Dark spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma. If you're experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin, even appearing as flat patches or freckle-like spots, you may be experiencing hyperpigmentation or melasma. Commonly affected areas include your face, mainly your cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Great news is this skin disorder is completely harmless, and can be diminished with in-spa and at-home treatments!
What is melasma? From the Cleveland Clinic, "Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and that’s why your skin darkens. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter."
What can you do to diminish the appearance of dark spots? In-Spa Treatments will lighten dark spots most effectively, but continued at-home treatments will keep the dark spots at bay.
1. In-Spa Treatments:
The HydraFacial is a phenomenal treatment for brightening. For best results, schedule the Deluxe HydraFacial or the Elite HydraFacial since a booster enhancement is included to target areas of concern. For brightening, using the Britenol booster will help to brighten and balance the appearance of dark spots and sun spots by utilizing the key ingredients Alpha-Arbutin (Brightening agent), Vitamin C (Antioxidant), and Bearberry Extract (Brightener). For optimum results, schedule three HydraFacials with the Britenol booster.
Another great option is asking your Esthetician to put together an individual plan for a resurfacer series. Resurfacers, sometimes referred to as mild peels, are superficial exfoliating treatments using enzymes and acids to refine and exfoliate, removing the most damaged outer layers of the skin to reveal healthier-looking skin beneath and encouraging new, healthy skin cell growth.
2. At-Home Treatments:
Pevonia's Lumablanc Cream: An intensive, targeted night treatment that reduces the appearance of dark spots and helps to even skin tone. Clinically proven, this satiny Moisturizer is a safe and highly effective aid for hyperpigmentation powered by an innovative Peptide, Vitamin C, and Microsphere technology. It features Pevonia-exclusive retinol delivery system and is clinically proven to produce better results than hydroquinone in only 4 weeks.
Dermaquest SkinBrite Serum: An antioxidant-rich brightening serum that is ideal for all skin types. Formulated with ChromaBright™, Lactic acid, and Botanical brighteners that work tirelessly to diminish and prevent discoloration, SkinBrite penetrates deep in your skin’s layers to brighten and illuminate your skin and significantly reduce discoloration. A great choice for combination to oily skin types.
Dermaquest SkinBrite Cream- SkinBrite Cream is a hydrating and brightening cream that uses 16 brightening ingredients to help fade pigmentation and suppress melanin production for even, glowing skin. A highly effective cream that helps inhibit unwanted pigmentation by enlisting the benefits of advanced melanin suppressing ingredients like, BV-OSC and ChromaBright®. A great choice for normal to drier skin types.
As always, protect your skin everyday with an SPF like Dermaquest Essential SheerZinc SPF 30 or Pevonia YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30. You can also choose a sun smart makeup like Jane Iredale which is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for it's great SPF makeup and skincare formulas.
Interested in consulting with an Esthetician to address your skin concerns? Schedule a free skin consultation by calling 614-766-9946.