Δερματολογια – Πλαστικη Χειρουργικη
Brown Spots - Discolorations
Treatments for Brown Spots
Erase Brown Spots from your Skin!
We live in a country where the sun is one of the first words used to describe it, since it accompanies us almost most days of the year. Inevitably then, we will have to deal with its effects and these are the discolorations, brown spots and freckles that it creates.
Brown spots, freckles and melasma may be among the less dangerous effects of the sun, but they are certainly not aesthetically pleasant and many people are looking for methods to eliminate them. Nowadays with the combination of appropriate treatments, which act targeted at the layer of the skin where the melanocytes are located, they can be effectively treated, without leaving any marks on your skin!
Before & After Photos of Brown Spots
The Best Treatments for Brown Spots, Freckles and Skin Discolorations
Exfoliation and renewal of the outer layer of the skin with the removal of all imperfections and the appearance of uniform and youthful skin with Laser Skin Resurfacing.
The original medical Microneedling for skin regeneration and transfer of special whitening ingredients to the dermis (Bright Lite Medical Protocol)
Whitening chemical peels work through two synergistic mechanisms, on one hand, they transport specially selected active ingredients, with a whitening effect to the melanocytes and on the other hand, they cause a gentle exfoliation of the skin.
Dermalux Phototherapy is a natural and highly effective treatment for discolorations, as it utilizes the beneficial spectrum of light to break down melanin.
Intensive rejuvenation of the skin and treatment of discolorations, with the favourite treatment of celebrities.
The treatment that transfers directly to the heart of the problem, a unique cocktail of whitening ingredients, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids, effectively treating discolorations.
Ideal treatment for skin suffering from discolorations, freckles and brown spots, which are due to the photoaging process and exposure to the sun, giving brightness, glow and a healthier look to the skin.
These are medically prescribed creams, which contain special whitening ingredients, kojic acid and vitamin C, which with their frequent application, gradually fade out discolorations.
Combining Treatments, is always the way for even better results!
As you have seen, there are many different treatments that can be used in Aesthetic Medicine and target specific problems, but also treatments for the overall renewal of the face. Treatments are chosen based on the needs and wishes of each person, as well as the overall condition of their skin. A combination of targeted treatments, alongside with total facial rejuvenation treatments is always better and you should choose it, if you can .
In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, we only use the original Fractional Laser medical device, which is a medical Resurfacing Laser, which can restore the glow of the face and erase the signs of time and photoaging. Its comparative advantage over cheap imitations is that it can act simultaneously on two levels, both superficially on the outer layer of the skin and in its deeper layers, causing an increase in collagen and elastin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing results in an improvement in the colour and texture of the skin at the surface level, but also in breaking up the accumulated melanin in deeper layers, causing it to disintegrate in a natural way. After a few days, a mild peeling of the outer layer of the skin begins, where brown spots, freckles and discolorations are found.
At the same time, the Fractional Laser stimulates the production of fresh collagen, thus allowing new healthy skin to emerge on the surface (Laser Skin Resurfacing is also called Laser Peel). Each session is enough to reduce the melanin concentration by up to 80%, but the total number of sessions required depends on how long the skin lesions are there (chronicity of the lesions) and their extent.
An average of 3 sessions is usually required.
Microneedling treatment with the original Dermapen 4 device can without exaggeration be described as the magic pen that erases discolorations and scars. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, only the original Dermapen is used, in combination with the leading regenerative Dp Dermaceuticals mesotherapy products, which are specially designed for treatments with Dermapen.
The micro-injuries of the skin caused by the device activates the fibroblasts, for natural production of collagen and elastin (CIT – Collagen Induction Therapy). In addition, through these multiple microinjuries of the skin, the penetration of active ingredients of mesotherapy products (hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants, etc.) is facilitated, which deeply rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, from the inside. After a few days the skin peels off, taking with it the pigmented cells, while thanks to the production of fresh collagen, new healthy skin, without spots comes to the surface.
Usually, 4-6 sessions are needed, but from the very 1st session the skin tone improves noticeably and discolorations gradually fade.
Whitening chemical peels work through two synergistic mechanisms, on one hand, they transfer specially selected active ingredients, with a whitening effect to the melanocytes and on the other hand, they cause a gentle peeling of the skin, which renews the outer layer of the skin and gives an incredible glow to the skin.
The active ingredients used in these peelings are kojic acid, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid and high concentrations of Vit C, which are released into the deeper layers of the skin, with the aim of breaking down the accumulated melanin and fade out spots, freckles and skin discolorations. These peelings act both therapeutically, reducing the proliferation of melanocytes and the melanin production, but also preventively by blocking the process of melanin hypersecretion.
In general, 4-6 sessions of whitening peelings are enough to achieve the optimal result for freckles and discolorations, as they act cumulatively and restore the tone and brightness of the skin.
