The dermatologist Arantza Arana reveals to us what treatments to choose according to the type of spots
Dark spots on the skin are one of the main aesthetic concerns because sooner or later they end up appearing. In addition, removing them is a real challenge. For them, Dr. Arantxa Arana Raja, a specialist in aesthetic dermatology at the Clínica Doctora Pérez Sevilla, reveals to us which treatment to choose depending on the type of stain.
The spots can appear due to different factors, but the most common causes are sun exposure, genetic factors, age, hormonal influences, and skin injuries or infections. In addition, there are different types: yellow, red, purple, white spots…
To treat them, the first step is to identify them and know their origin because they are not all the same. The most common spots on the face are four: freckles, melasma, lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The dermatologist Arantxa Arana, comments that “melasma, freckles, and lentigines can be due to the sun, hormones and hereditary factors. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation stems from acne marks and wounds.
To treat stains, the first step is to identify them and know their origin because they are not all the same
Prevention is essential, so sun protection is essential to prevent the appearance of spots. The doctor advises “using creams with a very high protection factor (SPF50+) in the hours of greatest sun exposure. Although, photoprotection must always be applied even on cloudy days. It is also beneficial to resort to other measures, such as wide-brimmed hats, scarves, long clothes, and sunglasses. Another option is to use oral photo protectors, but always as a compliment”.
THE BEST TREATMENT ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF STAIN
When the spots have been around for a long time, you have to resort to medical-aesthetic treatments such as medical peeling or laser. But the expert warns “it is important to continue using sun protection and depigmenting treatments at home on a daily basis.” Regarding which treatment to choose, in general terms, “solar lentigines respond very well to the laser, post-inflammatory spots and melasma should be treated with topical depigmenting and peels, reserving specific lasers as a complementary treatment”.
- Topical depigmenting. They inhibit the production of melanin, that is, the pigment that gives color to the skin.
- Oral depigmenting. Sometimes this treatment is necessary in cases of severe melasma, when topical treatments are not enough, and they also block the production of melanin.
- Retinol. Facilitates the penetration of depigmenting active ingredients and renews the skin.
- Antioxidants. They protect from free radicals that often cause hyperpigmentation in the skin.
- Chemical peels. They exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin, revealing clearer, more even skin.
- Laser. They eliminate solar lentigines and are sometimes a good complement for the treatment of melasma. The most effective lasers for treating pigmented lesions are Q-switched lasers, which emit high-energy but very short pulses, leading to a rupture of the melanin without damaging the surrounding healthy skin. In general, the results are very good from the first session, although there are more complicated cases that require more sessions and more time, which may require 2-5 sessions spaced 1-2 months apart.
- Pulsed light. It is effective for photoaging of the face, neckline, or hands, as well as for solar lentigines (also for vascular lesions). In addition, another benefit is that it improves the quality of the skin globally, producing luminosity and stimulating collagen production, that is, improving texture such as enlarged pores or superficial wrinkles. 2-3 sessions are recommended in the first year, and then an annual maintenance session.
