Brown spots on the face are caused by the formation of pigment (melanin) by skin cells called melanocytes. If excess melanin is produced in one area of the skin, darkening or hyperpigmentation occurs. Brown spots can be diffuse (spread out) as seen with sun damage and melasma, or focal (concentrated) as seen with age spots and freckles. The majority of brown spots tend to appear as a result of the skin’s response to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, primarily on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck and backs of the hands.
Generally speaking, if the pigment is superficial or near the surface of the skin, it is usually easier to treat. There are many options for treatment of brown spots that range from clinical procedures and prescription products to milder home care (over-the-counter; OTC) remedies. Below are three OTC treatment options available at our clinic.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Skin Discolouration Corrector
Recently launched in Canada, SkinCeutical‘s daily skin care treatment fades stubborn discoloration and enhances the resistance to new pigment formation. The Skin Discolouration Corrector also improves the skin’s luminosity, making it look more radiant. Formulated with high potency antioxidants, this product has been proven in a clinical trial to be as effective as the leading medical standard (4% hydroquinone and 0.025% tetinoin combined) in treating discoloration. In consultation with your dermatologist, it may be used as an alternative to hydroquinone. For optimum results, the Corrector should be used with an antioxidant serum and a broad spectrum sunscreen.
SkinMedica® Lytera™ Brightening Complex
An innovative, non-prescription alternative to skin brightening, SkinMedica’s Lytera is suitable for all skin types and offers a simple and effective approach to reducing the appearance of dark spots, blotchiness and hyperpigmentation. Lytera is hydroquinone-free and features a proprietary blend of ingredients, working to brighten and even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of discoloration and signs of sun damage. This formula offers antioxidant protection and acts as a mild exfoliant. It contains licorice root extract to diminish age spots, and peptides to decrease excess melanin production deep in your cells. Retinol speeds new, healthy cell growth and vitamin E neutralizes free radicals to prevent further environmental damage. In a recently published clinical study:
- 85% of patients saw a greater improvement in overall skin condition after 12 weeks of treatment, as compared to 68% of patients treated with 4% hydroquinone*
- 79% of patients reported greater improvement in evenness of skin tone after 12 weeks of treatment, as compared to 65% treated with 4% hydroquinone*
Lumixyl SilkPeel Dermalinfusion
SilkPeel® Dermalinfusion™ is a medical-grade microdermabrasion treatment that combines a diamond tip with dermal infusion. This unique technology simultaneously delivers a therapeutic treatment serum to the skin while clearing away debris, oil and impurities. For specific treatment of hyperpigmentation, Lumixyl™ – a skin-brightening peptide – is utilized during the SilkPeel. Usually 4-6 treatments are recommended depending on the features of your brown spots.
To find out more about these three treatments, please speak with one of our skin care consultants.
*Reference: Makino ET, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2012;11(12):1478-1482.