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What to do about pigment spots?

Pigment spots (medically known as hyperpigmentation) are brownish marks on the skin. They develop when too much of the pigment melanin is released in the skin.

The most common causes of increased melanin production are:

  • Sun exposure
  • Female hormones (these can cause extensive, dark pigmentation known as melasma / chloasma)
  • Medications (various antibiotics, St. John's wort preparations, etc.)
  • Burns
  • Skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis
  • Infections
  • Gluten intolerance
  • Folic acid and/or vitamin B12 deficiency

Sun protection is of great importance

If you are prone to pigment spots, first of all, sun protection is the be-all and end-all. A product with a UV sun protection factor of 50 should be part of your daily morning routine – regardless of the weather forecast. If you leave your skin unprotected, pigment spots can keep coming back.

Ingredients in creams

Besides the right sun protection factor, there are ingredients in creams that can help counteract pigment spots. Products containing tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, or retinol help to diminish pigment spots. However, it is very unlikely that you will be able to get rid of pigment spots with beauty products alone. You should also only apply various prescription brightening creams for a short time and only to small areas (such as dark scars), as they don't always lighten larger spots evenly.

Treatment for stubborn pigment spots

Besides the right products, it is important to tackle pigment spots with the right beauty treatment. One of our favorite treatments for pigment spots is the combination of the LaseMD laser with tranexamic acid. We offer LaseMD treatment at the Skinthetics medical practice, which is located in the same building. The LaseMD is a thulium laser that we use to shoot dry channels, known as micro thermal zones (MTZs), into the skin. Through these channels, we can then effectively deliver active ingredients UNDER the skin. The top layer of skin is not injured in the process.

Before the treatment, an anesthetic cream is applied to your skin for about 20 minutes. That's why the treatment is practically pain-free. We then pass the laser over the skin several times to create hundreds of tiny MTZs, through which the tranexamic acid is then delivered directly under the skin. (Tranexamic acid is one of the most effective active ingredients against pigment spots.) We usually repeat this treatment 3-6 times at 2-week intervals. The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of the pigmentation. We can also treat melasma / chloasma with this method.

Green Peel for mild pigment spots

For mild pigment spots, Green Peel Classic is the beauty treatment of choice. The unique herbal enzyme peel stimulates the formation of new cells, boosts blood circulation, and gives the skin cells a better supply of oxygen and nutrients. As the new cells form, the upper layers of skin are shed. This active peeling of the skin effectively treats mild pigment spots. A nice side effect: the renewed skin is radiant, with fewer fine lines.

With all treatments, it is important to combine them with the right care at home so that you get the best possible result. Of course, we will advise you on that too.

Not sure which treatment is right for your pigment spots? No problem! We'll be happy to advise you.