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.

As the temperature starts to cool down outside, temperatures inside start to rise.  This can make your skin start to become dry and flaky. Once your climate changes so should your skin care regimen.

1. Start by getting yourself an exfoliating cleanser, one with a synthetic bead that will be gentle enough to remove dead skin cells without scratching the skins surface. Use only once a day, one time per week for sensitive skin, every-other for normal.
2. Apply vitamin C, or other Antioxidant cream.
3. Apply moisturizer. Try to use one that does not contain alcohol, or a lot of ingredients you can not pronounce, and have no idea what they are.
4. Don’t forget SPF!

This regimen I recommend using year round. Just remember the more you exfoliate the more your healthy skin is exposed to free-radical damage and harmful rays. So, don’t forget to add an antioxidant and SPF to your daily skin regime, as well as exfoliating regularly.

Healthy skin = more beautiful skin!