Ever wish something would just disappear….like the hyperpigmentation on your skin? There is hope!

Here are the 5 best treatment options for fading those sunspots and hyperpigmented areas.

• 1. Topical skin care products to lighten and brighten.  Natural lighteners like azelaic acid, kojic acid, bearberry, and niacinamide are great and can be used on all skin types.  Hydroqunione is an aromatic organic compound that has been around for many years and is known for its skin lightening effect.  There are different strengths available. However, hydroquinone should be used for short periods of time, about 3 to 4 months whereas natural lighteners can be used indefinitely.

• 2. Exfoliation at home.  This can be as simple as using a masque or enzyme treatment. Why is exfoliation good for the skin?   Because as we age our cells turn over more slowly, allowing the build-up of dry, less healthy skin cells to remain on the surface.   By exfoliating, we bring healthy skin cells to the surface and improve blood flow to the skin. These cells are better adept at dealing with environmental exposures and healing themselves. Retinols like Retin-A and retinoids are great for exfoliation in addition to calming down hyperpigmentation in the skin.  Please remember however that retinol and retinoids do need to be stopped for several days to weeks before most skin care treatments including waxing!

• 3. Chemical Peels.  These are still one of the most effective ways to treat hyperpigmented areas.  It takes years to develop sun damage. Likewise, it takes time and repeat treatments to fade hyperpigmented areas. Chemical peels can be light to deep and adjusted according to the persons’ skin type and needs.

• 4. Micro-needling.  This is a non-thermal or non-heat producing treatment that is great for all skin types. Micro-needling stimulates the skin to heal and rejuvenate from the inside out. It works well at fading mild sunspots, especially when used in conjunction with topical lighteners. Better yet, the downtime is minimal and is a great way to firm up the skin while fading the sun damage.

• 5. Laser therapy.  The “Fade Away” laser therapy treatment offered by Essex Medspa produces great results. First, the darker sunspots are pretreated with our Cynosure Apogee Elite laser and then a photofacial is done over the entire area. The heat breaks down the pigment and results in a coffee ground appearance of sunspots. These “coffee grounds” flake off while the lighter areas of sun damage fade.