Treating and Preventing Future Dark Spots: Yes You Can!

While dark spots due to hyperpigmentation are mostly harmless, they can make your skin look dull and tired. This is the reason why many of us are willing to try almost anything to erase or get rid of those pesky marks. 

Hyperpigmentation means having spots and patches of skin that look darker than your natural skin tone. If you too are bothered by this beauty dilemma, you may be glad to know that there are a number of options for fading or getting rid of hyperpigmentation.  

Here are a few things that can help:

Stop touching your face

Although it is always tempting to pop, pick, and squeeze a zit, doing so can inflame your skin and lead to discoloration or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). You should  remember that touching your face or picking a spot also means transferring the bacteria in your fingers. This can lead to clogged pores and blemishes.

Engaging in activities that keep your hands busy can help you stop touching your face. These include squeezing a stress ball, drawing, or even typing. It can also be helpful to place daily reminders on your laptop, phone, and vanity, to stop touching your face.

Keep your skin moisturized

Apart from hydrating your skin, the use of a daily moisturizer can also help your skin maintain its balance. This then reduces your chances of having skin problems, as well as the appearance of other blemishes. The right moisturizer can also give your face a plump feeling and help fight wrinkles. 

If you’re battling with discoloration, you may want to look for a moisturizer with niacinamide or vitamin B3. This ingredient is known to reduce the appearance of dark spots, which helps brighten your complexion. Hydrating creams with retinol can also help in fighting dark spots, wrinkles, and acne.

Consider a prescription-strength lightener

While many OTC remedies can help fade dark spots, they are sometimes not enough. If this is true for you, it may be time to consider other products like prescription strength hydroquinone. This skin-lightening agent reduces skin pigmentation by blocking the enzyme in charge of melanin production (tyrosinase). 

At Cutis Laser Clinics, we have Balancer #5, which is formulated with 4% hydroquinone. It targets the skin’s deeper layers, making it effective for treating dark spots. Balancer #5 can be used along as or as a part of Dr. Sylvia’s Advanced Clear Skin Program. It is the last final step after cleansing, toning, Skin Lightener 3, and Exfoliator Forte 4. 

Take note: The US FDA confirmed that hydroquinone can only be safely sold OTC at a lower dosage (2%). For a much higher concentration, a prescription from a doctor is required before it can be used. It is also recommended to first consult with an aesthetic doctor to determine if the product is right for you.

Minimize future damage

The harmful UV rays can damage your skin by accelerating aging and causing sun-induced spots or discoloration. This makes it important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Apart from protecting the skin against sunburn, this also helps reduce the appearance of discoloration, sagging skin, and wrinkles.

Be sure to choose a gentle product with an SPF of at least 30. Apply liberally and don’t forget areas like your ears, back, neck, and tops of hands and feet. Also, you should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming, bathing, or sweating heavily.

Fight and prevent dark spots

With the number of tips and options in fighting hyperpigmentation, there is no reason to let those pesky marks from lingering. To learn more about our skin lightening products and other non-invasive treatments, contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today.