

Quick links

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin — the skin’s natural pigment. The affected areas may also appear as freckles or age spots.

What do dermatologists recommend for hyperpigmentation?

The AAD recommends that people use sunscreen to help clear dark spots and prevent new dark areas from forming. It is best to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and offers SPF 30 or higher.

How do you quickly fade hyperpigmentation?

Acne.org states that individuals should wear sunscreen and limit the time they expose their skin to the sun.

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?

The AAD explains that dark spots can take 6-12 months to fade, and if the darker pigment is deep into the skin, healing may take years.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9