Hyperpigmentation. Post-acne marks. Sun spots. We all hate unsightly dark marks on our skin. No matter how they’re caused, or what you call them, we are always looking for the best methods and products to get rid of them for good!

Internationally renowned cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Oscar Hevia shares with us his expert opinion on how to banish those brown spots once and for all!

“Brown spots are one of my favorite topics,” confessed Dr. Hevia. “They can be flat, rough or thickened; they can have texture to them; they can be very light; they can be very dark. There’s a whole spectrum of what can be done:

• If you have melasma (large brown patches on the face), you are always going to do best with a proper bleaching or fading skin regimen.

Learn about which hyperpigmentation treatments are best for light and dark skintones —> HERE!

• If you have isolated, very clearly seen middle, moderate to dark brown spots, you are going to do well with laser therapy, selectively treating those spots.

• In some cases, brown spots have to be what we call “shaved” off, which means that we basically put a little anesthetic on the area and we just literally take the top layer off — and it heals up very rapidly.”

Now that you know which dermatological procedure would suit your certain type of brown spots, we had a few more questions for Dr. Hevia to answer:

1) Once the brown spot(s) are lasered off, or “shaved” off, do the spots come back?

Yes. Usually because the person gets sun within the first two weeks after treatment and/or the spots were only treated partially — and the portion that remains forms the spot again within a few weeks.

2) How important is sun protection to protect from future spots?

It is the most important factor! Nonetheless, some people — even with careful use of sunscreen — will develop some new spots because, with a lifetime of sun exposure, spots keep coming out over the years.

Find out what are the best lightening products to get rid of post-acne marks, dark spots —> HERE!

3) What else can we do to prevent or treat new brown spots from forming?

Liquid nitrogen spray has been used for many years and can be quite effective, but should be done only by someone experienced with that procedure.

Dr. Oscar Hevia

4) What at-home skincare treatments can we use to reduce the look of brown spots? What ingredients should we look for? What products do you recommend?

Historically, hydroquinone was the gold standard, but there has been some controversy recently regarding its toxicity. Irrespective of that, it always works more effectively when combined with a retinoid such as retinol.

Other important non-hydroquinone ingredients include vitamin C, arbutin, niacinamide and deoxyarbutin. Any products that exfoliate gently can also help to reduce brown spots by aiding in the removal of pigment.

How do you lovely ladies get rid of your brown spots? Have you ever gotten them lasered, bleached or “shaved” off? Would you?

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