Brown spots or technically speaking “hyperpigmentation”. What is it, How does one get it, and how do you treat it if you have it.

Hyperpigmentation is when an over production of melanin rises to the skin surface due to medication, hormones, post-inflammatory,  or sun-damage. Thus, creating brown spots, or “blotches” on the skin. This can be “permanent” or come and go as seasons change,  or when you expose yourself to the sun.

In some of my clients I have seen hyperpigmentation due to pregnancy (pregnancy masque), on the upper lip from tanning prior to a waxing, and most commonly on the sides of the face/cheeks from sun-damage, mostly due from increased UV exposure when driving. Don’t be fooled, “freckles” are also hyperpigmentation, it’s sun-damage, and it can be treated.

In my experience, the best treatment for this condition is hydroquinone of a clinical strength. This product is applied topically twice daily, after cleansing and prior to SPF/moisturizer. Sunscreen is a MUST always, especially when using hydroquinone because, it increases sensitivity. This is not an issue you want to make worse when you are trying to treat it, so wear a high level of SPF.

To properly treat your brown-spots or hyperpigmentation, go to your local Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeons office for a regimen. There you can recieve personalized care which may also include in office treatments to give this condition an extra kick in the pants.