Dark spots on skin are very common, especially for those with deep complexions and higher melanin content. But regardless of how common skin hyperpigmentation is, many still feel the need to hide their dark spots underneath makeup and undergo laser procedures to get rid of them permanently.
In this article, we discuss the differences between skin hyperpigmented spots and provide an overview of advanced treatment options that will help eliminate them.
What’s the Difference Between Sun Spots, Age Spots, and Liver Spots?
Sun spots and liver spots refer to brown blotches that appear along the skin due to exposure to sunlight without sufficient protection (i.e., sunblock). Dark spots can also form due to overexposure to artificial UV rays from tanning beds. Either way, these harsh rays can lead to signs of premature skin aging.
Age spots on face and body naturally appear as people grow older. They can also occur relatively early in life due to UV exposure and other environmental factors that lead to skin damage.
Technically speaking, all these terms refer to increased pigmentation on body parts that result from aging or sun exposure.
Red aging spots and red sun spots on skin will likely fade within a few weeks or months. However, the darker, brown spots last much longer—to the point that they may require medical or cosmetic treatment to be eliminated.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation—sometimes referred to as age or sun spots—is a common skin condition that results in some areas of the skin to appear darker than others. These spots can be black, brown, gray, pink, or red, and they can occur just about anywhere.
The parts of the body most vulnerable to hyperpigmentation are the most exposed areas, such as the face and neck. However, they can appear just about anywhere.
The only symptom of hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark spots on the skin. While this sounds simple enough, darkened skin and unusual spots aren’t always caused by hyperpigmentation. As such, it’s best to visit a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and the best possible treatment to eliminate any skin anomalies.
Your doctor may ask for your medical history and physical examinations, skin examination to determine whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation or a different skin concern. After a thorough examination and diagnosis, they will be better able to advise you about how to care for your skin.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
What causes liver spots or sun spots on face? The principal reason is prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight and harmful UV rays. Meanwhile, natural aging is what causes age spots to appear.
But is there any other reason for pigmentation on face and body?
The overall cause of hyperpigmentation is melanin overproduction—the cells clump together and make a specific area look visibly darker on the surface of the skin.
These are the other probable causes of hyperpigmentation:
Acne, burns, cuts, and other skin injuries
Addison’s disease and other adrenal disorders
Genetic inclinations, such as the predominance of freckles in the family
Hormonal changes, especially during puberty or pregnancy
Oral contraceptives and medications that cause light sensitivity
Vitamin deficiency, especially B12 and folic acid deficiency
Other health conditions, such as melasma and thyroid disorders, have also been linked to hyperpigmentation.
Keeping in mind that hyperpigmentation in itself has no other symptoms, it’s best to consult a physician if you are experiencing other persistent health symptoms along with dark spots.
What Are the Most Effective Treatment Options for Hyperpigmentation?
Many types of sun spot treatment options can help you eliminate hyperpigmentation. And with continuous advancements in the medical field, expect many more options to emerge in the future.
The most effective options are currently laser therapy, chemical peels, and dermabrasion treatments. Many assume that the difference lies in the chemical peel, dermabrasion, or Laser Sun Spot Removal Price. However, the best solution depends on your skin type, how many dark spots are littered on the skin, and how dark they are.
For example, dermabrasion treatments and chemical peels work by gently scrubbing off the top skin layer to get rid of surface-level imperfections and encourage the regeneration of healthier skin. Meanwhile, laser therapy eradicates the cells that generate extra pigments, so the skin naturally lightens over several sessions.
Skin health experts also recommend intense pulse light or IPL as an alternative to laser therapy. IPL covers broader areas, so it is the best option if your hyperpigmentation is scattered across wide swathes of skin.
Currently, the most powerful IPL option for addressing skin pigmentation and vascular lesions is Lumecca IPL.
What’s the Difference Between Lumecca IPL and regular IPL?
Lumecca is a tried-and-tested solution highly recommended by skin experts because of its remarkable technology. It is similar to other IPL treatments in terms of methodology. The main difference is the special handpiece that treats target areas and generates results much more quickly than regular IPL tools.
That said, there’s no single best method if you’re looking for how to get rid of sun spots or other types of hyperpigmentation. It ultimately depends on which treatment your skin best responds to.
For this reason, it is vital to have a one-on-one consultation with an expert to discuss your skin condition and determine the best ways to address your skin issues.
Invest in Clearer, Smoother Skin Today
LA Beauty Skin Center understands that beautiful and healthy skin is an important goal for many. For this reason, our professional medical spa provides advanced non-surgical skincare solutions that meet your unique beauty requirements.
Our highly trained medical staff, led by Dr. Arman F. Karapetyan, provides state-of-the-art laser, Lumecca IPL and resurfacing treatments to address hyperpigmentation on body parts and the face.
We’re committed to providing unmatched medical and personal care with results you will be happy with. Ask us about eliminating age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation, and we’ll provide the most suitable solutions based on your unique skin type and skin concerns. Book an appointment at LA Beauty Skin Center.