Phototherapy with the original Dermalux® has been a very popular and modern method of skin regeneration in recent years. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics we have the original Dermalux® device, which is the only approved and multi-award winning medical phototherapy device.
Dermalux is an ideal choice for those who want to get rid of blemishes and choose Dermalux® Near Infrared Light combined with Dermalux® Red Light which are the only clinically proven wavelengths to help with hyperpigmentation. Dermalux has the ability to target melanocytes, which are found in the lower layer of the epidermis. It inhibits the production of melanin, prevents its transfer to the surface of the skin and breaks up its accumulation in the areas where the discolorations are located, thus smoothing the skin tone.
Dermalux phototherapy offers healthy, bright and soft skin, without spots, marks and discolorations and generally 4-6 sessions, are enough to achieve the optimal result.
Autologous Mesotherapy is an innovative method of skin regeneration and whitening in a completely natural way, based on the utilisation of our blood cells. In this treatment, a blood activation process is achieved, in which a series of growth factors are released, distinguished for their healing and regenerative properties.
The growth factors are smart cells that recognize the problem in the area in which they are injected and on one hand they act therapeutically and on the other hand they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, at the points of their injections, thus managing to restore the firmness of the face. Autologous Mesotherapy, when combined with the two other facial resurfacing treatments, Fractional Laser and Dermapen, gives even more outstanding whitening results than either treatment alone.
Whitening Mesotherapy aims to eliminate discoloration, as it is a treatment targeted at the heart of the problem as nothing else. Mesotherapy contains a high concentration of whitening, exfoliating and antioxidant ingredients such as azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, retinol, glycolic acid and ascorbic acid which have both a melanin regulating and a keratolytic effect to remove already existing discolorations, but also to prevent the over production of melanin. Whitening facial mesotherapy is a simple procedure, in which we inject various whitening ingredients into the lower dermis, with the help of very small nanoneedles or using the Dermapen, where even the best whitening cream cannot penetrate.
In our Clinics we also use whitening mesotherapy with biomimetic peptides. Peptides are complex molecules consisting of two or more amino acid chains, naturally present in our skin which have the ability to act directly on cell receptors.
So whitening mesotherapy with biomimetic peptides, we would say, is the modern form of smart, biological treatment, which aims at releasing active whitening ingredients, embedded in cross-linked hyaluronic acid. It differs from classic mesotherapy, in that its action is enhanced for skin whitening, due to the peptides it contains that act at the cellular level.
Ideal treatment for skin suffering from discolorations, freckles and brown spots, which are due to photoaging and exposure to the sun. It restores energy to dull skin, gives brightness, shine and a healthier look. The main ingredients of Illuminate Oxypod treatment for brightening and whitening are:
Vitamin C: Brightens the skin in areas of discolorations and stimulates the production of collagen, thus improving the texture of the skin.
Kojic acid: Thanks to its whitening properties, it fades dark spots and balances skin tone.
Geneo Illuminating Serum: Enhances the action of the treatment, as it contains ingredients that give brightness and shine to the face. Boldo Tree extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action that brightens the skin, coconut oil that moisturizes and reduces inflammation, as well as shea butter that contains a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins, which have softening and healing properties for the skin.
Whitening Masks for Brown Spots and Skin Discolorations
The therapeutic whitening masks are suitable for all skin types and are a delightful treatment, which in combination with the above treatments restores the colour tone of the skin. They are enriched with concentrated active plant ingredients, distinguished for their whitening, antioxidant and restorative properties, such as lemon and orange juice, glutathione, algae, diamond powder, etc.
These treatments are spread like a liquid gel all over the face and quickly form a film on the face, thus sealing the skin and allowing the active ingredients of the mask to penetrate deeply, right where the melanocytes are. These therapeutic masks have the advantage of removing the irritation from all the previously mentioned whitening treatments, leaving a feeling of coolness and freshness, while at the same time channelling their therapeutic whitening ingredients into the skin. They can be used as a monotherapy for whitening or they can be combined with all the previous treatments.
These are medically prescribed creams, which contain special whitening ingredients, kojic acid and vitamin C, which with their daily application, gradually fade out discolorations. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, taking into account the need to maintain the good results of our medical whitening protocols, we have created a therapeutic maintenance protocol from the University of Oxford, with special dermocosmetics that you will use at home after our medical treatments and which will help you to keep your bright look that we achieved.
Get to know your Skin Hyperpigmentations
So that you can deal with them better!
Are Melasma and Sun Spots the same thing?
No, Melasma and Sun Spots are not the same thing. They are two different types of hyperpigmentation.
