Facial Brown Spots Have You Feeling Down?

October 25, 2021 by A Younger You

“If so, the staff here atA Younger You can help youFALL in love with your skin again! If your skin is showing brown spots, it's oftenHyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the name the healthcare professionals give to spots or patches of skin that have become darker than the surrounding area of skin. It occurs when the skin producesmore melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its

color. There are many types of hyperpigmentation and it affects people ofall skin types. The main forms areage spots (brown/ sunspots),melasma, andPIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

Age spots are most commonly caused by years ofsun exposure and not enough sun protection. Sun exposureaccelerates the production of melanin and over time those age spots come to the surface. They often appear in areas that get themost sun, such as the face, shoulders, and chest. If you have exposed your skin to the sunwithout sun protection, chances are you have or will develop an age spot or two in your lifetime.

Melasma is the form of hyperpigmentation usually caused byhormonal changes. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can all bring on melasma. It will most commonly

appear on theface and is symmetrical, with matching patches on both sides of the face. Themost common areas that are affected are cheeks, forehead, upper lip, bridge of nose, and often the neck. It's also more commonly seen in women. Stress, thyroid disease, and sun exposure can also bring on or worsen melasma.

PIH or Post- Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is pigment on the skin that follows an inflammatory wound. Acne, scrapes, cuts, sores, and rashes are all examples of inflammatory wounds. As the skin is healing it will produce too much melanin and leave behinddiscoloration. It can appear as different colors on the skin such as brown, purple, red, or white.Men and women equally get PIH andall skin types can develop it. Picking at acne or a wound can make this condition worse.

Overall – we havegreat news! All forms of hyperpigmentation aretreatable and manageable!Avoiding the sun,wearing SPF daily,reapplying SPF often when you're in the sun, and wearing a hat are all ways to prevent age spots, melasma, and PIH.Vitamin C,retinol, andhydroquinone are also great products to consider using tohelp improve hyperpigmentation.

Here atA Younger You we offer quite a few different types of treatments to help with hyperpigmentation. These includemicrodermabrasions,chemical peels, laser treatments, andmicroneedling. Call one of our

locations today and we can help you get on the right track toFALL in love with your skin again!” – Kristy Halverson