Seeing spots?

Let's talk about hyperpigmentation.

How long will it take for the hyperpigmentation to fade naturally?

Once what’s causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped (e.g. acne, eczema, sun exposure), fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin colour will usually fade naturally within 6 to 12 months.

If the colour lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years. Discolouration that lies deep in the skin is often a slate blue to grey colour. It may also be brown, but the brown is much darker than your natural skin tone.

Treatment can speed up the fading of dark spots and patches.

What treatments do dermatologists & skin care physicians recommend for hyperpigmentation?

Effective treatment for dark spots and patches begins with SUNSCREEN - SPF all day, every day!

Applied daily, sunscreen can prevent new dark spots and prevent the darkening of previously existing spots. To get the protection you need to prevent (and help clear) dark spots, use a sunscreen that offers all of the following:

• SPF 30 or higher (SPF > 50 preferred)

• Broad-spectrum protection

• Water-resistance

• One (or both) of these active ingredients: titanium dioxide or zinc oxide

• A non-comedogenic (will not clog your pores) formula if you have oily skin
  

Are you tempted to skip the sunscreen

because it leaves a white cast on your skin?

Consider using a tinted sunscreen, which can blend into your skin tone.

Options for sunscreen brands that do not white cast:

• Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen ($$$)

• La Roche Posay Antihelios UltraFluid Face Sunscreen - Tinted ($$)

• CeRave Facial Moisturizer with SPF ($)

• EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen ($$$)

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The Power House Ingredients

Once you eliminate what’s causing the dark spots and protect your skin from sun damage, the next step is finding an effective skin care regimen tailored to fade your dark spots and even out your skin tone. You can find many of these options over-the-counter or as prescription (more potent) creams & serums.

Recommended Active Agents:

• Azelaic acid

• Glycolic acid

• Lactic Acid

• Tranexamic Acid

• Kojic acid

• Retinols or retinoids (Vitamin A)

• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

• Hydroquinone

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The Bottom Line - Dark spots are challenging to treat, thus it often takes at least 6 months of consistent treatment before you notice any fading. The use of sunscreen is key to prevent further darkening of spots.

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Consultation with a skincare physician is key, as a tailored regimen is vital for addressing individual skin concerns. If the over-the-counter creams are not working for you, prescription topical medications and more advanced procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy can be achieved at dermatology clinics to target deeper pigmentation and expedite your journey to a radiant complexion.

*** For under-eye hyperpigmentation - check out our other blog post!