HOW TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON THE FACE
Age spots, sun damage, acne scaring, and melasma… dark spots no one wants to see on their skin yet, we all face one of these skin conditions at some point in our lives. Hyperpigmentation caused by overactive melanocytes – pigmented forming cells-- cause the skin to look discolored and uneven. These unwanted splotches on your beautiful skin are are the most frustrating to remedy and take the right combination of home and professional care to treat. This post will teach you how to get rid of dark spots on the face. With a disciplined regimen, constructed by your trusted esthetician, your skin will radiate its flawless beauty.
TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION
Melanin is a protein found in melanocytes which exist in the base layer of the skin’s epithelial tissue. Melanocytes secrete melanin, brown pigment, and determine your skin and hair color. While darker skin types have larger melanin granules, melanocytes number the same in all skin types. Overactive melanocytes cause dark spots or hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface. The two most common forms of hyperpigmentation are Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIHP) and Melasma.
POST INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the skin tissue’s response to inflammation. On the Fitzpatrick scale, Type 1 is least likely to experience PIHP while Type 6 is most likely to experience PIHP. When there is an injury to the tissue of the skin, melanin becomes more reactive causing dark marks to remain after the wound is healed. PIHP commonly occurs from breakouts, acne, and ingrown hairs. This is especially true in people of color. Something as simple as a fingernail scratch can cause an excess production of melanin in the skin. For this reason, aggressive exfoliating treatments are not recommended for darker skin types. (Fitzpatrick Scale type III - V1)
HYPERPIGMENTATION IN RESPONSE TO SUN DAMAGE
It’s true what they say ‘black don’t crack.’ Melanin protects the skin from the sun’s harmful aging and burning rays. In darker skin types melanin granules are evenly dispersed across the basil layer of the epidermis and naturally give a higher protection from the sun. Type I and type II skin is more prone to the hyperpigmentation due to the accumulation of sun damage. In fair skin, melanin is kicked into action when the skin is exposed to the sun. As the skin ages, melanocytes go berzerk and begin to rapidly produce melanin in areas that have been over exposed to the sun.
MELASMA
Hyperpigmentation can also result from hormone fluctuations in women. Melasma, or pregnancy mask, typically appears on the forehead, upper cheeks, upper lip, and chin. Pregnancy, birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and menopause can all cause melasma.
TREATMENT FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
Fortunately, with a diligent home care routine combined with professional care, all forms of hyperpigmentation can be effectively treated. A series of chemical peels, and/or laser treatments combined with a home care routine of brightening products will effectively reduce all forms of discoloration , scarring, and dark marks on the skin.[1]
Chemical peels are treatments carried out with molecules that generate what we normally try to limit: inflammation, a process underlying skin aging and PIHP. However, if properly managed, it can instead trigger a regeneration process which is very beneficial for the skin.
At YoMo Skin Care, we utilize a trusted and well researched brand of products from Skin Regimen. The combination of acids used in our peels are formulated to reduce inflammation to maximize efficacy for treatment of hyperpigmentation and aging. Acids are very versatile, multifunctional active ingredients in peels and have different dimensions and peculiarities. They can be combined to deliver specific and targeted activities. Acids can be used for various purposes such as:
Purifying and oxygenating the skin, leaving it hydrated and shielded from impurities
Shrinking the enlarged pores, improving the texture of the skin
Reducing wrinkles and giving firmness
Unifying the tone and giving brightness to the complexion
Lightening and alleviating pigmentary disorders
Reducing skin imperfections associated with excess sebum
It is important to emphasize that in dark photo types -from III to VI according to the Fitzpatrick classification- the inattentive use of peels can lead to the phenomenon of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To prevent PIHP, consult your esthetician and follow recommended guidelines.
TWO SKIN CATEGORIES FOR TREATING HYPERPGMENTATION
To guide the choice of the correct beauty routine, it is appropriate to consider that the skin can be classified into two macro-categories with different needs:
Normal to resistant skin:
thick and hardened texture
tendency to oiliness with superficial wrinkles and minimal presence of aging signs
enlarged pores and accumulation of sebum and impurities
tendency to impure skin
tendency to show signs of photo-aging and uneven complexion
Normal to thinner skin:
fine and not very elastic texture
tendency to dryness often associated with the premature appearance of fine lines
typically, characteristic of very light skin types with red hair and freckles
HOW TO GET RID OF DARK SPOTS ON THE FACE
To get rid of dark spots on the face, choose the appropriate skin category and follow the steps detailed below. The use of specific home care products before, during, and after the cycle of professional peeling treatments guarantees better efficacy and safety.
Step 1: home care - skin preparation
normal to thinner skin
morning
evening
glyco-lacto peel once a week, stating two weeks before the Urban Longevity Facial
Step 2: professional care
WEEK 1: Urban Longevity Facial
WEEK 2: Urban Longevity Facial
WEEK 3: Urban Longevity Facial
Optional- WEEK 1 Urban Detox Facial recommended for impure aged skin
Pricing and appointment details at YoMo Skin Care
STEP 2.2 home care -- during treatments
normal to resistant skin
morning
evening
glyco-lacto peel twice a week for the 1 month treatment cycle
normal to thinner skin
morning
evening
glyco-lacto peel twice a week for the 1 month treatment cycle
3. home care -- post care
normal to thinner skin
morning
1.85 HA booster (highly recommended to restore hydration)
evening
1.5 retinol booster every night
glyco-lacto peel peel once a week for 1 month
normal to resistant skin
morning
1.85 HA booster (highly recommended to restore hydration)
evening
1.5 retinol booster every night
glyco-lacto peel peel once a week for 1 month
HOME CARE TIPS
Do not use peel, after sauna, exposure to steam or intense physical activity: the activation of the blood circulation and the sensation of heat derived from these activities make the skin more receptive and sometimes hypersensitive to acids.
During application it is normal to perceive a slight tingling sensation that disappears with the removal of the product: in case of excessive irritation, reduce processing time.
Use cool or cold water to remove the peel: it helps to relieve any discomfort.
Do not over-stimulate your skin: during a peel cycle. Avoid using other exfoliating products, both chemical and mechanical, and select gentle cleansers.
Apply sunscreen every day even if you don’t plan to be in the sun.
[1] Lee, Joelle, L.E. & Neena Bhatti, MD MultiCultural Skin Treatments, 2018