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Causes of skin discoloration can vary widely and are impacted by a multitude of factors spanning from age to genetics, lifestyle habits, geographic location, and more. However, it is possible to track all causes of skin discoloration to one common occurrence: a fluctuation in melanin production. While treatments are available to target pigmented patches and even out skin tone, the causes and factors behind skin discoloration require a customized approach for optimal results. To get you started, we’ve listed some of the most common skin discoloration solutions, though it’s best to explore these options with a trusted dermatologist or treatment provider.
Before we dive into treatments, it’s important to understand what may cause a fluctuation in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocyte cells. An overproduction of the pigment can cause melanin to cluster in areas of the skin, while an underproduction of melanin can cause lighter patches. The most common causes of melanin fluctuations include:
The natural aging process also increases our risk for developing hyperpigmentation, as melanocytes tend to naturally grow larger as we age. In other words, as we grow in years, those tiny freckles will grow with us, typically appearing as larger dark spots or patches.
Determining the best treatment for skin discoloration should be a customized approach based on cause and those factors that could impact treatment results. That includes your habits when it comes to daily skin care and SPF.
Creams and topicals can offer an effective treatment for minor skin discoloration as a result of UV exposure or melasma, a more common occurrence among women experiencing a fluctuation in hormonal levels. For best results, look for creams, serums, or other topicals that contain the following:
One key note for darker skin tones is to avoid products with hyaluronic acids, as those with warmer Fitzpatrick skin types tend to respond with redness and darker pigmentation.
Similar to topicals, vitamin injections suppress enzymes and amino acids linked to the production of melanin. Less of a targeted treatment, vitamin injections utilize active solutions which are directly administered into the bloodstream for an overall brightening effect and a gradual fading of dark spots. It should be emphasized that these treatments are non-targeted, meaning that it is possible the body will utilize the injected vitamins in other ways than evening out a pigmented complexion.
Chemical peels are a little more heavy-handed in achieving results than serums and vitamin injections. Chemical peels utilize active ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, mandelic, lactic, and/or tricholoracetic acids to remove the upper layer of skin, encouraging skin cell renewal and the gradual healing of dark spots and skin discoloration. Results are achieved faster than topicals alone and peels can be customized by time and depth to target deeper pigmentation concerns. Chemical peels are typically not safe for all skin tones.
Microdermabrasion is a superficial, non-chemical treatment that leaves skin tissue intact for a shorter recovery time. Using microparticles to “sand” away skin cells, microdermabrasion exfoliates and sweeps away dead skin for a smoother, more even-toned appearance. This treatment is best for mild pigmentation concerns, offering modest, natural-looking results.
Microneedling utilizes tiny pins to create microdermal injuries that reach below the skin’s surface to stimulate skin’s natural repair response. Collagen and elastin production levels increase as a result, allowing skin to renew and heal for a younger-looking, more even-toned complexion. Microneedling may be paired with topical treatments like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C serums to boost wound healing and more effectively reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
A non-surgical skin resurfacing treatment option for uneven skin texture and pigmentation, fractional laser skin resurfacing treatments utilize radio frequency (RF) energy to safely treat all skin types. Creating tiny microdermal wounds via an applicator that features tiny pins, RF energy is safely and effectively delivered to targeted areas below the skin’s surface, spurring skin’s natural healing cycle to even out skin tone. By delivering energy below the skin’s surface, the results achieved utilizing fractional laser skin resurfacing treatments generally outpace those achieved with superficial treatments like topicals, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion.
For skin discoloration caused by UV damage, customized photofacial treatment plans may offer the most effective solution. Treating sun spots as well as vascular marks, visible veins, port wine stains, and discoloration, photofacial treatments utilize Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to precisely target pigmented tissue deep below the skin’s surface in quick 20-minute sessions. The result is a reduction in the appearance of discoloration and a boost in collagen and elastin levels for healthier, younger-looking skin without damaging any of the surrounding tissue.
Interested in learning more about laser skin resurfacing or photofacial treatments, or wondering which is the best choice to treat your skin discoloration concerns? Find a certified treatment provider near you using our search field below.
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Venus Versa™ has CE Mark as a multi-application device intended to be used in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. The SR515 and SR580 applicators have CE Mark for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions and treatment of benign cutaneous vascular lesions. The HR650/HR650XL and HR690/HR690XL applicators have CE Mark for the removal of unwanted hair and to effect stable long-term or permanent hair reduction for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The AC Dual applicator has CE Mark for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The DiamondPolar™ applicator has CE Mark for non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides on females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The OctiPolar™ applicator on the Venus Versa™ system has CE Mark for temporary body contouring via skin tightening, circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction. The NanoFractional RF™ (Viva) applicator has CE Mark for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin.
NeoGraft® 2.0 has CE Mark and TGA with indication for use in suction-assisted follicular extraction and re-implantation for males and females.
The ARTAS iX™ from Restoration Robotics® is indicated for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) who have black or brown straight hair. The ARTAS iX™ from Restoration Robotics® is intended to assist physicians in identifying and extracting hair follicular units from the scalp during hair transplantation; creating recipient sites; and implanting harvested hair follicles.
Venus Epileve™ has CE Mark for hair removal, permanent hair reduction (defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen), and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae for all Fitzpatrick skin types. Venus Epileve™ is also CE-Marked for hirsutism.
Venus Legacy™ has CE Mark for the temporary increase of skin tightening, circumferential reduction, cellulite reduction, and wrinkle reduction.
Venus Velocity™ has CE Mark for hair removal, permanent hair reduction (defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen), and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae for all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Venus Viva™ has CE Mark for the use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin, and the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV with the DiamondPolar™ applicator.
Venus Freeze Plus™ has CE Mark for treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides using the DiamondPolar™ applicator, and CE Mark for the treatment of cellulite reduction, increase of skin tightening, and temporary circumferential reduction on the OctiPolar™ applicator.
Venus Freeze™ has CE Mark for treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides using the DiamondPolar™ applicator, and CE Mark for the treatment of cellulite reduction, increase of skin tightening, and temporary circumferential reduction on the OctiPolar™ applicator.
Venus Glow™ provides a dermal rejuvenation treatment that works to open up and deep-clean pores. Venus Concept is the exclusive distributor for Venus Glow™.
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