How To Get Rid of Dark Spots On Skin

Microdermabrasion

If you need a beauty treatment that has multiple benefits, you need to try microdermabrasion.

This procedure removes the top layer of your skin, and it's been proven effective for reducing dark spots and fine lines. It uses exfoliating crystals and suction to uncover the fresh and smooth skin that's resting underneath your dead skin. As a result, your complexion becomes more even and youthful.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are another powerful cosmetic treatment. They remove the top layer of your skin with acids of different strengths. Since the stronger treatments involve risks and special post-op care, chemical peels can only be done by a skilled and licensed professional.

The results from chemical peels can be more dramatic than microdermabrasion because there are three different levels of acidic strength.

• Superficial peels, aka "lunchtime peel"
• Medium peels
• Deep peels

Each level increases in strength and produces better results. Superficial peels, for example, require a series of treatments to have the same results as a medium peel.

The medium peel, however, needs a longer recovery time, which limits your activity for a season. It's best to do this kind of treatment in the fall or winter when you won't be exposed to too much sun.

Deep peels should be done only once in your life due to the intense nature of the treatment. You will be in recovery for a considerable amount of time, but the results are stunning.

Control Your Acne

Many teens and adults experience breakouts. Moderate to severe acne can leave behind scars that are difficult to remove. One way to curb the effects acne has on your skin is to control your breakouts altogether by getting to the root of your acne problem.

Prescription Medicine

Your dermatologist can give you special medications to prevent breakouts and even take care of acne scars. Your skin doctor can prescribe medicines with powerful ingredients like Niacinamide, an antioxidant derived from Vitamin B3.  Not only does it fight acne, it also reduces swelling and hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Over time, your prescription can work on the tough scars and help them fade.

Another effective prescription for acne and dark spots is Azelaic Acid. It fights dark spots as well as both fungal and bacterial acne. Retinol, which is available by prescription and over-the-counter, can also diminish scars while smoothing out your skin. There are some side effects like redness and flaking at first, so take these only when your dermatologist says it's for you.

OTC Remedies

Not just prescriptions have merit. You can find weaker Retinol creams in any pharmacy. Using hydrocortisone cream can reduce swelling, redness, and scars on your skin. Remember, you should ask your skin doctor before you integrate any OTC medicine into your beauty routine. This will make sure that everything you do will help your progress.

Use Home Remedies

If your dark spots are minor, sometimes home fixes may do the trick. Some natural medicine fans swear by the powers of applying natural ingredients like lemon, buttermilk, and castor oil to dark spots.

Other valued remedies use Aloe Vera, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Sandalwood. As with all home remedies, it's best to ask a health care professional if these ingredients are safe to use, especially if you're also taking other medication.

Facial Cleansing Brushes

For anyone nervous about chemical peels or microdermabrasion, an at-home facial cleansing brush can help reduce your dark spots. The results aren't likely to be as dramatic and effective as professional treatments, but it's possible to have some progress.

Following the same rule of microdermabrasion, facial cleansing brushes scrub away the top layer of your skin. This deep clean can help topical medication better reach your skin since the freshest layer is absorbing the medicine. Be sure to not over exfoliate, however. You should also clean and replace your brush heads according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

Sun Protection

Sun damage leads to freckles and sunspots, so wearing sunblock daily is a good way to prevent dark spots from forming. SPF 30 at a minimum is a good starting point, but going even higher in SPF protects your skin even more. It doesn't matter what the season is either: UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin anytime.

Lifestyle Changes

Eating well and exercising can improve your total health. Naturally, your skin condition can benefit from better internal health. Drink plenty of water and keep your body full of beautifying nutrients that will nourish your skin and keep it at its healthiest.

Make a Plan

When you make it a priority to take care of your skin, you're likely to see some positive results with your dark spots. As always, you should have your dermatologist have the final say on your skin care success plan. With all the beauty remedies available, you don't need to settle. If you have any questions about dark spots and how to treat them, contact us.