Brown Spots

Brown spots and age spots, or liver spots, are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation—usually brown, black or gray.  They typically develop in people with a fair complexion but can be seen even in those with darker skin.  Age spots occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the face, chest, back of hands, shoulders and upper back. 

These spots range from freckle-size to more than a centimeter across and can group together, making them more prominent.  Often age spots are accompanied by other signs of sun damage, including:  Deep wrinkles; dry, rough skin; fine red veins on your cheeks, nose and ears; and thinner, more translucent-looking skin. (mayoclinic.com)

TREATMENTS

While there are several types of treatments that can reduce the appearance of brown spots, being diligent with sun protection is your best defense!  The following treatments are listed in order of most effective, or those giving the most immediate results: (For more information about each treatment use hyper-links to access company or system web sites.)

• INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) OR PHOTOFACIAL, which is a light treatment offered by our practice using the Palomar StarLux System. IPL is not a laser so there is no risk of scaring, just great results and minimal down time.  IPL may take more than one treatment; packages are available.

Provided courtesy of Haneef Alihbai, MD and reprinted with permission by Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
Provided courtesy of Randall Coverman, MD and reprinted with permission by Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
Photos provided by Palomar Medical technologies, Inc.
Photos are examples of results which may be achieved from treatment with certain technology. No results are guaranteed or implied--Individual results may vary.

• MICRO DERMABRASION DERMASWEEP is a skin revitalizing treatment that helps repair skin that is damaged from the sun and unwanted effects of aging. DermaSweep is a gentle abrasion and a vacuum system that removes or peels away the dead outer layer of skin in order to stimulate and reveal new healthy skin. The skin is left smoother while the suction action stimulates blood flow and cleanses pores. The increased blood flow to the skin’s surface encourages collagen formation thus firming and toning the epidermis as well. DermaSweep also offers epi-infusion treatments which are topical solutions formulated to treat hyperpigmentation. This brightening solution with hydroquinone, azeliac acid and kjic acid works to lighten pigmentation.
• PEELS.  Dr. Scheel has selected glycolic acid peels that exfoliate surface skin cells and contain vitamins and antioxidants to protect against future skin damage.  A six- session package is recommended.
• SKIN CARE PRODUCTS. After much research, Dr. Scheel has selected several brands that she feels comfortable recommending. Our three main lines include:
  •  SkinCeuticals, our more clinical line, conducts clinical trials providing proven results for many of their products.

  •  Eminence, an organic line from Hungary that prides itself in using fresh ingredients to create hand-made products without heating or hydrogenating resulting in high levels of active ingredients.

  •  MyChelle Dermaceutical, an organic line from Colorado, prides itself in being a truly natural, nontoxic, paraben-free, eco friendly and cruelty free company that produces rich effective products.

   

  Dr. Scheel also recommends several independent products throughout this section. All recommended products are available in our office.

• SUNSCREEN is essential in keeping brown spots to a minimum.  Pacifica carries a full line of sunscreens from organic to clinical.  Our organic lines include DDF, MyChelle, and Soleo.  SkinCeuticals also offers two great sunscreens Physical UV Defense SPF 30 & Sport UV Defense SPF 45.
•   RETINOL is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself.  There are many products containing retinol.  Dr. Scheel recommends SkinCeuticals Retinol products. 
•   PRESCRIPTIONS such as Retin A and hydroquinone can be very effective treating hyper-pigmentation and brown spots. 
•  ANTIOXIDENTS help reduce damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C, used as a topical treatment must be in a serum.  Dr. Scheel recommends several lines of products that offer topical vitamin C  SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, Pfloretin CF, or Serum 15; MyChelle the Perfect C Serum; and Eminence Couperose C Serum.  Antioxidants are also found in other products recommended by Dr. Scheel such as the Revale coffee berry line, and Eight Greens products by Eminence. 
• BOTANICAL PIGMENTATION LIGHTENERS are natural alternatives to prescription hydroquinone.  Dr. Scheel recommends SkinCeuticals Phyto+ and the Stone Crop line from Eminence.