Most people know that certain situations can leave dark spots on our skin. Whether it’s an acne breakout, a bruise, or just some sun exposure, we’ve all been there and we don’t want to be stuck with these awful marks on our faces.
Hyperpigmentation, or dark patches on the skin, occurs when some regions of the skin generate more melanin than others. Melanin is responsible for the color of the eyes, skin, and hair.
Black spots on the skin are not dangerous and do not require treatment, however, some individuals want them removed for cosmetic reasons. Depending on the cause, some black patches on the skin are known as age spots or sunspots.
How Will I Know That What I Have Are Dark Spots?
Dark patches on the skin might be light brown or dark brown in color. The hue of black patches might vary depending on a person’s skin tone. The patches are painless and have the same texture as the skin. Dark spots come in a variety of sizes and can appear on any region of the body, however, they are more prevalent in places that are frequently exposed to the sun. Dark patches commonly appear on the backs of the hands, the face, the back, and the shoulders. Knowing what it looks like will help you by:
- Not panicking, thinking it could be a serious skin disease.
- Make decisions whether to let it be or have it removed for cosmetic purposes.
A patch that is a few shades darker than the skin generally goes away within a year in persons with a darker complexion. It might take years for darker coloring to disappear. Deep color changes are generally blue or gray in appearance, however, a patch might be a lot deeper brown than a person’s normal skin tone.
What Are Popular Treatments For Dark Spots?
There are several over-the-counter treatment options that people can use to help the dark spots on their skin. A person might decide to try one of these treatments if they do not want to visit a dermatologist.
The first is bleaching ointment, which is an effective way of treating dark patches on the skin caused by sun exposure or aging.
Another option is chemical peeling with glycolic acid or lactic acid, which works best when used along with sunscreen and moisturizer. Peels work well in lightening dark spots because they remove dead cells from the surface of your face and promote new cell growth as you recover from the peel itself. The side effects depend upon how much strength was applied during application.
A dermatologist can prescribe treatments or procedures to lighten or, in certain circumstances, completely eliminate dark patches. Procedures are more costly than creams and have a higher risk of adverse effects, but they work quicker.
If you insist on getting treatment, here are some examples a dermatologist might recommend:
- Laser Treatment
- Microdermabrasion
- Cryotherapy
- Chemical Peels
What Increases A Person’s Chances Of Getting Dark Spots?
Your genes play a large role in how much melanin you produce. Other factors that influence your chances of developing dark spots include the sun, age, or hormonal changes.
Dark patches on the skin can affect everyone. Sun exposure, pregnancy, skin disorders such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, damage to the skin, medicines that enhance pigmentation, liver illness, and diabetes all tend to increase a person’s chances.
Dark spots are a cosmetic condition that can make you feel self-conscious. If this sounds like something you’ve been struggling with, it may be time to take action! We know how tough these things can be and we want to help. Our team of experts is ready and waiting for your call today so we can discuss the best way to treat dark spots in order to get back on track with looking great! Why not give us a call?
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Skincare services at Simply Skin Esthetics in downtown Walnut Creek, California are amazing experiences that keep our clients coming back time after time. Why? Because we care and more importantly we provide skincare treatments that are safe and long-lasting. We care, and it shows in our repeat clientele. We feature HydraFacial, Ultrasound Facial, Signature Facial, Men’s Facial, Express Facial, Treatments/Peels, Teen Facial, and Back Facials! Interested in learning more or scheduling your first session? Contact us now to make your appointment!