Skin discoloration affects many people. Discoloration may appear as a birthmark or after an infection, or from
Whether it's addressing melasma, hyperpigmentation, or other concerns, our dermatologists offer personalized solutions. Treatment options include specialized creams, cutting-edge laser treatments, and rejuvenating peels designed to diminish discoloration and restore your skin's natural tone and texture.
Severe or persistent dark spots can often be treated using an in-office procedure. There are multiple treatments, and your dermatologist can recommend the best option to help fix an uneven skin tone.
Hyperpigmentation is often harmless, but people may remove or reduce it. Options include avoiding sun exposure and using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.
Depending upon the cause of your hyperpigmentation, it may eventually go away on its own, but melasma—the type that's caused by hormones—is the most stubborn. “Melasma is most common in medium skin tones and it's very difficult to treat.
Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have: Skin discoloration that causes significant concern. Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin. Any skin sore or lesion that changes shape, size, or color may be a sign of skin cancer.
In mild to moderate cases, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not permanent and the blemishes will fade over time – even if left untreated. In severe cases, it can take months and even years for the discolouration to fade and some traces can remain permanently.
Of all skin cancer-related deaths, 79% are from melanoma. In this disease, cancer develops in cells (melanocytes) that produce skin pigmentation. A black or brown spot appears, typically, on the torso of males and lower legs of females. It may also form on the palm of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails.
Topical therapy is the recommended first-line treatment, with the gold standard being hydroquinone, which can be used alone or in combination with other agents.
Look into a mirror in natural light. Artificial lighting can alter the appearance of your natural skin colour. Notice the colour of the skin along your jawline or behind your ear. These areas typically tend to show your skin tone in its purest form, without any redness or discolouration that could get in the way.
Sun exposure can worsen skin hyperpigmentation. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or more even on cloudy days or even if you are at home.
Skin discoloration can be a source of concern, but understanding its underlying causes is the first step toward finding effective solutions. Whether it's hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or vascular issues, there are various treatment options available to help restore a more even and radiant complexion.
According to a study called “Shades of beauty,” light brown skin tones are often the most physically attractive skin color (Frisby et al., 2006). They used four models for that study. They did not change the skin tone, but they imaged each model to three different skin tones: light, medium, and dark.
Laser treatments are one of the more popular options for correcting uneven skin tone. These treatments use focused light to target and break down pigmentation, promoting a more uniform complexion. Some common types include: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target dark spots and pigmentation.
“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.
Epidermal: Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a well-defined border, appears obvious under black light and sometimes responds well to treatment. Dermal: Dermal melasma has a light brown or bluish color, a blurry border, appears no differently under black light and doesn't respond well to treatment.
Reason #1: You're Getting Too Much Sun. While you certainly don't have to adopt a vampire's suncare habits, that big ball of fire in the sky is one of the biggest culprits in terms of what causes dark spots on the face and on your body.
Skin damage from a burn, blister, or infection can cause patches that are lighter or darker than your normal skin tone. It usually gets better on its own. But there are special creams you can use to fade dark spots faster.
Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin.
It works by breaking down the excess melanin in the age spots and gradually reducing their appearance. So, when used properly and in appropriate concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective and affordable option to remove age spots on the face.