Dr Bollmann, Skin Care Specialist
Dr Bollmann, Skin Care SpecialistAge Spots
Hyperpigmentation in the skin of the face can occur from sun damage, pregnancy, and birth control pills. These brown spots can often detract from one's beauty, because we see beauty as symmetry.
To remove these spots with skin care products, an aggressive approach is necessary. Ingredients for removing pigment will not work unless accompanied by Retin-A or retinol, which help to turn the skin over more rapidly and bring the pigment to the surface, where it can be eliminated by exfoliation.
The Bare Skin Care Program for Hyperpigmentation contains all the products one needs to fix hyperpigmentation and bring the skin back to its' natural beauty.
Blotches in which small patches of skin appear to have a different color than the main skin area become common as we age. It is important for you and your dermatologist to watch your skin discolorations carefully. For liver spots (also known as age spots), which are harmless, try cosmetics and skincare products containing one or more of these ingredients:
- Hydroquinone, an antioxidant that has been found to be helpful in breaking down and preventing the accumulation of browned pigment cells that form age spots (lipofuscin).
- Kojic acid, which is derived from mushrooms and soy, and has been used by the Japanese to fight age spots.
- Glycyrrhiza glabra, an herb that breaks up clumps of brown skin cells so that they can be shed by the body’s natural cycle of exfoliation, and fights free radicals, which contribute to the production of lipofuscin.
IMPORTANT: Some skin discolorations can be harmful. A small flat brown spot can become cancerous, especially if its shape changes or it starts to itch, which may be early signs of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms. The US National Cancer Institute addresses melanoma at its “What You Need to Know About Melanoma” webpage, www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/melanoma, where you can learn about the signs and symptoms.
