Dark spots on the skin can be caused by several factors, such as sun exposure, rashes, hormones, and inflammation. But don’t fret – there are ways to fade them and reveal your natural skin tone.
One of the most successful treatments is Hydroquinone, an over-the-counter option that inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin production. This over-the-counter option begins to show results after two weeks and can be taken without a prescription. Pigmentation removal refers to any process or treatment that removes dark spots, blemishes, or discoloration from the skin.
1. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is an effective solution for diminishing dark spots and pigmentation caused by heredity, sun exposure, medications or other factors. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, top dermatologists use lasers to eliminate undesirable brown pigment and restore an even skin tone without harming nearby tissue. Pigmentation treatment can involve a variety of approaches depending on the type and severity of the pigmentation.
Lasers reduce pigmentation by shattering melanocyte cells that contain excess melanin without harming the surrounding skin. The energy of the laser breaks up pigment into smaller particles that can be more easily absorbed by the skin, leading to a gradual fade-away.
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an effective solution for dissolving dark spots, age spots, melasma, and other pigmentation issues on the skin. Not only do they improve skin tone and texture, but they also speed up cell turnover while stimulating collagen growth.
Chemical peels utilize a solution to create controlled injury at a specific depth, stimulating new skin growth. They can be performed at either a dermatologist’s office or a surgical facility as an outpatient procedure.
Your doctor will determine which peel is most suitable for you, depending on what goals you have in mind. Gentler options like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and trichloroacetic acid may help address mild pigmentation issues, while stronger peels can eliminate wrinkles and acne from the skin.
Preparing for a peel involves washing your face, applying an ointment, covering your eyes, and avoiding hair removal procedures that could disrupt the process. Depending on the peel type, healing time for the skin may take anywhere from three to seven days.
3. Bleaching Creams
Bleaching creams, also referred to as spot correctors, can help fade dark spots, age spots, freckles, melasma, and psoriasis marks. Unfortunately, these treatments cannot heal acne nor protect against sun damage.
There are various methods for achieving pigmentation removal, including laser treatments, chemical peels, and topical creams. Depending on the severity of the pigmentation and the chosen method of removal, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to achieve desired results.
Before using a bleaching product for your skin type or any other health conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, make sure it’s suitable. Furthermore, avoid skin-bleaching items which contain harmful ingredients like hydroquinone.
Some dermatologists recommend applying vitamin C serum to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This powerful antioxidant, found naturally in fruits and vegetables, can also improve your skin tone overall.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling is a skin treatment that involves puncturing the skin with sterile needles to initiate wound healing, prompting cells to shed and stimulate collagen production. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars while improving skin tone, texture, and clarity.
Microneedling can be done at home as a DIY treatment, but for optimal effectiveness, it should only be performed by an experienced licensed esthetician in a medical spa setting. This way, you’ll avoid any potential side effects and get all the advantages of the procedure, says our celebrity dermatologist in Mumbai.
The procedure is generally safe, though minor side effects such as bleeding, bruising, redness, and tightness may occur. These are usually temporary and should dissipate within a few days or weeks.
