One of the first things people notice as they get older is the changes in their skin. They may develop wrinkles, different skin texture or tone or even develop dark spots. The dark spots are usually what create questions since it’s hard for the average person to determine why they showed up. The good news is your dark spots could be the result of aging, hyperpigmentation, melasma or other conditions, none of which are detrimental to your health. You may want to get rid of the unsightly appearance of the dark spots, which can be accomplished in different ways, including a fractional CO2 laser treatment. Here are some of the characteristics of the different types of dark spots, how you can treat them and how to prevent them in the future.
Sunspots
Sunspots are also known as age spots. These spots typically develop when people get older, although the age range is very wide as it depends on the amount of sun exposure you’ve had in your life. Most people will see sunspots on their neck, face, arms, hands and other areas that typically get the most sun exposure. When you were younger, you may have noticed what looked like sunspots after a long vacation soaking up UV rays, but those spots likely disappeared after a few days. The dark spots you’re seeing now are likely a result of the accumulation of sun damage and sun exposure from your younger years.
Melasma
Melasma looks like discolored and dark patches of skin, which usually occurs in the facial area. While melasma may be caused by excessive sun exposure, it’s difficult to narrow down exactly what causes it. Some of the known contributing factors to melasma development include hormonal changes, stress, pregnancy, thyroid disease, irritating skin products and more. The Harvard Medical School indicates that, while melasma may be common in pregnant women, it’s not the only group of people it can develop with. When the cause is due to pregnancy or other temporary hormonal changes, melasma tends to subside on its own following the pregnancy or when hormonal changes occur again. Otherwise, the pro yellow laser for melasma treatment may be your best bet for minimizing the appearance since it’s difficult to treat with other products or techniques.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is typically a result of a skin injury or skin damage and can be present in all skin types, according to a publication from Pigment International. It’s also tricky to treat since the source of it isn’t usually immediately known. These types of dark spots could develop because of current or previous sun damage, injuries to the skin, reactions to medication, hormonal changes or other conditions and disorders. A fractional CO2 laser treatment is usually the most effective treatment option, but your medical professional will need to evaluate your skin to determine the cause of the hyperpigmentation to ensure the appropriate treatment option is recommended.
Available Treatment Options For Dark Spots
The first instinct many people have when they see dark spots develop on their skin is to get a topical cream to rub on them. Some of them may work temporarily, but if you want a more permanent solution, then options like chemical peels or a fractional CO2 laser treatment are more ideal. If your dark spots are the result of sunspots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, then your medical professional may suggest getting a chemical peel. The process includes applying a chemical solution to the skin, which creates an exfoliation process to remove old skin and replace it with fresh skin. The peeling process can take up to about 12 days and you’ll be left with more vibrant skin free of dark spots. Chemical peels are typically recommended if the dark spots are minimal or lighter in color.
If your dark spots are the result of melasma, then the pro yellow laser for melasma is likely your best option. This type of laser is used as part of a fractional CO2 laser treatment and is widely known as the best laser on the market. It can also be used for dark spots developing as a result of aging or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The laser treatment works by sending a laser beam directly into the affected areas of the skin. The laser creates tiny columns in the skin and the body goes to work to naturally repair those columns by replacing the old skin with new skin. It also promotes elastin and collagen production so people typically experience satisfying results for several months after their treatment.
Dark Spot Prevention Tips
Melasma is the most difficult type of dark spot to prevent since it could be the result of internal hormonal changes, birth control pills or pregnancy. As for the other types of dark spots, the best prevention tip is to protect your skin from the sun as much as possible. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid sun exposure completely, but just be aware of the exposure and take preventative measures to protect the skin. This could mean wearing hats that provide cover for your face, long-sleeves and applying sunscreen regularly. And if it’s possible to be out of the sun during the peak hours of the day as much as you can.
Skin Deep Laser Services provides treatment options for clients who are tired of dealing with dark spots on their skin. After a thorough evaluation of your dark spots, we will determine what may have caused them and also recommend the best treatment option for you. We understand how unsightly these spots can be and we will listen to your needs and desires closely to ensure proper expectations are set upfront. Many times the recommendation is a fractional CO2 laser treatment since it is quick, effective and yields long-term positive results. Removing your dark spots begins with a free consultation, so contact us today to schedule yours.