When you look in the mirror, is your skin tone even? Or do you see some dark spots on your face or areas that are a little darker than others? If you see uneven areas or pigment, you’re probably wondering how, when and why that happened. You’re also likely wondering if Dr. Peterson can help. The good news is he can!
What Are Those Dark Patches Anyway?
Those dark spots and patches are called hyperpigmentation. Also known as sunspots, age spots or liver spots, these dark areas are places where melanin is more concentrated than in other areas. Melanin is the broad name for the pigments found in the skin that give it its color.
Hyperpigmentation also includes melasma, a type of skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches to form on the face. Melasma can develop on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and upper lip. Melasma can also develop on other parts of the body that see regular sun exposure, such as the neck, forearms and chest.
Hyperpigmentation is relatively common and affects people of all ages, skin types and skin tones.
Can You Stop Hyperpigmentation?
You can help to prevent or slow down uneven pigmentation in your skin by wearing sunscreen. We suggest using a product that is broad-spectrum SPF 30 and mineral-based. We also recommend covering up with a hat and long sleeves when you go out in the sun.
But, Can You Get Rid of It?
There are some ways you can get rid of hyperpigmentation. These methods include:
Topical creams. Some topical creams are designed to target hyperpigmentation by lightening dark spots. These products usually contain ingredients like retinol or other retinoids, corticosteroids, azelaic or kojic acid, hydroquinone, and vitamin C.
Laser therapy. Laser skin rejuvenation can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by triggering the body to produce new skin cells, which push out the darker cells to improve and even out your skin’s pigment.
Chemical peels. Chemical peels can help to improve skin tone and get rid of dark spots, superficial scarring and even fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling. Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure designed to help facilitate new skin cell production, which can help push out damaged skin cells that are making your skin uneven. Microneedling works by putting tiny holes in the skin to stimulate the body’s healing response and increase cell turnover.
Do you want to learn more about our skin-rejuvenation options and the different ways we can treat your hyperpigmentation? Call Dr. Jack Peterson in Topeka at 785-234-9000 to schedule your consultation today.
