Dark spot removal has almost become a rite of passage for women and men as they age. Also known as age spots and hyperpigmentation, dark spots are a common skin problem resulting from an overproduction of melanin. While it’s not entirely understood what causes them, UV light exposure and aging are major factors in the development of dark spots. While dark spots can develop anywhere, they are most common on the hands, face, shoulders, arms, and back. While dark spots are harmless in and of themselves, there are those that can actually be cancerous. As men and women age, they may want to remove dark spots in order to avoid any further complications. Here are the top eight facts and myths about dark spot removals.
For example, those with medium skin tones and darker spots may benefit from laser therapy at first and then later skin lightening agents to remove the blemishes.
There are many medical procedures to choose from when it comes to dark spot removal, including cryosurgery, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatment. These can be used on any part of the body to remove dark spots.
Dark spots can vary greatly in color and texture. The mode of treatment to remove them depends on how dark they really are. Those with lighter skin tones and darker spots may benefit more from a chemical peel or bleaching agents than laser removal.
Once dark spots are removed, it’s important to keep more from appearing over time. Continued prescription medication can help, along with avoiding overexposure to UV rays. Wearing high SPF sunscreen is a must for preventing future dark spots.
It is essential for patients receiving treatment for dark spots to wear sunscreen with high SPF before going out, and continue to apply it once dark spots are gone.
A simple internet search turns up several home remedies for dark spot removal. These include lemon, lime, honey, turmeric, papaya, aloe vera, and vitamin E oil in different “recipes” that can be placed on effected areas of the skin to naturally remove dark spots.
Dark spots that look potentially harmful can be thoroughly checked out and even removed if patients wish. Patients should get dark spots checked out by a doctor at least once a year.