Facial Discoloration Correction

Facial discoloration is a common condition that develops when your skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. For example, getting a tan is the result of your body producing more melanin to darken your skin tone to better protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Depending on your skin tone and the cause of your discoloration, you may notice newly-developed patches of dark brown, tan, or even gray colored skin.

When this process goes awry, it's possible to develop areas of uneven skin tone. In some cases, sun damage is the culprit for facial discoloration, but it's not the only cause. Conditions like melasma are known to cause areas of dark brown, tan, or gray areas of discoloration across the face.

With over 35 years of experience and thousands of patient-appointments under his belt, Dr. Schultz has worked with a very diverse group of people to treat their facial discoloration. The most common causes of this frustrating symptom include:

• Sun Damage: the harmful rays of the sun damage your skin cells. With repeated sun exposure, the melanocytes in your skin can begin to work irregularly and cause facial discoloration. Sun damage is the leading cause of skin cancer, and many people will also experience changes to their skin's texture as a result of exposure.
• Genetics: the genetics behind skin tone are complicated, but many people who experience facial discoloration have a family history of this skin condition.
• Hormones: most common in pregnant women, hormones can actually play a major role in facial discoloration. Melasma is a condition that causes brown spots to appear across the face. These patchy areas of discoloration tend to diminish after delivery.
• Inflammation: when the skin becomes inflamed, it may change in color as well. Redness and darkening of the area is common. As the skin heals, these areas of discoloration tend to fade – though this may take months.

Facial discoloration is a broad term that can describe a number of different conditions. Dr. Schultz carefully examines each patient and learns more about their history so that he can determine the type of facial discoloration they're experiencing.

The most common types of facial discoloration that Dr. Schultz treats include:

• Melasma: a type of facial discoloration that most commonly affects pregnant women. This condition is triggered by hormonal changes and tends to dissipate after delivery.
• Sun Damage: a type of discoloration caused by damage from extended sun exposure. The skin may become dark, red, and thick as a result of sun burns and dangerous UV rays.
• Freckles: a type of facial discoloration wherein small brown spots appear across the face. Freckles can become darker and more numerous as a result of sun exposure, and they can vary in color naturally.
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): a type of facial discoloration most commonly caused by acne or an injury. When the skin is inflamed and irritated, melanin production is triggered and spread across the affected areas.

Since facial discoloration is a frustrating condition, there are many treatments out there that claim to lighten the color of skin. It is important to first seek care from a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Schultz so that you can get a proper diagnosis for your facial discoloration. At-home treatments may contain dangerous chemicals and even cause damage to your skin.

The most effective treatments for facial discoloration are safe to use on areas of discoloration without harming the surrounding tissue. Though Dr. Schultz will discuss which treatment is best for your skin during your appointment, the most common treatments for facial discoloration include:

• Chemical Peels: this treatment works to reach the deeper layers of the skin to promote the growth of new, healthy skin. There are three levels of chemical peel, but each heal to reveal a more even skin tone, fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and more supple skin.
• Topicals: unlike topical treatments that you can pick up at the store, Dr. Schultz may recommend that you try a skin-safe and dermatologist-approved topical to reduce the appearance of your facial discoloration.
• Laser Treatments: laser treatments are an effective way to reduce the appearance of facial discoloration. Without damaging the surrounding tissue, laser treatments remove excess pigment to reveal an even skin tone.
• Microneedling: this treatment works to dissipate areas of facial discoloration by breaking up areas of excess pigment and promoting more blood flow, new collagen production, and healthy skin growth.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for facial discoloration. It's essential to work with a specialist to determine the cause of your discoloration and what treatment is right for you. Dr. Schultz is the Upper East Side's go-to dermatologist for a reason: he listens and knows what works.

After examining your skin and discussing your history, Dr. Schultz will recommend a treatment, like a chemical peel, to reduce the appearance of facial discoloration. Before the procedure, you will learn all about what to expect during your session as well as what results you'll see after.

Our concierge level of dermatologic care means that Dr. Schultz and the Park Avenue Skin Care team are equipped with the best technology and techniques to solve your skin care problems and achieve your cosmetic goals. During your appointment for facial discoloration, Dr. Schultz will carefully examine your skin and discuss his findings with you.

Your skin will be prepped and cleaned before your treatment. Depending on the procedure you are getting, you may receive a numbing topical. Dr. Schultz will give you all the information you need about what to expect during your treatment, the healing process, and the results you can expect to see.