Most of the time, pigmentation can be told apart by dark spots on the skin. An enormous group of people of almost all ages struggle with this problem. Patches of darker skin can appear in many places on the body, like the hands, face, arms, and legs. They come in various sizes and colours, from light brown to dark black. Dark spots are usually harmless but can make people feel bad about their self-esteem. As a result, many individuals start seeking help from a skin specialist in Bangalore or near their residence. To learn about the dark spots, causes and effective treatments, this in-depth study can help. So, you are advised to go through this guide and learn about the reasons, types, and treatments for black spots on the skin's surface.
The insights are driven by a conversation with Bangalore’s renowned skin specialist, the founder of Charma Clinic, Dr. Rajdeep Mysore. Let’s find out more.
What are the Dark Spots on the Skin?
Dark spots are usually considered a sign of pigmentation. But, these dark spots are different in shape, size, and colour and are treatable skin issues. Some of the common types of dark spots are as follows-
Sunspots: These are flat, tanned, brown or black spots that usually show up on parts of the body that get a lot of sun, like the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Age spots are sometimes called liver spots. The buildup of sun damage is often linked to the appearance of these tumours, which happen more often in older people.
Melasma: It is the name for spots on the face that are brown or dark. Women who are pregnant or taking hormone medications are most likely to get this problem. The sun can make these spots darker, and they often look like they are uniform.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)- PIH is a type of hyperpigmentation that can happen after an inflammatory skin event like a burn, cut, or acne scar. While they heal, damaged parts of the skin may get dark spots. People with darker skin are more likely to have this problem.
Causes Of Dark Spots On The Skin
Exposure to Sunlight: The main reason for dark spots is too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can cause dark spots on the skin. Ultraviolet light makes it easier for melanin to be made, which is the pigment that gives skin its colour. This can cause sunspots, age spots or solar lentigines to form, especially in places with too much sunlight.
Hormonal Imbalance- The appearance of dark spots can be caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or when using contraceptive pills. Both melasma and chloasma are similar types of hyperpigmentation that show up as uneven spots of discoloured pigmentation on the face, mostly on the forehead, upper lip, and cheekbones.
Skin Issues- Skin problems like acne, burns, cuts, or bug bites can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which looks like dark spots on top of the inflammation. In reaction to these injuries, the epidermis may make too much melanin, changing the colour of the hurt areas.
Treatments for Dark Spots on Skin
Chemical Peel- A chemical peel is done by putting a solution on the skin. This solution speeds up the turnover of skin cells and removes the top layers of skin. Peels with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are used to treat hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, and improve skin structure.
Microdermabrasion- It is a skin-exfoliation method that doesn't hurt and uses a handheld device to remove the top layer of dead skin cells carefully. After this process, your skin will look brighter and smoother, and there will be fewer dark spots, fine lines, and bumps that you can see.
Laser Treatments- Laser-based treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and fractional laser resurfacing use focused light energy to eliminate dark spots on the skin. These treatments can make your skin look smoother and younger by increasing collagen production and lowering hyperpigmentation.
Topical Medication- When someone has chronic or severe hyperpigmentation, they can be treated with topical corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and stop melanin production. Because of the risks of using corticosteroids for a long time, they should only be used briefly and under a doctor's care.
Maintenance and Preventative Steps: Along with getting rid of dark spots already there, it is important to take preventative steps and stick to a regular skincare routine to lower the risk of hyperpigmentation in the future. One way to avoid getting it is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF daily, even on cloudy days, and reapply it every two hours while outside. Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing glasses and a hat during the hottest parts of the day.
Conclusion
Dark spots on the skin can be painful and unsightly for some people. Some common dark spot types are melasma, sunspots and hyperpigmentation. Luckily, there are effective treatments that can help get rid of the discoloration and return the look of clear, even skin. If you look into what causes dark spots and the different ways to treat them, you can get better, more radiant skin. You can get a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs and worries by talking to a skilled dermatologist.
Regarding this, you can visit Dr. Dixit's Cosmetic Dermatology clinic and schedule an appointment with Dr. Rasya Dixit. She is a leading cosmetic dermatologist. This doctor is renowned for the best treatment of skin spots, including acne scar reduction in Bangalore. She utilises advanced topical medication and laser-based techniques to provide the most satisfying results. Following the right skin care routines and showing determination and strength can help people get the skin they want and feel more confident again.
