Never leave home without foundation? Sun damage and age spots don’t need to be a permanent condition that you have to manage with a constant fear of running out makeup.
There are several effective solutions to age spots (lentigines) and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage, hormones, or drugs (melasma).
The ones I’ve seen work the best are chemical peels, photofacials, and microneedling.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are a treatment offered by skincare professionals for the removal of hyperpigmentation. The VI Peel is an extremely effective type of peel that has had great success in removing age spots and sun damage.
Produced by Vi Aesthetics, the VI Peel is a pharmaceutical-grade topical application that exfoliates and rejuvenates skin. There is a variety of intensities available, and the peel can be applied to the face, neck, hands, chest, and back. The procedure is relatively painless with some patients reporting a tingling sensation. The peel produces visible results in days.
IPL Photofacial
Although they typically use chemical peels, many doctors are now using laser treatments like the IPL Photofacial to treat hyperpigmentation.
Usually done over two to four treatments, the procedure employs light energy that gently heats the targeted skin areas and stimulates the body’s own natural healing process to remove blemishes, and helps seal broken capillaries. As the skin heals, the treated areas show a reduction of brown spots, sun damage, and redness.
Microneedling
This may surprise a few people, as word about microneedling is just now taking off. Most have heard of this procedure in relation to wrinkles, scars or general skin rejuvenation. But it is an excellent procedure for treating pigmentation. Minimally invasive, the procedure is quick, has no downtime, and is painless.
After Treatment
Now that your skin is rejuvenated and free from hyperpigmentation, how do you keep it that way? Strict sun protection and avoiding any of the previous causes, such as a specific medication that caused the condition.
Re-exposure to a sunburn or other cause can undo the results of several treatments.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Curtin is a medical aesthetician who is nationally recognized for her expertise in medical skin care. With more than 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics, she is dedicated to the aesthetic industry and has received awards of merit including the International CIDESCO Certification, Asst. Cosmetic Laser Practitioner and National Leadership Award. Jennifer is also an expert in pigmentation treatments and the president of Skintherapy, which is located in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. To schedule an appointment with Jennifer, call 404-358-2961.
