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:

Then look for these ingredients in skincare products to add to your daily routine to augment discoloration treatment:

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!):

Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum
Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum
Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum
Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum
Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum
Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum

Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum

$178.00

WHY SYDNEY LOVES IT: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is key to treating and preventing discoloration. This serum also has niacinamide to decrease redness and peptides to increase collagen and decrease fine lines. It's an all-around anti-aging serumto add to your routine twice daily after prioritizing vitamin C serum in AM. I like to transition to TXA when on a hydroquinone-holiday.

DETAILS:

  • Clinically proven to help minimize the appearance of all forms of (unwanted) discoloration, including dark spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and brown patches.
  • Proprietary PATH-3 Technology helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage with continued use.
  • Improves the appearance of redness that often accompanies the look of hyperpigmentation.
  • Helps skin appear brighter and more luminous over time.
  • Powerful antioxidants help promote optimal skin health.
  • Designed to support the results of in-office treatments such as chemical peels, lasers, and skin-brightening treatments
  • Hydroquinone and Retinol free formula.
  • Non-irritating for daily use.

HOW TO USE:

  • In the morning and evening, after cleansing, apply 1-2 pumps of serum to the face.
  • In the AM, apply sunscreen after applying A-LUMINATE.
  • Avoid getting in the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

  • PATH-3 Technology - Helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage with continued use.
  • Tranexamic Acid - Encapsulated in a liposome, it helps correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
  • Niacinamide - Helps to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone & supports skin's barrier function
View Details
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum
Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum

Glytone TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum

$80.00

WHY SYDNEY LOVES IT: This lightweight, milky serum with dual action formula helps brighten existing dark spots while minimizing their reoccurrence with continued use. It has 3 of the best ingredients for discoloration. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is the MVP ingredient and is the perfect hydroquinone-free alternative! I like to use a serum with TXA to replace hydroquinone in a skincare routine long-term. 

DETAILS: Concentrated brightening serum.

  • Fragrance-Free
  • Paraben-Free

HOW TO USE: Apply once per day in the evening to cleansed dry skin. 

KEY INGREDIENTS:

  • 3% Tranexamic Acid to help minimize the occurrence of discoloration 
  • 1% Kojic Acid to help brighten the skin
  • 5% Niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
View Details

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. 

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