hyperpigmentation

Age Spots and Skin Discoloration

Another fantastic stage of aging - is spots. Marks on the face or dark spots are called hyperpigmentation. However, not all discolorations are the same and can be from different causes. For example, age or brown spots can be caused by overexposure to the sun and premature aging, while acne spots are the aftermath of breakouts.

Hyperpigmentation can be lightened. Most people usually do better with one type of treatment. Some do well with natural lighteners, such as licorice or lemon. While some complexions do better with more aggressive therapies, such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, most do well with mild but consistent treatments.

The uneven texture is one of the signs of aging and makes you look older than you are. IPL laser treatment is a leading anti-aging treatment that really works. IPL treatments work faster than natural therapies but are more costly and may have downtime.

Even Cleopatra used a milk bath that contained lactic acid to lighten spots. You may need to do a little experimentation to know what your skin responds to the best. If your skin is starting to show spots, the treatment is similar to a dull complexion. The goal is to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin, uncovering healthy, new skin and minimizing spots by improving the evenness of the skin's tone and texture.

Here are the types of lighteners that can help:

• Algowhite - derived from algae.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids - Use a mild 10% Glycolic Acid (a fruit acid exfoliant) daily for a safe lighting treatment.
• Yogurt - use plain organic yogurt as a mask (the lactic acid exfoliates)
• Lemon - a natural skin lightener
• Licorice - our favorite for helping lighten spots, including old acne marks and discolorations.
• Kojic Acid - The most popular with Japanese women, naturally from mushrooms
• Symwhite - also derived from fungi.
• Tyrostat - naturally derived from Field Dock (Rumex)