Dark Spots and Discolouration

Dark spots and discolouration are common. Let’s talk about how to treat them with consistency and care.

Dark spots are discolourations that commonly appear on the face, shoulders, and décolleté over time. These skin discolourations are a form of hyperpigmentation that are often brown, but may also appear pink, blue or grey in colour depending on your skin tone. These spots can also vary in size and amount from person to person.

Many patients seek treatment for dark spots and discolouration primarily for cosmetic reasons. Not only can addressing these concerns give the skin a healthier, more youthful appearance, but it also allows many patients to reduce the use of makeup and/or other coverage products.

What causes dark spots and discolouration?

When skin becomes irritated or damaged, it may be triggered to produce melanin, or pigment, which can cause visible skin discolourations. The two main causes of dark spots are:

UV Rays: Just as overexposure to UV rays can result in sunburn, it can also lead to the formation of darkened areas on the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation. These dark spots, commonly known as sun spots or age spots, can appear due to sun exposure. Besides creating new dark spots, the sun can also intensify existing discolourations.

Skin Damage or Irritation: Hyperpigmentation, occurs when melanin production increases in a specific spot. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens when the skin increases pigment production in response to damage or inflammation. A common example of this is post-acne marks.

What can I do to prevent dark spots and discolouration?

Sun protection is the most effective way to prevent dark spots and discolouration. It’s important to apply (and re-apply, and re-apply, and re-apply) a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even during cloudy days and the cold winter months.

What can I do to improve dark spots and discolouration on my own?

When it comes to improving dark spots and discolouration, the key is having an effective routine that includes a combination of daily at-home skincare as well as in-clinic treatments. Below you’ll find our most popular solutions for this concern but if you’re still unsure or would like more information, we always recommend starting with a consultation

Another important thing to remember is that if you start to notice dark spots or discolouration, resist the urge to overdo physical exfoliators on your skin. Harsh scrubs can cause irritation which may cause more dark spots.

Treating dark spots and discolouration at Park

As part of your consultation, our team of physicians and nurses will educate and personalize a treatment plan that’s right for you based on your goals, unique facial structure and skin tone. Here’s what we might recommend for dark spots.

Lumecca IPL

Serum-Infused
Microneedling

Chemical Peels

Not sure where to start?

Come see us at 211 Ossington Avenue in Toronto, Ontario.

Your skin is unique and should be treated that way. At Park, we offer 30-minute consultations so that our doctors can learn more about your skin, your concerns and your overall goals. From there, we share our recommendations to ensure you leave our clinic feeling confident and informed about your treatment plan.

Treating dark spots and discolouration at home

Here are some products we think you’ll like! Park skincare can be purchased online for pickup or delivery.

A daily dark spot corrector which targets visible skin discoloration for brighter, more even-looking skin.

A daytime vitamin C antioxidant face serum that delivers advanced environmental protection and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and discolouration.

A lightweight, multi-action skin tone corrector that gives your skin a clearer, more even complexion.