Drop the Spots

When you look in the mirror do you see smooth, healthy, blemish-free skin? Or does your reflection reveal a rough, blotchy, and blemished complexion? What impression does your face give to people meeting you? Well rested, healthy, happy, youthful? Environmental elements, nutritional status, heredity, and inappropriate skin care products can contribute to a less than desirable complexion. I consult patients routinely on skincare and the top three conditions that I hear the most complaints about are acne, rosacea, and dark spots (hyperpigmentation). I am pleased to be able to offer them a variety of treatment options that fit their condition.


ACNE
Acne occurs when pores in the skin become clogged with oil. Bacteria and debris can then become trapped. This triggers an inflammatory response as the body is trying to rid itself of the foreign matter. Redness, swelling, warmth, and discomfort are all characteristics of skin inflammation. Acne blemishes appear in many forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pus-filled lesions. While acne is most commonly seen in adolescents, it can be present in people of all ages.

There are many products, both over the counter and prescription, which are recommended to treat acne. These products, while in varying strengths, work to reduce breakouts, inflammation, and excessive oil production while protecting skin from future damage. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients found in blemish-reducing skincare. Tretinoin and antibiotics may also be prescribed by your physician.

Blemish Control Gel by Skinceuticals is a lightweight acne medication containing 1% salicylic acid that effectively treats existing acne while preventing future breakouts. This purifying gel exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, removes dirt and oil, and targets blemishes without causing irritation experienced with numerous other acne medications.

The CLENZIderm system by Obagi Medical is a prescription-strength acne treatment with a patented form of 5% benzoyl peroxide that penetrates deep into the root where acne begins to quickly clear the skin. These products are available for both normal to oily skin and normal to dry skin.

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often appears as redness and swelling found primarily on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Broken capillaries (red facial vessels) are sometimes present. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Rosacea may first appear as blushing, however, severe rosacea can even be accompanied with red pustular lesions. The cause for rosacea is still unknown although broken capillaries are linked to sun damage, alcohol consumption, or even blowing your nose too hard.

Specific products, such as Skinceutical’s Phyto Corrective Gel, is a great treatment option. This gel contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties such as cucumber and thyme to help soothe and calm irritated skin. This product is suitable for everyone including sensitive and problematic skin types.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treats vascular lesions, broken capillaries (facial veins), and redness due to rosacea by targeting hemoglobin in visible vessels on the skin’s surface with pulses of light. These vessels usually fade after treatment or can initially appear darker then fade within a few weeks. Skin tone usually improves within a week after treating redness. Other treatments include oral and topical antibiotics. Avoidance of alcohol and spicy foods is often recommended if they prove to be a trigger. There is no cure for rosacea; however, treatment options may provide relief.
HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots) is defined as an excessive amount of pigment in one area of the skin resulting in dark spots due to sun damage, aging, or trauma. Sun spots usually appear on areas of the body exposed to sun while melasma appears as a larger area of darkened skin often linked to hormonal changes. Surgerical scars and acne can also result in hyperpigmentation.

Pigment Regulator from Skinceuticals, is a brightening treatment containing 2% Emblica and 2% kojic acid. It works to improves discoloration, uneven skin tone, and prevent future damage by inhibiting excessive melanin production.

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent often found in skincare products that treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is only available by prescription or from a physician’s office. The Nu Derm System created by Obagi Medical is a physician-directed regimen that treats hyperpigmentation, fine lines, rough skin texture, and sallow complexion. Nu-Derm exfoliates dead skin cells, treats all layers of skin, and reveals younger and healthier looking skin.
The IPL photofacial treatment also corrects hyperpigmentation by using pulses of visible light to target melanin and therefore improving aged and sun damaged skin on the face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs, and other areas. This treatment also stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture, and decreases large pore size for overall skin rejuvenation. When correcting hyperpigmentation, a series of treatments is often recommended in order to achieve optimum results with regular follow up procedures. IPL therapies deliver results alone or may be combined with a chemical peel or microdermabrasion for enhanced results.

The décolletage (chest area) often goes untreated, even if you are actively maintaining the appearance of your face. This can leave you with a distinct contrast between your treated facial skin and the damaged skin on your chest. The skin on your décolletage tends to be thinner, less moisturized, and particularly vulnerable to sun damage. The ELASTIderm Decolletage System from Obagi Medical is a physician-directed skincare line formulated to treat this delicate area. Clinical studies show the products in this system reduce sun spots, freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles in as little as 4 weeks. This system helps correct, restore, and maintain a more radiant, youthful appearance with continued use. Therefore, keep the sensitive skin on your décolletage in mind the next time you are applying sunscreen or purchasing skincare products.

If you have any of these conditions or concerns listed in this article, please consult with an educated skincare professional for the proper therapy to meet your needs. Drop the spots and reveal the glowing, healthy appearance you’ve been longing for!