Sunspots, age spots, dark spots, you name it. All three are just a few signs of uneven complexion and aging.
Maybe you don’t have crow’s feet or forehead wrinkles, but pigmentation on the face, hands, décolletage and shoulder areas can age you too.
Have you struggled with pigmentation issues and are looking for a way to get bright and clear skin? Read on to learn more!
Pigmentation Explained
Some people confuse a lot of freckles with pigmentation, but that’s not the case.
True pigmentation is large and uneven spots or patches, usually brown and caused by sun exposure. UVA rays from the sun can penetrate deep into our skin causing this aging effect.
Apart from the sun, pigmentation issues can also be:
- Genetic
- Caused by fluctuations in hormones
- Inflammation from certain medications
- Dark marks from physical injury to the skin
Can you identify with any of these? Here’s what you can do to erase your dark marks.
1. SPF 24/7
For starters, prevention is your friend. Sunscreen is not a luxury item and not just for the beach.
You should be using sunscreen every single day of the year, rain or shine. Even if you already have dark spots regular sunscreen use can prevent them from getting darker.
Don’t just mind your face, be sure to cover all exposed areas of your skin (hands, neck, ears, legs, shoulders, etc.)
2. Microdermabrasion
For lighter spots, microdermabrasion can be helpful! The uppermost layer of the skin is gently removed helping you ditch your sun spots, dark spots, and other concerns.
3. AcuPulse
One of our favorite treatments at EVEXIAS Medical Centers is this skin rejuvenating laser. In fact, we recently wrote a post about the whole process here.
One of our skilled team members can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and offer more dramatic results as a result of being able to treat deeper levels of the skin.
4. Aloe Vera
If you want to try out some natural remedies at home until you’re able to make an appointment you can whip up a mixture of 2 tbsp. of Aloe Vera and ½ tbsp. of raw honey and put the mixture on your skin for 20 minutes then rinse.
Aloe is known to cleanse without disrupting pH and oil balances. This treatment can be done daily, but we recommend testing out on a small patch of skin the first time to avoid any irritation.
5. Use the Right Products
When you invest in products created specifically to fight pigmentation, like brightening serums with vitamin C, niacinamide, or bearberry, you will notice a huge difference.
Speak with one of our licensed professionals to learn more about the different skincare lines we carry.
6. Laser IPL
A specialized laser that targets pigments is a great option for anyone with serious skin damage concerns.
You can learn more about the treatments here, but we recommend a consultation with our medical team to see if it’s the right fit.
Avoiding Pigmentation Problems
If you don’t have any genetically-related hyperpigmentation issues, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of skin damage.
1. Limit Sun Exposure
You don’t have to be nocturnal, but be mindful of the time you spend outside. Always wear these items whenever you are outside for prolonged periods.
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Light clothing
- Sunglasses
2. Healthy Diet
What you eat can certainly affect how you look. Certain foods like cilantro, grapefruits, and celery contain a naturally occurring chemical, Psoralens, which is highly UV absorbent.
Avoid eating these foods when spending a lot of time outside and remember a generally balanced diet can help keep your skin clear.
3. Regular Skincare Routine
Washing your face every morning and evening, regular exfoliation and moisturizing of your face and body can also help keep your skin in check.
If you find it hard to stick to a regular cleansing routine make things easier on yourself by placing makeup remover wipes on your bedside table and buying an automatic exfoliating brush for your face and body.
We Can Help
Whichever treatment you choose to go with, we hope you’ll keep the three tips above in mind, by following a solid skincare regimen you can hopefully avoid any major pigmentation problems, to begin with.
We hope this information has been helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more answers or with any concerns!
You can schedule your confidential consultation here or get in touch with us to inquire about any skincare specials!
