Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) is caused by an excessive production of melanin in the skin. Asian skin tends to have more melanin than Caucasian skin, and as a result, Asian skin is more prone to skin discoloration. There are many ways to treat hyperpigmentation, however, many come with risks. Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the safest, most effective treatments, many of which are offered at The Caudle Center. Darks spots and patches rank as one of the most common reasons that people who have darker skin tones seek care.
Before and after treatment for dark spots
A skin care doctor may have several modalities available to treat hyperpigmentation. Getting rid of hyperpigmentation begins with finding out why you get these dark spots or patches. If you can eliminate the cause, many spots will clear on their own.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
People who have medium to dark skin tones get dark spots and patches because something triggers their skin to make extra melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Many everyday things can trigger extra melanin in people who have darker skin tones.
Dark spots and patches often appear when:
- A pimple or patch of psoriasis clears.
- A wound caused by an insect bite, cut, burn, or other injury heals.
- You take (or apply) certain medications.
- A skin or hair care product irritates your skin.
- Hormonal changes occur, such as during pregnancy.
How do you treat hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones?
Treatment depends upon what’s causing your hyperpigmentation. The following explains the treatment for each cause:
A skin condition like acne, eczema, or psoriasis: To get rid of hyperpigmentation caused by a skin condition, you must effectively treat the skin condition first.
Injury to your skin may cause darkening in the area of injurywhich usually fades with time.
Skin care products may causeirritation resulting in dark spots on your skin.
If you’re seeing dark spots, try using gentler products often labeled “for sensitive skin.
Some medications can cause dark spots. Discuss with your physician if a possible side-effect.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?
Once what’s causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time.
A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin fading can take years. Treatment can speed up the fading of dark spots and patches.
What treatments are recommended for hyperpigmentation?
#1 SUNSCREEN: Effective treatment for dark spots and patches begins with sunscreen.
To get the protection you need to prevent (and help clear) dark spots, use tinted sunscreen with iron oxide. Iron oxide helps to protect your skin from the sun’s visible light (a cause of dark spots). Along with iron oxide, your tinted sunscreen should also offer all the following:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Water-resistance
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formula if you have oily skin
- The ability to blend with your skin tone (avoids a white cast)
Sunscreen is essential. You want to apply it before going outside to all skin that clothing won’t cover. When used this way, sunscreen can prevent new dark spots and patches. It can also help to clear existing ones.
#2 Wide-brimmed hat: To get the best result, wear a wide-brimmed hat while you’re outside.
#3 Use a skin care product that can even out your skin tone
A medical grade product is usually best. Once you eliminate what’s causing the dark spots and protect your skin from sunlight, a product that can fade dark spots or uneven skin tones tends is more effective.
You may have success with a product that you can buy without a prescription. If you choose this option, use a product that contains one of the following ingredients:
- Azelaic acid Glycolic acid Kojic acid
- Retinoid (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene) Vitamin C
These ingredients can fade existing dark spots. In some cases, the ingredient can also slow down production of melanin, which is what causes the dark spots and patches.
Some products that fade dark spots are not good
When buying a product that can fade dark spots, you want to choose carefully. Researchers have found steroids or mercury, which weren’t listed on the product’s label, in skin care products imported from other countries. The steroids in these products can cause pimples and rashes.
Buy a product made in the United States or one recommended by your dermatologist.
Never use liquid bleach
- Hydroquinone or non-HQ skin lighteners: Skin lighteners work by decreasing the body’s ability to produce melanin. While it can be incredibly effective, hydroquinone (particularly in higher strengths) can cause skin sensitivity. Further, hydroquinone can only be safely used for three months at a time. Our office recommends three months on and three months off to prevent side effects like rebound hyperpigmentation.
- Chemical Peels: For faster results, chemical peels can remove layers of pigmented skin to reveal a lighter and more youthful-looking complexion underneath. Asians can generally tolerate only lighter chemical peels. Deeper, more aggressive peels can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). At our office, we typically recommend a Jessner’s peel for safe treatment and effective results. Most patients will require a series of peels to achieve an optimal outcome. Peels are also most effective when combined with medical grade skincare products.
- PicoSecond Lasers: Picosecond laser treatments are best known for removing tattoos. However, it’s just as effective at rejuvenating and lightening the skin. The PicoSecond technology is the first of a new generation of lasers that don’t rely on heat to melt or burn away unwanted pigment. Instead, the PicoSecond lasers rapidly delivers pressure that blasts pigment into tiny particles that are then absorbed and eliminated by the body. Treatment activates natural cell signaling processes that create new collagen and elastic. Over time, wrinkles, scarring, and other textural problems in the skin are softened. PicoSecond lasers are approved for use on all skin tones.
At The Caudle Center, we’re proud to offer each of the above treatments. Contact us at our Johnson City office. Call (423) 926-2400 today to book an appointment with our staff for personalized treatment planning.