Dark and Brown Spot Treatment

Dark spots are a common, and usually unwelcome, sign of aging. Sometimes known as age spots or even liver spots, sun spots are harmless, but often embarrassing. Fortunately, dermatologists can provide hyperpigmentation treatment that reduces dark spots and restores the youthful appearance of skin.

Treatment for brown spots always starts with an accurate assessment, as the course of treatment can depend on the location and appearance of age spots. While most brown spots are flat, for example, some are raised and rough in texture. These spots, known as seborrheic keratoses, are non-cancerous skin growths. They may appear anywhere on the body, though they most commonly appear on the back, neck, and face. This type of brown spot grows rapidly and causes itchiness and irritation, which is often a cause of concern for patients. Fortunately, many of the treatments for flat dark spots will also treat seborrheic keratoses.

What are Age Spots?

Age spots typically appear as flat, brown areas of skin, but they can also appear as tan or black spots. These dark spots can vary in size, but are larger than freckles. While they can appear almost anywhere on the skin, they usually develop in areas most likely to be uncovered and therefore exposed to the sun, such as the face, shoulders, arms, and hands. Dark sports usually develop as the result of sun damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) light penetrates deep into the skin and triggers the production of melanin, which is a pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin also causes skin to tan upon exposure to UV radiation in sunlight or tanning beds. Melanin protects the skin from burning. Overproduction of melanin can cause the pigment to clump and move upwards to the surface of the skin, resulting in a visible dark spot.

Brown spots are very common in people over the age of 40. This is because, as we age, the clumps of melanin continue to accumulate and grow denser over the years. The body’s production of melanin also decreases over the years, which leaves skin looking especially pale – except in the areas where pigment has clumped. Brown spots really stand out against paler skin.

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation

Many people wonder how to get rid of dark spots. Over-the-counter hyperpigmentation treatments or home treatments can lighten age spots, but these remedies do not work as well as the scientifically advanced hyperpigmentation treatments performed by a trained skincare professional.

Dermatologist Treatment for Dark Spots on Face

Brown spots are embarrassing, especially when they are in noticeable areas of the skin. Fortunately, dermatologists know how to remove age spots and have a wide variety of options when it comes to dark spot treatment. Each age spots treatment works in a slightly different way to remove brown spots on skin. The best treatment for brown spots on face, hands, and other areas of the body depends on your personal needs.

Liquid nitrogen

Applied with a cotton swab, liquid nitrogen destroys the excess pigment that causes brown spots. Spray treatments may be effective for small groupings of spots. Treated skin appears lighter as it heals.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently scrubs away the discolored skin cells to treat age spots. The treatment involves spraying aluminum oxide or sodium chloride crystals onto the skin to remove the topmost layer of skin; a special wand removes the crystals along with the treated skin cells. Microdermabrasion typically requires several sessions over several months.

Laser resurfacing

Dermatologists sometimes recommend laser treatment for age spots. Laser resurfacing uses the power of light energy to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Dark skin cells absorb the light energy pulses emitted by the laser head. Once inside, the energy from the laser kills the dark skin cell. Laser resurfacing typically requires two to three sessions.

Cosmetic peels

Cosmetic peels exfoliate the skin, which means the procedure removes old skin cells to allow new skin cells to grow there. Chemical peels can reduce the appearance of brown spots as well as acne scars, sun damage, texture issues, fine lines, and other imperfections. Multiple treatments can provide substantial results.

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Dark spots are embarrassing, especially when they appear on visible areas, such as on your face, arms, or hands. These brown spots can also be a premature sign of aging. Fortunately, age spots respond well to treatment by a skincare professional. There are a wide variety of treatment options available, so nobody has to live with liver spots anymore.

To learn more about brown spot removal please fill out our contact us form, or call (503) 297-3440 today!