Skin discoloration is a common concern among many women and men.
This is particularly true when it comes to dark spots, which may be caused by sun exposure, localized injury, surgery, acne, and certain medications.
The good news is that there are a number of dark spot treatments in Northern VA that can diminish hyperpigmentation and restore a clear, even complexion.
Here are five options to consider, depending on the depth, pigmentation, and duration of your dark spots.
5 Dark Spot Treatments in Northern VA
1. Hydroquinone
For women and men considering dark spot treatments in Northern VA, hydroquinone is often recommended as the first line of defense.
It is a topical cream that contains two-to-four percent of hydroquinone and may be purchased over-the-counter or via a prescription from your dermatologist.
Hydroquinone is applied to the skin in small amounts and diminishes dark spots by blocking an enzyme called tyrosinase.
Results can be seen in as little as two weeks, but it usually takes eight-to-12 weeks for noticeable improvement.
2. Lasers
Lasers are an extremely effective option for the treatment of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. They deliver focused beams of light, which are attracted to melanin and able to break dark spots into particles.
IPL is also among the most-popular dark spot treatments in Northern VA. It applies pulses of broad-spectrum light to filter out and neutralize discoloration in the skin.
Both lasers and IPL are noninvasive and nonsurgical and require little to no downtime.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling is an in-office treatment that can correct a variety of cosmetic concerns including dark spots.
It employs ultra-thin needles to make tiny holes in the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin.
Topical products are often used to enhance microneedling effects.
4. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels target dark spots with a different mechanism of action than lasers, IPL, and microneedling.
They use medical-grade acid solutions to remove the outermost layer of skin and promote cellular renewal.
5. Microdermabrasion
If you are seeking non-thermal and non-chemical dark spot treatments in Northern VA, microdermabrasion could be an excellent option.
This procedure exfoliates dead skin cells and other skin debris using particles, of varying coarseness, and a vacuum mechanism.
Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin types, has zero recovery, and is ideal for milder hyperpigmentation.
Get Started with Dark Spot Treatments in Northern VA
If you are looking for dark spot treatments in Northern VA, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and talented providers.