What Causes Brown Spots & How to Treat Them
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Time to read 3 min
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Time to read 3 min
One of the most common skin concerns we address with our clients in the spa is skin discoloration, or what’s clinically referred to as Hyperpigmentation. People are often concerned with a form of hyperpigmentation that shows up as dark spots or patches of dark spots on the skin. In a recent episode of the “Ms. O Show,” Olivia answered the most frequently asked questions clients have about brown spots and how to treat them. Read on to get the answers or watch Olivia’s most recent “Brown Spots” episode here.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that causes patches of the skin, often on the face, to become darker than your natural skin tone. These dark patches or spots occur when an excess of melanin, the pigment that produces skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
Solar Lentigines (Age Spots):
The most common form of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. These small dark patches typically appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the hands, face, chest, and arms.
Melasma (Chloasma):
Appears as larger patches of discoloration and is most often triggered by hormonal shifts. Pregnancy (often called the “pregnancy mask”), birth control, or other hormonal changes can cause an overproduction of melanin.
Genetic Predisposition:
Some people are naturally more prone to hyperpigmentation and freckling, making it common to experience a combination of different types of dark spots.
Injury to the skin such as acne scarring or even surgery can create discoloration in the skin. It’s possible that a reaction to a medication can trigger melasma. Extreme heat has also been shown to bring on a melasma flare up, making summer an important time to avoid long heat and sun exposure. Even prolonged heat from things like saunas, steam rooms or hot yoga where there are areas of high heat can have an increasing effect on existing hyperpigmentation.
All types of hyperpigmentation from freckles and age spots to melasma can increase and become darker and more pronounced from sun exposure. A function of melanin is to absorb the sun’s Ultraviolet rays and when it does so it deepens in color and expands. We recommend our Broad Spectrum SPF 50 as part of your daily skincare regimen.
The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to get serious about sun protection! Follow these steps to truly protect your skin:
This prescription only fading cream is highly effective in the gradual fading of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as melasma, age and sun spots, acne scars, and other unwanted dark spots. Call O Skin Med Spa at (562) 897-1445 or schedule a virtual consultation to place an at-home delivery.
Some types of pigmentation require a deeper levels of peeling to remove stubborn areas. We offer a Medical Grade Peel + Firm & Fade treatment at the Med Spa. Call O Skin Med Spa at (562) 897-1445 to learn more.
This client received a custom series of treatments at O Skin Med Spa combined with an at-home skincare regimen to achieve results.
Yes! We recommend that all our clients continue to treat and protect their skin with Olivia’s specially formulated skincare between visits. We offer a full regimen of brightening, spot correcting, and sun protecting treatments for at-home correction and protection. Learn more about our Daily Essentials, Secret Collection, and Sun Protection.
Brown spots are a form of hyperpigmentation caused by excess melanin and can develop from sun exposure, hormones, genetics, or inflammation.
Not all brown spots are the same—age spots, melasma, freckles, and post-inflammatory pigmentation behave differently and require different approaches.
Sun protection is essential, as UV exposure is the biggest driver of new and worsening discoloration.
Consistent skincare with targeted brightening and exfoliating ingredients helps improve the appearance of uneven tone over time.
Treating discoloration early and gently supports more even-looking skin while helping prevent future dark spots from forming.
Olivia Quido
Olivia Quido is a licensed esthetician and skincare expert known for her results-driven approach to treating acne and dark spots, and is the founder of Olivia Quido Skincare and owner of O Skin Med Spa.
