Many different types of skin discoloration can affect the face. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Schultz will give you more information and discuss what treatment options are available to you. The most common types of facial discoloration include:

  • Freckles: a common cause of facial discoloration, freckles are naturally occurring but can become darker with age and sun exposure. More freckles may also develop over time as well, leading many men and women to seek treatment.
  • Melasma: a type of skin discoloration caused by hormones, melasma is most common in women. However, other individuals can also develop this condition. This type of facial discoloration is not affected by sun exposure, and it can affect the forehead, cheeks, lips, chin, and nose.
  • Sun Damage: one of the most common causes of facial discoloration, sun damage can cause your skin to develop dark spots, freckles, or larger areas of discoloration. While avoiding sun exposure is important, there are many treatment options to reduce the appearance of this type of discoloration
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): another common type of facial discoloration, many people experience PIH after an injury or acne. As your skin is healing an injury, inflammation typically occurs and triggers excess melanin production. After a large pimple or cyst dissipates, many people also experience PIH that appears as a red or dark circle in the same area as the breakout.
  • Medications: some types of facial discoloration are actually caused by medications. If you are coming to Park Avenue Skin Care for facial discoloration, make sure to bring a list of the medications you are on so that Dr. Schultz can review your prescriptions to check for any known to cause discoloration.

One of the most common questions Dr. Schultz hears from his patients is “what’s the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation?” Well, the answer is actually pretty simple. Both are causes of skin discoloration. However, melasma is caused by hormone changes within the body. Hyperpigmentation can develop as a result of sun damage, age, inflammation, scars, and injuries.

Melasma is a condition that women commonly experience, though men can also experience it as well. Pregnant women may develop a type of melasma called “chloasma,” which is also known as “the mask of pregnancy.” As hormone levels balance out, the excess melanin dissipates and your skin tone will become more even as a result.

During your appointment, Dr. Schultz will carefully evaluate your skin and determine the type of facial discoloration you have before recommending a course of treatment.

It has long been known that sun exposure can cause skin discoloration. Both sun exposure and the use of tanning beds/booths can damage your skin enough to cause areas of hyperpigmentation and discoloration. The harmful rays from the sun, and the UV radiation from tanning beds, both contribute to premature aging and facial discoloration.

This is because your skin’s reaction to sun exposure is to increase melanin production. Melanin absorbs UV rays to protect your body from the sun. So, when you are getting a tan at the beach, that tan is actually a result of your body trying to protect itself from the sun. In some cases, sun exposure and damage can crease discoloration on the face as melanin production may not be evenly distributed.

The risk of developing skin cancer substantially increases if you use a tanning bed before the age of 30, so new discoloration should also be examined by a professional to check for signs of cancer.

There are several options when it comes to treating discoloration on the face. Dr. Schultz will examine your skin, listen to your concerns and goals, and cover all of the possible treatments for you.

Laser treatments, microdermabrasions, peels, and specially formulated products can be used to target facial discoloration and even out your skin tone.

Laser treatments are one of the most advanced ways to remove facial discoloration. This is because these lasers are designed to be safely used on the skin while also removing unwanted hyperpigmentation. Using a laser to remove hyperpigmentation does not make the surrounding skin lighter or change in color since the laser only targets cells that contain excessive melanin.

Facial discoloration is a frustrating problem to deal with. Even with the best makeup and covering techniques, it’s possible to still see areas of discoloration. Dr. Schultz understands this and works hard to find the best solution for you.

Treating facial discoloration should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Schultz. Over-the-counter skin lightening treatments are dangerous and should not be used. Instead of risking your skin health, you’ll enjoy your time in our comfortable office while Dr. Schultz creates a treatment plan that will give you the best aesthetic results.

During your appointment, Dr. Schultz will closely examine your skin and pay close attention to areas with discoloration. At Park Avenue Skin Care in the Upper East Side, patient education is important. So, Dr. Schultz will take the time to explain his findings, give you a proper diagnosis, and explain which treatments are right for you.

You will also learn all about what to expect from your treatment and the healing process. Results may vary, but you will be informed about what aesthetic changes you’ll notice following your treatment.

Patient Reviews

I've been seeing Dr. Schultz for the last 8 years and during that time, I've recommended him to countless friends for both cosmetic and medical dermatologic help. I trust him completely both diagnostically and aesthetically. When I had shingles, he was wonderful, incredibly supportive and kind. And when I eased into doing more cosmetic dermatology, he was– and continues to be– patient, careful and cautious. He listens to concerns and really hears what your goal outcome is and works with you to make it happen. I wanted to maintain a natural look while keeping my skin looking fresh and that's just what he's done for me. I always leave his office feeling prettier and well-cared for! If you have a medical concern or something about your skin you want to upgrade, you can't do better than Dr. Schultz and his wonderful team. And the products are amazing as well!

