How can I reduce the appearance of brown spots on my skin?

Many women get brown spots during pregnancy, while taking birth control pills or during menopause due to the reaction of hormones or medications, and the biggest offender - the sun. If you have been exposed to the sun, are taking medications and/or going through hormone fluctuations, you have options to regain and keep your healthy glow:

• Use sunscreen and wear a hat when outside
• Use skin-lightening creams (prescribed 4% hydroquinone creams; over-the-counter 2% hydroquinone creams, Porcelana and Esoterica; these options take time to show results)
• Use a tretinoin topical (acid form of vitamin A, the generic term for the medication Retin-A).  Other brand names: Rejuva-A, Retisol-A and Renova
• Laser therapy
• Intense pulsed light (IPL)
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Exfoliate using a glycolic acid
• Eat antioxidant foods: yellow veggies, blueberries, cherries, blackberries and fresh fruits
• Use antioxidant facial products.

There are two effective ways to banish brown spots on skin --  and one of them has added benefits you'll want to know about, says dermatologist Dr. Jordana Gilman. Watch this video to find out more about spot treatments for skin.

Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur discusses the various methods available through your dermatologist to reduce the appearance of brown spots on your skin. Watch Dr. Marmur's video for information on how to keep your skin looking young and healthy.