A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them. Procedures are more expensive than creams and are more likely to cause side effects, though they tend to work faster.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is a great treatment to target dark spots. IPL uses multiple wavelengths to treat brown pigmentation and age spots. Common areas include hands, neck, chest, and face. IPL targets melanin-making cells without harming the surface of the skin.
A board-certified dermatologist can tell you whether a prescription-strength cream or procedure would be more effective for you. Laser treatment (procedure): One or two laser treatments can treat age spots quickly, and you'll likely have longer-lasting results than with a cream that can fade age spots.
While bleaching creams can be used safely under the direction of a board-certified dermatologist to treat pigmentary conditions like melasma, dermatologists are concerned about the use of these products to change the color of one's complexion.
Most dark spots will then fade on their own over time, but it may take a long time. Skin injury: As the wound heals, you may see a dark spot or patch. In time, the hyperpigmentation will fade if you don't re-injure your skin.
Unsurprisingly, professional removal of age spots isn't exactly cheap. Typical pricing can start from $150 - $350 per lasering or light therapy session, with multiple sessions recommended—ideally at least three. Cryotherapy typically runs between $50 - $100 dollars.
Might Lighten Dark Spots
Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots.
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can be caused by acne scars, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal changes, according to David E. Bank, MD, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “There are a variety of creams and serums that patients can use to help lighten, brighten, and diminish dark areas over time,” he said.
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.
High-energy pulsing lasers can safely and effectively remove many unwanted brown and red spots on your skin, including liver spots, age spots, sun spots, broken capillaries, birthmarks, and angiomas (red spots). Once the lasers do their job, you can have a more even skin tone.
Though vitamin E has been used in various over-the-counter skin lightening creams, there is insufficient evidence on whether vitamin E oil can remove dark spots. The only evidence is that it can protect from the damaging effects of the sun and reduce depigmentation in melasma.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
This is because an ice facial improves blood circulation, brightens skin and makes it appear radiant. This is why, with prolonged use, ice massages could lead to reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
The condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and it's insanely common among all skin tones. The spots typically appear after your skin has experienced some type of inflammation (acne, mosquito bites, or other traumas).
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of skin - and you may be wondering, does exfoliating remove dark spots? Well, sadly they won't be completely gone, but exfoliation will help to diminish the appearance of dark spots.
Treatments involve anywhere from 1,500 to 4,000 milligrams of glutathione, often combined with vitamin C, administered once or twice a week. Each session can cost $150 to $400, depending on dosage and location.
In the US, dermatologists can prescribe creams or lotions containing about 4% hydroquinone for patients with skin conditions, and some products approved for over-the-counter use contain 1.5% to 2% hydroquinone. These creams are topical, and partially block a chemical reaction in our skin that produces melanin.
Best Classic: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter. The intense antioxidant properties in this formula noticeably reduce acne spots and scars in 12 weeks (according to the brand), and it's gentle enough for daily use.
Glowpink Dark Spot Corrector Cream is ideal for women who wish to remove dark spots, pigmentation, blemishes, acne scars and uneven skin.