AHHH, the end of summer – mixed feelings! Unfortunately, many clients are noticing dark spots from heat and sun exposure. Or perhaps we have suffered from acne in the past and it left small dark spots. We might even have melasma (pregnancy mask or residual) after pregnancy or certain health conditions. Or even all of the above! In my clinic, I have treated all of the above successfully with my customized approach which contains:
1. Ingesting and applying Vitamin C topically twice daily
2. Sun protection – reapplication every 4 hours, wearing hats & long sleeves
3. Retinol to increase cell turnover rate
4. Professional treatments every two weeks until skin is healed
Professional treatments to heal dark spots and hyperpigmentation or all over brightening of the skin can include Collagen Induction Facial, light chemical peels, glycolic peels, Jessner’s peels or lactic masks. The deciding factors include your skin type, do you have a few days to look sunburned and if we are addressing any other issues.
Collagen Induction Facials are great for all over brightening, while providing wonderful anti-aging benefits of reducing wrinkles and helping texture.
Light Chemical Peels work wonderfully by themselves or with other treatments combined to also treat acne and wrinkles. It works for texture, but not as well as Collagen Induction. But it’s the first thing I usually recommend when there is still active breakouts.
Glycolic Peels are a bit old-school, but are amazing for dry skin because it also increases the lipid barrier function.
Jessner’s Peels are designed for acneic skin and will usually work by lifing the dark spots off. You will usually start peeling on day 3 and continue until day 6.
Lactic masks are a wonderful, gentle way of overall brightening the skin. Marie Antoinette and Cleopatra were famous for their lactic masks. Don’t worry if you are lactose intolerant though, it will not go through the blood/skin barrier – lactose molecules are too large.
Not sure of what you need? Just schedule a skin consulation and I will waive the $25 fee if you get a treatment that day.