As Brown Spots Melasma or Chloasma we define skin lesions, brown in colour, larger than the sun spots and not well defined in shape. They are often caused by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or the use of birth control pills and are worsened by sun exposure. Melasma usually appears on the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip, is more pronounced in women with dark skin and is difficult to treat
By the term Sun Spots we define the benign colour changes of the skin, brown in colour and clearly defined in shape. They appear gradually in older people and they are also called Age Spots and are usually the result of normal ageing of the skin, due to chronic sun exposure. They appear in areas such as the face, décolletage, backs of the hands and feet and show a tendency to multiply and gradually increase in size.
What causes Skin Discolorations?
Discoloration is due to the excessive production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes, which are cells found in the deeper layers of the skin. Melanin plays an important role in determining skin colour. The amount and type of melanin in the skin varies from person to person and is largely determined by genetics. Light-skinned people have less melanin than people with darker skin.
In addition to determining the colour in the skin, melanin also has a protective effect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes produce more melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. This is why people with darker skin are less likely to get sunburned since they already have enough melanin in their skin. Melanin has a protective and antioxidant effect for cells and is a natural sun protection, as it absorbs 50-75% of ultraviolet radiation and fights oxidative stress.
Discoloration or hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin begins to produce an excess amount of melanin, which is deposited in some places, thus creating spots and patches, darker than the neighbouring skin. It has been estimated that 75% of people over the age of 60 have at least one skin discoloration.
- Spots
- Sunspots
- Age Spots
- Freckles
- Melasma or Chloasma
- Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Sunspots
When the skin is exposed to the sun's UV rays, melanocytes are stimulated to produce melanin, which helps protect the skin by absorbing UV rays.
However, excessive sun exposure, especially without proper protection, can cause an overproduction of melanin, leading to the development of brown spots on the skin, known as sunspots. These are signs of photoaging and usually appear in people who have spent a lot of time in the sun during their lifetime.
Age Spots
But beyond sun spots, the sun is also responsible for age spots, which appear as the harmful effect of solar radiation accumulates on the skin over the years. These are brown or black in colour, flat, oval in shape and appear as "splashes" on the areas of the body that have been most exposed to the sun: the face, arms, shoulders, back and legs.
Age spots usually start to appear after the age of 55 and are more common in fair-skinned people. Although the majority of these are harmless, it is recommended that they be examined once a year by a qualified Dermatologist by Dermoscopy.
Freckles
Freckles are tiny brown spots on the skin, often in areas that get sun exposure and are harmless. They form as a result of overproduction of melanin, on the cheeks and bridge of the nose in young people, children and teenagers. Freckles appear more often in people with fair skin and red hair and are genetically predisposed to appear in these people due to heredity. They are more intense in the summer months with sun exposure and weaken in the winter.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Certain medications can increase skin pigmentation and cause discoloration. This condition is known as drug-induced hyperpigmentation and can be caused by a variety of drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tetracyclines and psychotropic drugs.
Melasma or Chloasma
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation characterized by brown asymmetric patches on the skin. Melasma are patches larger in size than sun spots and appear mainly in women! They often appear during pregnancy, which is why they are also referred to as chloasma or "mask of pregnancy". They are often caused by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy.
The overproduction of progesterone and oestrogen during pregnancy can lead to the stimulation of melanocytes. This causes the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight and lead to the development of melasma. In some cases, melasma may disappear on its own after childbirth or when hormones return to normal levels. However, in most cases, it remains for years.
Melasma can also occur during breast-feeding, taking birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy or hormonal disorders, such as those seen in polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal changes during these periods can trigger the overproduction of melanin in the skin, leading to the development of melasma. Melasma usually appears on the face and especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and upper lip area.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a type of discoloration that can occur after an inflammatory skin condition such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. PIH is caused by an increase in melanin production in response to skin inflammation and can appear as brown or black patches on the skin.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in people with darker skin and it can take weeks or even months for the "patches" on the skin to fade. In some cases, these discolorations can remain for years. This condition is not harmful, but it can be bothersome, especially if it occurs on the face or other visible areas of the body.
To prevent PIH, it is important to take early steps to manage any underlying skin conditions, such as acne or eczema. This may include using topical medications or other treatments to reduce inflammation and prevent discoloration. It's also important to avoid squeezing acne lesions (such as pimples and cysts), as this can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How to prevent your skin from getting Brown Spots?
Sun exposure can cause skin damage, including hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and other signs of photoaging. Prevention is a key factor when it comes to protecting your skin and there are many things you can do to minimize the risk of spots and other skin discolorations
We should learn to live enjoying the good things that sun offers, but also being protected from its dangers, as we need 1-2 hours of sun exposure daily for vitamin D and endorphins production, the so-called "good" hours, i.e. early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less dangerous.
- Sunscreen
- Seek shade
- Wear protective clothing
- Healthy skin
- Modern medical treatments
- Avoid dangerous hours of the sun
Sunscreen
Wear sunscreen with SPF50 every day, even if the weather is cloudy, because even then the sun's UV rays reach the earth.
