Dark spots on the skin: freckles, solar lentigines, melasma

Dark spots on the skin are usually a result of hyperpigmentation.

This happens when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual and they are usually harmless.

Skin pigmentation and spots

Some common types of skin pigmentation include freckles, solar lentigines, and melasma.

Freckles

Freckles are small marks that appear on the skin. They generally develop in childhood or young adulthood and may increase in number. They can become more noticeable or fade depending on the sun exposure.

Solar lentigines

Solar lentigines is often known as ‘age spots’ and are associated with ageing . It is common in people over age 40.

Melasma

Melasma causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin. Women with darker complexions and who are pregnant have a higher chance of developing melasma.

Why do I get skin pigmentation more easily than others?

Genetics and sun exposure are the primary causes of freckles, lentigenes, and melasma. Though genetic plays a big role, the spots are usually triggered by sun exposure over time.

Hormonal changes, medication side effects, and irritation may lead to pigmentation as well.

How to get rid of the spots?

Firstly, sun block is essential in order to help keep the spots from getting darker, and to reduce the likelihood that more will appear. Next, try creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them.

Procedures can be more expensive than creams but they tend to work faster. The best treatment option may depend on the cause, the size of the dark spot, and the area of the body.

Sunblock and supplement

Topical Sunblock is essential to prevent darkening of existing hyperpigmentation and to lighten existing hyperpigmentation. They should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every few hours. Try Healthsprings’ sunblock which is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

Oral sunblock is also available to be taken before sun exposure to protect the skin from further sun damage and pigmentation. Skin supplements containing antioxidants have also been shown to lighten the skin, making the skin appear fairer, pigmentation lighter.

Creams

Cyspera is a topical pigmentation corrector that has been approved for treating stubborn pigmentation like melasma and freckles. It is sold in some clinics in Singapore including Healthsprings.

Other creams containing Vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutin and hydroquinone are commonly used to lighten skin pigmentation. However, they should be used appropriately for best results. Creams containing Hydroquinone will require a prescription from a doctor.

Light & Laser treatment

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Light treatment such as Forever Young BBL is able to lighten pigmentation. It breaks down the skin pigment, allowing the body to clear it naturally.

Laser treatments using Revlite and Yellow Laser is able to remove the different pigmentation. Similar to light treatment, it breaks down the pigment, allowing the body to remove it naturally.

The use of light or laser option will depend on the depth and character of the pigment which the doctor will be able to assess and prescribe appropriately.

Chemical peels/ Micro-dermabrasion 

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A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin, which exfoliates the surface, leading to new skin growth and revealing new and evenly pigmented skin beneath.

During microdermabrasion, a device is used to remove the outer layer of the skin. This treatment promotes new collagen growth, which may help reduce spots.

Contact us at +65 9728 2861 for treatments to get rid of the dark spots or book an appointment here .