Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area due to an increase in melanin, which is responsible for the color of our skin. This can occur for various reasons, including sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy), and certain medications.
One type of hyperpigmentation is melasma, which appears as brown or gray-brown patches on the face, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Another type is sun spots (also known as solar lentigines), which are flat, oval-shaped, brown or black spots that happen as a result of sun exposure and worsen as we age.
What to Expect
At Lenzy Dermatology there are a variety of effective options available to help patients fade unwanted brown spots and even out skin tone including topical creams or serums containing ingredients like hydroquinone, vitamin C, and retinoids. These ingredients work by inhibiting the production of melanin and encouraging the turnover of skin cells.
Additionally, chemical peels or laser therapy can help break up pigmentation and encourage new skin growth.
For more severe areas of hyperpigmentation, treatment may include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the brown spots with liquid nitrogen, or microneedling, which involves creating tiny wounds on the skin to encourage collagen growth and rejuvenation.
See a board certified dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options for dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma conditions.