How Deep Are Your Sun Spots?

Age spots, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, freckles, melasma, skin discoloration – whichever name you choose for those little brown patches, it can be a very troubling condition. Brown spots can be caused from UV sun exposure, heat, overuse of chemical peels, excessive picking at blemishes, injury to the skin, prescription medication, pregnancy, aging, birth control pills and more.

Depending on how deep your brown spots are, there are many solutions for treatment but first you need to identify the depth of the problem.

Try this simple test:

In a well-lit room, after you have cleansed your hands and face, gently stretch the area that is discolored.

-If skin appears lighter than when the skin is at rest, the pigmentation is close to the surface and is considered superficial

-If it appears darker than when the skin is at rest, the pigmentation lies in the deepest, dermal layers and will be more challenging to treat

For superficial pigmentation: You can accelerate the fading process with topical skin lighteners (like Vitamin C&E Complex), exfoliating acids (like Glycolic Serum) and calming antioxidants (like White Tea Soothing Complex). Because the problem is close to the surface, fading should occur over time with cellular turnover…

For deeper discoloration: In addition to the above recommendations, you should consult with a skin professional for peels or laser therapy. These treatments can accelerate the fading process more rapidly than home care products alone. Did you know that chemical peels are best performed from November-May? Read why.

Read: causes and treatments for brown spots

As always, prevention is the best medicine.  Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Renée Rouleau Daily Protection SPF 30 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and is ideal for sensitive skin.

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Information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.