Facial Discoloration Treatments

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.