What Are These Spots on My Face?

When you look in the mirror you might see some dark, unwanted spots on your skin and think “what are these?” The answer is: hyperpigmentation, also referred to as dark spots or sun damage. 

What is hyper-pigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage?

Hyperpigmentation refers to the areas of skin that become darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation or dark spots can be caused by a number of factors including sun exposure, hormonal changes, medications, or inflammation. When our skin cells become damaged by one of these factors, our bodies produce excess melanin, pigment, in order to protect the surrounding skin cells. 

Now the question is: How do we treat hyperpigmentation?

At Med 44 Arcadia, we offer multiple solutions to help with hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and dark spots. Our comprehensive treatment plans help our patients feel confident, youthful, and beautiful in their skin.

Medical Grade Skincare

One of the first and also the most important steps in treating dark spots, sun damage, melasma, and hyperpigmentation is being on a good skincare routine. At Med 44 Arcadia, we use ZO Skin Health products to address and correct different skin concerns. ZO Skin Health is a medical grade line that has over 40 years of clinical research and the highest concentrations of ingredients to effectively treat the skin. Important skincare ingredients that help to correct hyperpigmentation and dark spots are vitamin C, retinoids, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, licorice root, and hydroquinone. Being on a good skincare routine will not only correct and maintain your results, but it will also prep your skin for in clinic treatments. We recommend starting your skincare routine 4-6 weeks prior to receiving an in clinic laser or esthetic treatment. 

BBL Hero

BBL, also known as broadband light or photofacial, utilizes light energy to target pigmentation in the skin. BBL Hero is able to target dark spots but it can also be used to target broken capillaries, rosacea, cherry angiomas, bruises, and red scars. We recommend starting with three sessions of BBL Hero every 4-5 weeks to get the best results.

Moxi Laser

At Med 44 Arcadia, we are able to treat all skin types with Sciton’s Moxi laser. Moxi is fractionated resurfacing and treats hyperpigmentation and melasma. Moxi is also great for treating fine lines, rough skin texture, acne scarring, and enlarged pores. We recommend a series of 3-4 treatments of Moxi laser for the best results.

Chemical Peels

At Med 44 Arcadia, we use ZO Skin Health and PCA chemical peels. Chemical peels can help to remove the top layer of the skin, leaving the skin with a more even complexion. Chemical peels can also be used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, scarring, skin texture, and pore size. We recommend doing chemical peels in a series of three treatments spaced out every 4-5 weeks. 

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a tried and true skincare ingredient that acts as a skin depigmentation agent by inhibiting pigment production in the skin. A skincare consultation can help you determine if hydroquinone would be a good fit for your skin concerns.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is responsible for the first step in melanin production. When there is an injury to the skin through sun damage, inflammation, or hormones our melanocytes become hyperactive leading to hyperpigmentation. Using tyrosinase inhibitors can help suppress melanin production and keep our melanocytes calm reducing the change of hyperpigmentation. During your skincare consultation, our providers can determine the right products for your skin type. 

Dark spots, sun damage, melasma, and hyperpigmentation can be stubborn skin conditions to treat, but at Med 44 Arcadia we take a comprehensive approach that utilizes both medical grade skincare and in office treatments to correct these skin concerns. Scheduling a skin consultation with one of our providers is the first step in creating healthy, beautiful skin.

Want a customized treatment plan? Schedule your consultation with one of our clinical providers. Book your first consultation with us!