Brown Spots / Uneven Pigmentation / Freckles
Brown spots, referred to as lentigo, (aka, "age spots") are flat, light brown-colored spots that result from chronic sun exposure. Over time, these unwanted lesions can appear on your face and on the back of your hands and arms. Freckles, which range from mild to excessive, can be hereditary or also from sun exposure.
Treatment
- Sun protection is essential in the treatment and prevention of these problems. Using the right type of sunscreen is imperative. Those containing zinc oxide are some of the best.
- Topical medications and skin care products containing special lightening agents that fade the discoloration. Retinoids, alpha/beta hydroxy acids, niacin, hydroquinone, kojic acid, and newer types of natural extracts and peptides are some of the active ingredients that can help lighten unwanted pigmentation.
- Chemical peels: superficial (Refinity Peel, B-lift Peel, Vitalize Peel) and medium-depth chemical peels (TCA Peel). TCA peels are stronger than superficial peels and require some down time.
- Microdermabrasion (Diamondtome™)
- Dermasweep™
- Pulsed Light Treatment (IPL) / photofacial with Palomar™ Pulsed Light System
- MedLite® Laser System
- Fractional resurfacing, with Palomar Star Lux 1540® or Fraxel Re:Pair® laser resurfacing
