How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on the Face

According to Dr. Andrew D. Montemarano of The Skin Cancer Surgery Center, facial dark spots are common in women on the birth control pill, menopausal women taking hormone replacement and pregnant women. While dark spots on the face, also known as melasma, are associated with estrogen and progesterone, they can also appear in men. If you have olive or darker skin, and if your mother has it, you may develop melasma more readily, but it can happen to anyone who experiences unprotected sun exposure. The good news is that it is not harmful and will fade naturally; the bad news is that it takes a long time to fade and in the meantime makes you feel unattractive.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Exfoliant cleanser
• Hydroquinone (bleaching) cream or lotion, two percent
• Alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid lotion or a retinol-containing product
• Moisturizer
• SPF 15 (at least) sunscreen with Parsol 1789 or sunblock of zinc or titanium dioxide
• Wide-brimmed hat

Instructions

1. 
    
   Cleanse your face with a gentle exfoliant.

   Wash your face with a mild exfoliant cleanser morning and night. If your skin is dry or sensitive, wash only at night and rinse with cool water in the morning.

2. 
    
   Be obsessive about wearing sunscreen or sunblock.

   Apply two percent hydroquinone cream or lotion. You can apply this product only to the spots or smooth it all over your face. You can find hydroquinone products in your local drugstore or online. (For a four percent strength hydroquinone product, you must visit your dermatologist and get a prescription.)

3. 
    
   Treat sensitive skin gently. Don't overdo scrubbing or use strong agents.

   Give the bleaching product a few minutes to settle into your skin. Apply the alpha hydroxy lotion or the retinol product and allow another five minutes for that to absorb. (If you want to go with an Rx, you can ask your dermatologist for a tretinoin product, but be warned that they cause redness and peeling in some people and the products are quite expensive.)

4. 
    
   Reapply sunscreen often when you sweat or swim.

   Smooth on your SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors.

5. 
    
   In addition to sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat in the sun.

   Apply foundation makeup, if you wear it. Some women find that wearing makeup helps lessen the appearance of dark spots and gives them more confidence.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the sun, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Always wear sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher. Wear a broad-brimmed (at least four inches) hat. A consistent regimen will result in dark spots fading within about two to six months. Avoid using natural remedies, such as lemon or lime juice. According to David E. Bank, M.D., Director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, these juices are natural photosensitizers and may make your skin more prone to darkening.
• Do not use tretinoin or any of its variations (vitamin A-based topicals) if you're pregnant, as it presents risk to your unborn child. Be conservative with the hydroquinone product, overuse could lead to toxicity. Always test any product for an allergic reaction before use.

References

• Dr. Andrew D. Montemarano of The Skin Cancer Surgery Center
• Beautiful Skin: Every Woman's Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age; David E. Bank, M.D., with Estelle Sobel; 2000

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[tcmtcm]

on 10/9/2009 TOTALLY A FANTASTIC WORK that is informative yet easy to read.

BRAVO to you and please keep the GREAT work going!

Best Regards,
T.W.