November 1, 2021 Tags: Plastic Surgery News
Summer is officially over and depending on how diligent you were with sunscreen, you may be noticing new, unwanted dark spots on your skin. Melasma, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation are all types of discoloration that can seem worse after summer due to increased time in and exposure to the sun. Although these dark spots can appear quickly, healing them isn’t so simple ― but a few key ingredients can make a big difference.
The best way to prevent dark spots from occurring in the first place is to apply sunscreen daily (along with other sun protection methods, like covering up and staying in the shade). However, once dark spots have imprinted themselves on your skin, healing them is easier if you can identify the type of discoloration you have.
Different types of discoloration have pigment at different depths of the skin, and different causes and triggers need to be considered. For example, melasma is caused by hormones, heat, and sun exposure, while post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne forms deep under the skin.
For something like melasma, a multi-pronged treatment can be the best choice. A dermatologist appointment or trip to our expert team at Dr. J. J. Wendel Plastic Surgery can also help determine whether peels, lasers, or prescription products are a good option for your particular case. However, in many cases, a big difference can be made in the appearance of dark spots just by using over-the-counter products.
Two options we highly recommend and carry at our office are EltaMD UV Clear Tinted= and SkinMedica Lytera 2.0, which can help patients get the smooth, healthy skin they desire. Results with any remedy won’t be immediate, but how long it takes to see them depends on the cause of the discoloration and the severity.
There are other product and ingredient combinations possible, but each person’s skin and discoloration is unique, which may mean a different course of action. Meeting with an experienced provider, like the ones on our team at Dr. J. J. Wendel Plastic Surgery, to discuss relevant treatment options once your skin has been properly accessed is the best way to determine the safest method to correct hyperpigmentation in your skin.
If you’re looking for an even more in-depth analysis of your skin and unique skincare needs, ask our providers about VISIA Skin Analysis, the objective skin report card that can help us provide you with even more tailored skincare recommendations. Book your consultation today!
