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 complimentary 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 complimentary 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
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A transformative treatment that uses intense pulses of light to reduce brown spots, broken capillaries, mild sun damage, and irregular pigmentation to improve overall tone & clarity.
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To start, at least 3 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
To maintain, 1-2 treatments annually. The most important thing you can do to elongate IPL results is wear SPF every day and limit sun exposure!
Serum-Infused
Microneedling
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This rejuvenating treatment combines the power of microneedling with a serum designed to reduce skin pigmentation. The result is a clearer complexion, tighter pores, and a more even complexion.
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To start, 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
To maintain, one treatment every 6 months to keep your skin glowing year-round.
Chemical Peels
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This treatment uses the application of a low-PH solution to remove dead and damaged skin cells, bringing newer, fresher skin cells to the surface. The result is an improvement in both the texture and quality of the skin.
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We strongly recommend doing no fewer than three peels spaced 3-4 weeks apart for best results.
To maintain, one peel per quarter.
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 complimentary 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.