How to Combat Dark Spots for Clear, Even Complexion?

Do brown and dark spots make your face look dull and lackluster? Don’t let them stand in the way of clear and even complexion! 

If you too are dealing with the same concern, it is best to learn how pigmentation occurs and what you can do to prevent them.

Continue reading to find out how you can fight dark spots to get the bright, glowing skin you deserve.

Let’s talk about hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation happens due to an overproduction of melanin (pigment that gives hair and skin color) in certain areas of the skin. Damage because of UV exposure, inflammation and other factors cause the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to produce more melanin to protect the skin.

Hormonal changes (in pregnancy), as well as daily skin care practices can also contribute to the development of hyperpigmentation. These include waxing, shaving, and using scrubs, which can all cause minor trauma and damage to the skin.

This causes the affected areas to appear darker than your natural skin tone. Those with lighter skin complexions usually develop sunspots and freckles. Pigmentation on darker skin tones, on the other hand, appears patchy or shadowed. 

Fighting or preventing dark spots

Take note that brown and dark spots don’t appear overnight. They can be a result of trauma to the skin or sun damage over time. Here are some of the things you can do to prevent or avoid them.

• Always wear sunscreen – Make sure to apply an SPF protection daily. The damaging UV rays can also penetrate through clouds and glass, so you need to wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy. You should also reapply at least every two hours.
• Seek shade – Lower your risk of skin damage by seeking shade under a tree, shelter, or umbrella. You should also limit direct exposure to the sun when the UV rays are the strongest between 10am and 4pm.
• Accessorize – A brimmed hat that shades your face and neck is ideal for protecting areas prone to hyperpigmentation. You might also want to wear protective sunglasses to protect your eyes and prevent you from squinting.
• Stop picking your blemishes – Apart from making your acne worse, picking, squeezing, or poking your skin also increase your risk of scarring and pigmentation. It also delays the healing of the acne and causes more damage and darkened spots to the skin.

How skin lightening creams help

If you already have stubborn spots and marks, the use of prescription topical creams with hydroquinone can help. This clinically proven ingredient is used to lighten and reduce pigmentation on the skin. It is found to be helpful in treating melasma, freckles, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 

At Cutis Laser Clinics, we have Dr. Sylvia’s Balancer #5, which is formulated with 4% hydroquinone. It targets the deeper layer of the skin and lightens pigmentation, resulting in a smooth and clear complexion at the cellular level.

Balancer #5 can be used individually or as a part of Dr. Sylvia’s Advanced Clear Skin Program. It is the last step after using a cleanser, toner, Skin Lightener 3 and Exfoliator Forte 4. Also, hydroquinone can be used with topical retinoid, which according to clinical studies, improve the result of reducing melasma, especially severe cases.

Take note: The US FDA confirmed that hydroquinone can only be safely sold over the counter (OTC) at lower doses (2%). For a much stronger dose like 4%, you will need a prescription before you can purchase the product.

In most aesthetic clinics in Singapore, products with higher concentrations of hydroquinone like Balancer #5 can only be used with a physician’s prescription. This is why it is best to consult a skin care specialist to know if it’s the right treatment for your skin concern.

Take control of your dark spots

Combat dark spots by preventing sun damage and using the right pigmentation treatment. To learn more about Balancer #5 and other hyperpigmentation treatments, explore our website or contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today.