Brown Spots/ Hyperpigmentation
Brown Spots, Sun Spots, & Melasma Treatments
People of all skin types can and usually do develop brown spots on their skin on the face, neck, and chest, the hands and arms, and the legs. Generally, such spots do not pose a health risk many people find these spots are a cosmetic concern.
Brown Spots & Sun Spots, both refer to areas of discoloration or pigmentation irregularities on the skin's surface.
Brown spots can occur at any age and in individuals of all skin types, but individuals with light skin are most susceptible. Sun spots are characterized by their round or oval shape and uniform brown color. They are caused by the overproduction of melanin (skin pigment) in response to UV radiation.
Sun spots are characterized by their round or oval shape, uniform brown color, and often accompany other signs of aging such as wrinkles and loose skin. Spots are caused by various factors, such as sun damage, age, hormonal changes or underlying skin conditions. While "brown spots'' is a more general term that encompasses various forms of pigmentation on the skin, "sun spots" specifically denotes brown spots resulting from sun exposure.
Sun Spots
Brown Spots
Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the development of brown or grayish-brown patches on the face, typically on areas exposed to the sun. It most commonly affects women, although men can also develop melasma. The condition is often associated with hormonal changes and is sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy" because it frequently occurs in pregnant women.
How To Identify Melasma
No Physical Symptoms
More Common In Women
Hyperpigmentation
Increases With Certain Triggers
Usually Has a Pattern
Chronic Condition
Pregnant women are most at risk of melasma due to an increase in hormones. The dark spots are often called “the mask of pregnancy” because of its appearance over the face or neck. Melasma can affect people other than pregnant women, but women are 90% more likely to experience it than men.
Melasma does not cause physical discomfort, itching, or pain. It is primarily a cosmetic concern. Melasma patches typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin, forming a symmetrical pattern on both sides of the face. They can also occur on other sun-exposed areas, such as the neck and arms.
Treatments
Laser treatments are effective for hyperpigmentation by targeting and breaking down excess melanin in pigmented areas, leading to a more even skin tone and texture. Along with professional skincare, we offer several different treatment options when it comes to pigmentation. Depending on what type of pigmentation you are looking to correct we will assess and discuss your options. When specifically exploring laser options we offer IPL (photo facial, ablative and non-ablative laser, and Q-Switch. During your complementary consultation we will help you decide the best choice for treatment.