Not everyone lives in an area where fun in the sun is just your typical weekend. But for those who do, brown spots on the face can be a major concern. No matter what type of spots you sport or what you call them — sunspots, liver spots, melasma or even solar lentigines — chances are you can benefit from treatment for brown spots on the face.
When it comes to tackling these unsightly spots, there are three methods of action to keep in mind: professional treatment, at-home remedies and prevention. Chances are the right treatment for you will be some combination of the three.
Professional Treatment Options
If you are wanting to see dramatic results or simply jumpstart the process of erasing your brown spots, professional treatment for brown spots on the face is best. These approaches can help erase discoloration in many cases and are done in a controlled environment by trained technicians.
As a client, you will have multiple treatments to choose from, giving you the opportunity to guide your journey to better skin. Below are just some of the options you can choose from.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are multiple types of laser skin resurfacing. With laser skin resurfacing, sun damage and age spots can be removed while also improving the tone and texture of the skin.
Laser skin treatment is typically delivered by a wand-like device which uses light beams to penetrate the skin at varying depths. The lasers target and destroy the brown spots while triggering the body’s natural healing responses.
Cryotherapy
This type of therapy can be done using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide. When treating sunspots, nitrous oxide tends to be best because it is gentler and less likely to cause blistering.
Many people opt for cryotherapy because of how quick the treatments are, taking just a few minutes. However, its results are generally not as dramatic or as long-lasting as those that rely on lasers.
Chemical Peels
This is one of the oldest professional methods of treatment for brown spots on the face. It relies on the application of an acid solution to the skin, which causes a controlled form of damage that will peel off, leaving newer, healthier skin behind.
While multiple treatments can provide excellent results, newer methods that require fewer treatment sessions and cause less discomfort are preferred for quicker and more dramatic results.
At-Home Remedies
If the brown spots present are fairly light or you are looking to manage them between professional treatments, at-home remedies may be able to help.
These options can be great for someone who is worried about their skin not looking its best or just wants their skin to complement their beach-body look.
It is important to note that since these are not professional treatments delivered in a controlled environment, anyone who opts to use them needs to do their research and exercise caution.
Just because something can be done at home does not mean it is 100 percent safe. Below are some at-home methods frequently used.
Licorice Extract
It is thought that licorice extract can address pigmentation problems caused by sun exposure. This can be used topically or taken as a supplement. However, use of it should be limited due to the risk of side effects.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is well-known for the skin benefits it offers. It can be used topically in creams or be taken as a supplement. It tends to work best when combined with vitamin C and both can address brown spots already present and help to prevent sun damage from occurring.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been having a moment as of recent years, being touted as a treatment for everything from headaches to sugar cravings. As it ends up, it can also help with skin pigmentation irregularities. As a treatment for brown spots on the face, it may work like a light chemical peel.
Lemon Juice
This citrus juice has long been used to lighten the hair and skin. While it can fade brown spots on the face, it is highly acidic. As such, it can also lead to other skin problems, such as dryness, peeling, and cracking.
Brown Spot Prevention
Whether you are looking to maintain the results of treatment or stop brown spots from developing, prevention is key. To do this, avoid being out in the sun when its rays are most direct.
No matter when you go outside, you should always put on SPF and reapply it every two hours if you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time. And whenever possible, keep your skin covered.
Author Bio
Simply Smooth Laser Center was founded by Caroll Delo, who has over a decade of experience performing a wide range of skincare services. The practice is known throughout Tampa as a leading provider of laser hair removal and other premium cosmetic treatments.