Let’s Even Out Those Brown Spots

If you’ve ever had a trauma happen to your skin or have spent more than your fair share of time in the sun, your skin is likely to develop brown spots or hyperpigmentation.
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These spots are considered by skin care specialists to be an early sign of aging and in most cases are first seen on the backs of hands. We often think that once you get brown spots that nothing can be done about it, but there are a few tricks of the trade that can be employed to fade the spots and keep them from coming back.
To start, brown spots appear when your epidermis which contains melanin becomes irritated and begins to increase production of the melanin.  This overproduction then shows up as hyperpigmentation.

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Hyperpigmentation can be countered by adopting regularly scheduled professional treatments and supporting those with additional home care.  Ask your esthetician about the exact steps needed to meet your goals.
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Hyperpigmentation comes in a large variety and can take on many forms.  Some include:
*Freckles, which are often hereditary but constant exposure to the sun will enhance their appearance.

*Age spots, which are also known as solar lentigenes. These are typically the result of excessive skin irritation caused by UV damage.

*Melasma is coloration that appears on the face and is a reaction to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills.

*Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation is a fancy way of saying brown spots that occur after an injury to the skin.  It seems to be related to the way the body responds to inflammation.  Inflammation is a standard bodily response to an injury or high irritation situation.  The typical injuries that will cause hyperpigmentation include acne lesions and cysts, injuries from popping pimples, aggressive chemical peels, ingrown hairs, sunburn, waxing, and even insect bites.

Another thing that you probably didn’t know can cause hyperpigmentation is drugs.  Certain drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs can cause it.  But certain over the counter drugs such as some laxatives containing phenolphthalein and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can cause hyperpigmentation as well.

If you want to prevent some of the more common ways hyperpigmentation occurs it is best to consult your skin care professional and let them know about all drugs you are taking as well as any activities you’ll be doing that may contribute to skin damage or irritation. If you’ll be doing a lot in the sun, they will probably advise a certain type of sunscreen along with a re-up regimen for when to reapply to ensure maximum protection
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If you choose to use your esthetician in order to reduce the appearance of brown spots they will help you choose the best regimen for your situation.  It may include steps such as microdermabrasion, or chemical exfoliation, or topical products, or a combination of these. 
These types of treatments take time and patience along with a willingness to supplement the treatment with home treatments.  
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If you follow your skin care professional’s advice and patiently stay the course, you will eventually be rewarded with a reduction in the prominence of hyperpigmentation.

At Oasis, we offer our pigment correcting facial, we safely combine, three levels of skin brightening techniques that consistently get our clients results. Schedule your consultation online today.

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