How to Reduce Pigmented Spots on Your Skin
Do you experience age spots or different skin pigmentation on your arms, legs, back, or face? Believe it or not, it is possible to reduce those pigmented spots on your skin. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute explain where this depigmentation comes from and how they can help treat it.
What to Know About Pigmented Spots
Why Pigmented Spots Occur
Pigmented spots occur because of an excess production of melanin in our body. Melanin is what gives the skin its color. Sun exposure, pregnancy, and some medications can all cause an excess of melanin to be produced. When this occurs, you will notice dark spots in either small patches, large areas, or the entire body. Additionally, vitiligo is a skin condition where the skin loses its natural pigmentation and white spots appear on the skin. These spots can appear on the face, back, arms, legs, or nearly anywhere. They can be in large patches or just a few small spots. Pigmented spots are not harmful or contagious, but you should do what you can to avoid pigment issues from occurring.
To prevent pigmentation issues from occurring, it is recommended to always protect your skin when you are in the sun. You should wear hats and protective clothing when being exposed to the sun for a long time as well as routinely applying sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day, sunscreen should be applied before heading outside and reapplied if the sun is out in full force. If you think you may have pigmented spots or vitiligo, a dermatologist can help provide a diagnosis as well as explain different treatment options.
How to Restore Your Pigmentation
A dermatologist will likely first suggest a topical retinoid medication to help restore your pigment. The cream should be put on the affected areas, but it will take a few months to see results. Prolonged use is not suggested, so a dermatologist may recommend laser treatments, light therapies, and chemical peels to also help restore your pigmentation. Laser treatments dedicated to skin pigmentation work from the skin absorbing the laser’s energy, vaporizing the melanin and lightening the pigment. For those with vitiligo, XTRAC light therapy helps to minimize depigmented spots. XTRAC is a laser that delivers UVB light to the skin affected by vitiligo. The laser damages the affected skin cells and makes them go away, resulting in less white spots. Multiple treatments will be needed to achieve the desired results.
Lastly, for depigmentation on your face, chemical peels help by renewing and refreshing your skin by fading brown spots, evening out skin tone, and restoring pigmentation. First, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. It is then neutralized and washed off. In the days and weeks following your treatment, the upper layers of skin will flake off. As a result, you will notice pigment restored as well as smoother, younger-looking skin. Chemical peels are performed by a dermatologist and should be done every two months for the best results.
We want to help reduce your pigmented spots and can do so if you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas. Complete this form, and we will put you in touch with a dermatologist from the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute.