How Early Should You Treat Dark Spots?

While most dark spots (acne marks) fade on their own, the process can take time. This, however, varies from person to person. For some, it can take about three to six months, while for others it can take years. There are also instances where other forms of pigmentation may get darker over time and don’t go away on their own.

If you too are dealing with dark spots, it is good to know that treatments are available to speed up the fading process and to treat dark spots. This starts with knowing and understanding the causes of discoloration. If you can treat and address the cause, it is likely that many of your spots will fade or lighten on their own. You can also prevent new marks from forming.

Here are some of the things that can cause or trigger dark spots:

• Sun exposure
• Skin trauma or injuries like acne and atopic dermatitis
• Aging
• Hormonal fluctuations that occur in pregnancy (melasma)
• Certain illnesses (autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases)

If you, for instance, treat skin issues like acne, you may be able to stop the cause of discoloration and enable existing spots to fade on their own. The use of lightening medications and treatments (retinoid, kojic acid, vitamin C, hydroquinone, exfoliation, and others) can help speed up the fading process.

Be early but not too early

When it comes to fading dark marks effectively, early treatment is important. Do take note, however, that you shouldn’t use lightening medications or treatments too early. If there is still an open injury or if the marks appear moist, it is best to wait for them to heal first and dry up. 

If you use treatments or exfoliate aggressively while your skin is still repairing itself, you can do more damage and darken existing marks. You can also irritate your skin and prolong the healing process. If your skin is still red or if your acne has scab, wait first before using any treatment. 

Good results take time

It is normal for pigmentation treatments to take months before you see results. Keep in mind that even if you are using the right products/treatments daily, your dark spots won’t lighten instantly. The key is consistent and long-term use. You may see results in a few months, but take note that everyone’s healing process is different. 

It is important to keep treating and taking care of your skin even after the dark spots have faded. This can help prevent them from coming back. It is advisable to limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen daily. As sun exposure can cause pigmentation and darken existing spots, always practice sun protection measures.  

Try aesthetic treatments(Treat Dark Spots)

At Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have a number of aesthetic treatments that can effectively fade acne spots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. A consultation with our aesthetic doctor can help determine the right treatment for you.

Limelight IPL – Using an “intense pulsed light technology”, Limelight IPL addresses skin surface problems such as dark spots, pigmentation, and freckles. It draws out spots on the top layer of the skin, which scab and fall off after three to four days. The spots may turn darker, but it will soon get better after a few days, revealing brighter skin.

VI Peel – This medical-grade chemical peel can reduce or improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It can also soften lines and wrinkles and clear acne skin conditions. VI Peel can cause your skin to peel two to three days after the procedure, which can continue for five to seven days. After this, you’ll notice clearer skin.  

Cutera Pearl Resurfacing – This can address a range of skin problems such as acne scars, sun damage, wrinkles, and other types of hyperpigmentation. It works by using pulses of light directed at the skin’s surface, removing a portion of the pigmented skin. This causes it to produce a natural protective dressing, which will peel off after five to seven days. This then reveals clearer skin with a “pearly” glow.

Cutis Modified Jessner Peel – This stronger type of superficial-to-medium depth chemical peel can be used on the face area only. It can treat acne scarring, and is formulated with lightening ingredients to reduce pigmentation. It triggers the peeling of the skin, which then reveals a glowing and even-toned complexion afterwards.

Good things come to those who wait so be patient with the fading process. You can also contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to fade your dark spots effectively and address other skin concerns.