- Laura B.

Dr. Schultz is the most thorough and good natured dermatologist I have ever seen. I have been a patient of his for more than 20 years. He has taught me everything I know about the value of taking care of my skin, a gift that keeps on giving. He also takes the time to listen to me, to see me as an individual and doesn't treat my needs as a one size fits all doctor. I really appreciate his kindness, patience and expertise. I absolutely love his product line and have definitely reaped the rewards from using it, especially his glycolic peel pads and moisturizer, which I can't live without. My skin feels softer, smoother, appears more translucent and actually looks younger! He helped me to see beyond the lines and wrinkles, although he so good at helping to keep those at bay while maintaining a very natural appearance. His staff is outstanding. They make you feel welcome, like family, from the moment you walk through the door. Angela, Monika, Deborah and all of the support staff are extraordinary at what they do. Thank you Dr. Schultz and everyone at Park Ave Skincare. You're the best!

- Laura M.

Dr. Schultz has truly transformed my skin, so much so that I can confidently leave the house without wearing makeup now. During my first meeting with him, he intently listened to my skin concerns, we discussed what my goals were, and he explained pragmatically what treatments and products he recommended for me. I truly appreciate his fantastic bedside manner and conservative approach. I am a perfectionist in every aspect of my life, including my skin, and he understood this and was committed to helping me achieve every skin goal I had. The entire staff is just so fantastic and friendly, from reception to the PAs. They make you feel welcome and extremely comfortable, which to me is very important when visiting any doctor’s office. As someone who works too much and never gets enough sleep, my skin was looking very dull and lifeless. My skin is now full of life again and has an incredible glow to it which I have never had before. And I owe it all to the incredible Dr. Schultz.

- Kelly D.

My partnership with Dr Schultz began more than 30 years ago. As a generous friend, advisor, skilled surgeon, and superb cosmetic diagnostician, he has enabled me to look my best. He has kept me abreast of the most sophisticated procedures and in so doing, has maximized my appearance, always guided by what will be most beneficial for me. He is someone I go to for advice and care and his staff is another manifestation of this care. I don’t know many patients who can say this, and I feel fortunate to be among them.

- Ellen R.

In the four years that I've been a patient of Dr. Schultz, my acne-prone skin has gone from constant breakouts to smooth and clear. These days, I feel confident and comfortable enough in my skin to wear minimal makeup, if any—which I never would have done in years past. He and his warm, friendly staff always go above and beyond; he takes the time to listen, talk with me, and create the best plan for my skin. It's clear he has my best interests in mind, and I trust him wholeheartedly. I would highly recommend him to friends, family, and frankly, anyone who asks.

- Deanna P.

Each session with Dr. Schultz is a mini education in skin care. He approaches each patient as a unique individual with different needs. I’m Asian and he’s explained to me how that impacts treatment in a clear manner that a layperson can understand. At each examination, he recites detailed notes to his staff which he then refers back to at each future appointment, adjusting and tweaking treatment plans when necessary. Over the past two years I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in my blemishes and overall complexion and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to enhance their appearance.

- Sherry G.

I have been a patient of Dr. Schultz for many years, and I continue to be amazed at his medical approach, patience, and professionalism. He takes the time to listen to my health concerns, explains how and why he would like to issue a treatment in a way that I understand , answers all of my questions, and all of his procedures and painless and thorough. He is very attentive, results-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. He follows up and is committed to my health and satisfaction. The Park Avenue Skincare is a calm environment and the staff are all very friendly, warm, and respectful. It's easy to get appointments at a time that works for me and they are always on time and considerate. I think so highly of him and his practice that I sent my mom to him, and continue to go to his office even though my life is based in midtown west! I have great confidence in the care that he gives.

- Katrina A.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will my facial discoloration ever go away?

    It depends! Facial discoloration that is caused by hormonal changes or inflammation Read More

  • Am I at risk for cancer because I have discoloration?

    Sun damage is one of the most common causes of facial discoloration. Read More

  • How long does it take to heal from treatments targeting facial discoloration?

    In some cases, facial discoloration treatments require no downtime at all. If Read More

  • Are treatments for facial discoloration painful?

    No. Laser treatments are most frequently described as feeling like a rubber Read More

Rejuvenate Your Skin

Make your skin care a priority with leading-dermatologist and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctor”: Dr. Neal Schultz.



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