Sun Damage/Uneven Pigmentation
What causes sun damage and uneven pigmentation?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there’s no such thing as a safe tan. Prolonged and life-long sun exposure damages the skin. The results of sun damage include premature wrinkling, age spots and textural changes that can make you look older than you really are.
While we can’t turn back the clock, sun damage and uneven pigmentation can be significantly improved. The result for you is a younger, more invigorated appearance.
What can I do to reverse the signs of sun damage and uneven pigmentation?
Our dermatologists offer a range treatments that help repair facial sun damage that appears as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven pigmentation known as brown spots, melasma, large freckles, “age spots,” and “liver spots”. Brown spots may be treated with prescription-strength bleaching creams or, for more rapid and effective results, with chemical peels or pigment lasers that target melanin in the skin. Patients can have the confidence that their treatment is overseen by a board-certified dermatologist and that our outstanding results are proven by thousands of satisfied patients from Charlotte, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Indian Land, and Lancaster.
Age Spots / Liver Spots
Credit DermNet
Age spots can be troubling because they are often mistaken by patients for cancer due to their flat tan, black or brown coloring.
Age spots (which are also frequently referred to as liver spots or solar lentigines) are thought to be caused when an excess of melanin (skin pigment) is created, and their appearance can be exacerbated by exposure to sun, ultraviolet light, and the aging process. For that reason, age spots are commonly found in older adults and on areas of the body that see the most sun, such as the face, arms, shoulders and hands. Those under the age of 50 who spend an excessive amount of time in the sun may also see age spots appear or have their appearance worsen.
Despite their potentially threatening appearance, age spots are harmless. Many patients opt to have them lightened or removed for cosmetic reasons.
However, since it can be difficult for patients to discern the difference between age spots or a potentially malignant growth, we recommend consulting a professional to help alleviate concerns. Please call us at 803.329.6030 or request an appointment online.
Brown Spots
Brown spots generally appear on exposed skin areas like the face, back, neck, chest, shoulders and hands. Some of the main causes of brown spots are sun exposure, aging, and genetics.
When skin is exposed to the sun, it causes an increase in the production of cells known as melanocytes that increase melanin in the skin, thus turning the skin darker. These dark skin patches are known as brown spots, age spots, dark spots, sun spots and liver spots.
The spots are usually harmless, but many consider them unattractive. To lighten brown spots, we offer multiple treatments including laser treatments, chemical peels, and skin care products.
Red Spots
Red spots can be caused by broken capillaries, cherry angiomas or telangiectasias. They are most commonly found on the face, nose, chin, and cheek but can also be found on the other parts of the body such as the legs, chest, back, arms, legs, and lower extremities. While they are usually medically insignificant, they may be cosmetically bothersome.
Red spots are most commonly caused by genetics, long-term sun and wind exposure, some medications, pregnancy, and excessive alcohol use. They are very common and can be removed with a special type of laser that has become the gold standard to safely treat vascular lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Learn more about our Vascular Laser.
Melasma
(c)American Academy of Dermatology
Melasma (muh-LAZ-muh) is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches, usually on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.
Large Pores
What good are pores? Although they can be a cause of facial grief, pores actually are essential to your skin’s well being. These small openings allow your body’s natural oil (sebum) to reach and then moisturize your skin. We typically take our pores for granted until they become enlarged – which can happen when they are infected, clogged by oil or dead skins, or as we age, as the elasticity and in surrounding skin wears down over time. There are several treatments available that can make large pores less perceptible.
Please request an appointment online or call us at 803.329.6030 to talk with one of our experts about reducing the prominence of your pores.