Seek shade
Limiting your time in direct sunlight and seeking shade when possible can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.
Wear protective clothing
Το να φοράτε καπέλα, γυαλιά ηλίου και πουκάμισα με μακριά μανίκια μπορεί επίσης να βοηθήσει στην προστασία του δέρματός σας από τις βλαβερές ακτίνες του ήλιου.
Healthy skin
Treat skin conditions that can lead to inflammation, such as acne and eczema early to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Modern medical treatments
Learn about modern medical treatments that effectively treat discolorations, fight the effects of photoaging and keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Avoid dangerous hours of the sun
The sun's rays are strongest between 12 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours.
Use skin care products with antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, can help protect your skin from sun damage and prevent the development of age spots and other signs of photoaging.
Instructions after the Treatment of Brown Spots
Myths & Truths about Skin Discolorations
Myth: Dark Skin is not at risk of Melasma
Truth: This is a big myth, as dark-skinned phototypes naturally have a higher concentration of melanin in their skin and are therefore more likely to develop melasma. In fact, melasma in dark-skinned people is much more difficult to treat than in lighter-skinned types.
Myth: Brown Spots are a sign of Skin Cancer
Truth: Most spots are harmless, but it is important to check any unusual or changing spots, such as a change in colour or size or even itching, which need medical follow-up with Dermoscopy, as a possible symptom of Lentigo Maligna.
Myth: Brown Spots and Melasma are purely cosmetic concerns
Truth: Although these conditions usually do not cause health problems, they can be a sign of underlying medical conditions. For example, melasma can be a symptom of an endocrine disorder and it would be good to have its causes investigated by qualified Dermatologists.
Frequent Questions for Brown Spots
Spots do not belong to the health-threatening skin diseases. They are considered more of an aesthetic rather than a medical concern. However, in some cases, brown spots, especially when certain characteristics change, are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. More specifically, if you notice that a spot changes colour, size or causes intense itching (ABCDE rule), then you need to contact a qualified Dermatologist.
Lentigo Maligna, can be a possible risk that is hidden behind the specific symptoms and should be treated by a specialist. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, the control of any skin lesion is carried out by Dermoscopy by qualified medical staff and their treatment is immediate and effective.
Certainly sunscreen with SPF50 and the avoidance of prolonged sun exposure are essential conditions to prevent the appearance of discolorations on your skin. However, they are not the only ones. Accessories, such as a hat and sunglasses, contribute effectively to the protection of the skin on the face from UVA and UVB radiation. In addition, you should also avoid artificial tanning methods, such as tanning beds, as they emit UV rays that can increase the risk of brown spots. A healthy diet and intake of vitamins and antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, is another powerful ally in your effort to protect yourself from discolorations.
The Freckles , are tiny, flat, round brown marks that appear bilaterally on the cheeks and bridge of the nose in young people, children and teenagers. Freckles appear more often in people with fair skin and red hair and are genetically predisposed to appear in these people due to heredity, from childhood. They are more intense in the summer months with sun exposure and weaken in the winter. They are considered by many to be a beautiful natural characteristic of these individuals and for this reason they are often referred to as "beauty spots".
The Sun Spots, on the other hand, are darker and larger in size than freckles and can vary in colour from light to dark brown or even black. They always appear in adulthood due to prolonged exposure to the sun, and when they do appear, they do not fade in the winter months, but remain unchanged throughout the year.
Another important difference lies in the fact that freckles are never harmful, while sun spots can sometimes indicate an underlying skin malignancy, which is why it is important to regularly check pigmented spots with qualified Doctors.
In our Clinics, Brown Spots and Skin Discolorations directly and effectively disappear after the treatment sessions are over. Nevertheless, in countries like Greece, with the presence of the sun being strong almost all year round, there are chances of the discolorations reappearing, especially for those of you who don't pay attention afterwards and don't follow a maintenance program.
For this reason, in addition to the sunscreen that is considered necessary in your daily life and the avoidance of prolonged sun exposure, maintenance treatments at home are recommended, such as the use of special creams, but also a medical maintenance protocol with whitening treatments in our Clinics and carried out once a year.
Commercial creams can offer some effect in whitening or reducing the appearance of brown spots, but in no case they can offer the results of a medical treatment. The effectiveness of commercial creams depends on several factors, including the active ingredients, the concentration of the ingredients, the individual's skin type and the compliance of the person to apply them daily. While medical treatments such as Chemical Peeling, Fractional Laser, Dermapen or Dermalux Phototherapy target deeper layers of the skin, offering more certain and immediate results.
If you have a question about this treatment that is not answered in the text above, please send your question to the Doctor. Don't send questions about treatment costs and prices, as these are only formulated after the medical consultation, either in person at our Clinics or by Online Consultation.
Book an appointment and come to one of our Clinics or if you don't have time or live far away, request a video call consultation first and then come directly for your treatment.
