How to treat skin discoloration
I get this question All. The. Time.
Most people experience some form of discoloration or dark spots. Let's talk dermatology terms here because this is one of those diagnoses that needs both skincare AND in-office treatments AND often prescriptions.
Brown discoloration presents itself in a variety of ways including:
- PIH - post inflammatory hyperpigmentation common after acne and a reason to NOT POP pimples
- lentigo - a sun spot/age spot (not a freckle but not a mole) and a main reason to wear sunscreen
- melasma - a patchy, solid discoloration often caused from hormones and/or sun
So, we’ve established there are different kinds reasons of skin discoloration. Now, let’s see how to treat these in our at-home skincare routines.
How to Treat Skin Discoloration
Skincare isn’t one size fits all, and brown discoloration is probably the best example of that.
I am ALWAYS going to recommend that you schedule an appointment when it comes to treating or correcting any dark spots or discoloration. You’ll get specific advice on which in-office treatments are best for you; expect a 6-12 month plan to improve then a yearly plan to maintain. Your daily skincare routine will be the foundation of this all.
Given all the different causes of discoloration and the variety of our individual skin tones and ancestry, it's best to get an expert’s opinion. A custom plan helps you correctly identify what’s going on and the best course of action. Together we can build a comprehensive plan that will get you and your skin the best results!
So, please hear me when I say- there’s not a quick fix. There’s not a short solution. It’s a lifestyle.
We have to change our sun habits. There’s no sitting on the beach all day without shade or an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, long sleeve UPF, reapplying SPF every 2 hours, etc
How to Help Prevent Discoloration
In general you can help prevent discoloration by maintaining a basic skincare routine. If you don’t where to start, I have a free quiz that instantly creates one for your skin type.
Include these ingredients in your daily routine to help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation and discoloration:
- ☀️ daily SPF 30+
- 🍊 AM: vitamin C serum
- 💪🏼 PM: retinoid
- 💧 Add a targeted treatment serum
Then look for these ingredients in skincare products to add to your daily routine to augment discoloration treatment:
- zinc oxide - in sunscreen
- retinoid- retinol/retinal/retinoic acid
- ascorbic acid - vitamin C serum
- tranexamic acid
- azelaic acid
- glycolic acid
- mandelic acid for redness
- niacinamide
- hydroquinone (prescription)
- arbutin/bearberry
There are plenty of products I recommend. But, like I said before, skincare is individual. You need a custom plan, and it takes time and consistency.
Once you’ve established your daily skincare routine we’ll add targeted treatment serums; particualrly, those with tranexamic acid in the 1-2 times daily depending on the exact product. Here are 2 with tranexamic acid that work for all skin types (click to read why I prefer each!):
Also consider adding a peel pad 1-2 times weekly! It’s the best way to step up your at-home routine after you’ve established a daily routine for 8 weeks.
You don’t have to navigate the journey of treating skin discoloration by yourself. I’m here to help! You can schedule a consultation with me to help you get the glowing, beautiful skin of your dreams. We’ll take the basic skincare routine and add in the other ingredients to specifically improve the skin discoloration you’re experiencing.