Skin Discoloration

So-called age spots are one consequence of long-term overexposure to the sun, even with no past sunburns.  Watch the animation to learn more about protecting your skin from the sun. Full Answer

A dizzying array of products that purport to lighten and brighten brown sun spots and hyperpigmentation of the skin flood the shelves today. According to David Bank, MD, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic... Full Answer

The type of skin discoloration following acne or skin trauma, like a wound, is called post-inflammation pigmentation. Skin discoloration following acne is caused by the skin’s natural response to inflammation when melanin-producing cells... Full Answer

Consistent, daily (not just when you remember!) use of treatment products is key to scoring visible improvement of skin discoloration following acne. The combination of daily sunscreen with topical creams that contain hydroquinone, tretinoin,... Full Answer

Scrubbing your face too vigorously, washing with too-hot water and even years of alcoholism and over-exposure to sun rays can lead to the red spotting of broken blood vessels, David Bank, MD, president of the New York State Society for... Full Answer

“Avoid tanning salons, saunas and other activities that cause blood to rush to the face,” says David Bank, MD, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Allowing skin to roast unprotected under... Full Answer

The Vbeam ($500) is today’s standard laser treatment for red spots on the face, says L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist, Gervaise Gerstner, MD. Additionally, holding a cold compress on the affected area can minimize the look... Full Answer

Brown sun spots are a form of hyperpigmentation. “Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin caused by overactive skin cells called melanocytes,” David Bank, MD, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic... Full Answer

Certain vitamins, including vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin E, have been shown to reduce dark circles in some studies, so products containing these ingredients may help.   Full Answer

If you are using at home treatments, you need four different products: 1. First, you need sunscreen since brown spots are caused in the first place by too much sun exposure. You certainly want to use an effective sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to... Full Answer