It’s important to keep in mind that the best approach to treating dark spots will depend on the individual, so it’s best to consult a dermatologist for a personalised recommendation. Treatments should only be done under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
1. Sun Protection
Sun protection helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by preventing further sun damage to the skin. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of dark spots (also known as hyperpigmentation or age spots) on the face and body. When skin is exposed to UV light, the body produces more melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. An excess of melanin can result in dark spots.
By protecting your skin from the sun, you can help prevent further darkening of existing dark spots and reduce the likelihood of new dark spots forming. This can be done by:
- Wearing protective clothing: This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat to cover as much skin as possible.
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, especially the face and neck, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Seeking shade: Try to avoid direct sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.
By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your skin from further damage and improve the appearance of dark spots over time.
2. Topical Treatments
There are several topical treatments that can be used to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. These include:
- Hydroquinone: This is a skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Over-the-counter hydroquinone products typically contain 2% hydroquinone, while prescription-strength products can contain up to 4%.
- Retinoids: Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are Vitamin A derivatives that can help to increase skin cell turnover and improve the appearance of dark spots. They work by stimulating the growth of new skin cells and lightening existing dark spots.
- Kojic acid: This is a natural skin-lightening ingredient derived from mushrooms. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin and helping to lighten dark spots over time.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin and protecting the skin from further damage.
It’s important to keep in mind that the best topical treatment for dark spots will depend on the individual, and it may take several weeks or months to see results. Talk to a dermatologist before starting any new topical treatments.
3. Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a type of treatment that uses a solution to remove the top layer of skin and promote cell turnover, which can help improve the appearance of dark spots. The solution used in a chemical peel typically contains an acid, such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid.
During a chemical peel, the solution is applied to the skin, causing the top layer of skin to peel away. This promotes the growth of new skin cells and can help to lighten dark spots over time. Chemical peels can be done at different depths, depending on the severity of the dark spots and the individual’s skin type.
There are different types of chemical peels, including:
- Superficial peel: This type of peel is the mildest and is used to treat mild dark spots, fine lines, and mild sun damage.
- Medium peel: This type of peel is used to treat moderate dark spots, as well as fine lines and mild sun damage.
- Deep peel: This type of peel is the strongest and is used to treat severe dark spots, as well as deep lines and significant sun damage.
Chemical peels can cause some redness and peeling, and it may take several days or weeks for the skin to fully recover. Chemical peels should only be performed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Omni are now offering Skin Needling and Skin Peeling Qualifications and Upskill Courses. Not only can these treatments help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, but they have many more benefits. Including helping with acne (both active acne and scarring), dehydrated skin, dull skin, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments are a becoming more popular with clients, so it is a great skill to add to your services.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that uses a special device to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which can help to improve the appearance of dark spots. The device uses a fine abrasive material, such as crystals or diamond tips, to gently exfoliate the skin and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells.
Microdermabrasion can help to lighten dark spots over time by promoting the growth of new skin cells and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It is typically a safe and non-invasive procedure that does not require any recovery time.
It’s important to keep in mind that the results of microdermabrasion can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the dark spots.
5. Laser therapy
Laser treatment is one of the most non-invasive advanced treatments for removing unwanted pigmentation on the skin such as age spots, sun spots, and freckles.
The laser light is absorbed by the dark pigment in the skin, causing it to break down and eventually fade away.
There are different types of laser therapy that can be used to treat dark spots, including:
- Q-switched laser therapy: This type of laser therapy uses high-intensity light to target dark spots and break down the pigment in the skin. It is often used to treat dark spots that are caused by sun damage, aging, or hormonal changes.
- Fractional laser therapy: This type of laser therapy uses a fractional beam of light to target dark spots and promote skin rejuvenation. It works by creating micro-injuries in the skin that stimulate the growth of new skin cells and promote the fading of dark spots over time.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: This type of laser therapy uses intense pulses of light to target dark spots and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. It is often used to treat sun damage, hyperpigmentation and other skin discoloration.
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment for dark spots, but it’s important to keep in mind that results can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the dark spots.
Before undergoing any treatment type, we recommend that you talk to a licensed healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist. They can help you determine the right treatment for your specific needs.