SPOTS, SPOTS, SPOTS, SPOTS
If you read that title to the tune of LMFAO’s “Shots”, we were meant to be friends.
Anyways….now that summer is behind us, I have been seeing/hearing A LOT of complaints about the dreaded sun spots that graced us with their presence over the last few months.
Up until this point, I surprisingly discouraged any serious treatment of them. The optimist in me was holding onto hope that Michigan October would show us some sunny love, and this weekend proved me right:).
What I mean is…..treating sun spots while you’re still out getting sun exposure is like eating a donut while walking on a treadmill…pointless.
Come late fall/early winter, I am total team sun spot destruction! Believe me, I have plenty myself I’ve been holding off on getting rid of until the right time.
So, now let’s talk about how we do such a thing. I’ve started using the term “treatment algorithm” when explaining this to patients. Disclaimer: the following information is slightly geared towards our office, but I’m sure most dermatology offices have similar recommendations!
First: Topicals
Hydroquinone has become the “gold standard” topical lightening agent. This can be found OTC at strengths of 2%. If this is beneficial to you, heck yes for you. If not, we offer higher strengths of topical hydroquinone (think 4%-8%) in our office in the form of a Brightening Pad. I love these pads for daily use. Each set contains 60 pads and runs anywhere from $90-$120 (depending on strength). I typically only recommend using hydroquinone for 2-3 months at a time.
At the end of your 60-day application regimen, if you are happy with the results, maintenance with a topical like Kojic acid or, my personal fav, SkinBetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum, will help to maintain the results.
What happens if this isn’t enough? Onto step 2……
Second: Peels
In our office, we offer a MiniMelanage Peel which uses retinoid and Arbutin (another tyrosine inhibitor, like hydroquinone) to penetrate the skin and lighten discoloration. A stronger option than topicals alone, which makes the price point slightly higher as well….one peel will run $300.
Still not satisfied?!?! Option 3, coming right up.
Third: Laser
We offer a slew of different lasers in our office, but my 2 favorite for pigmentation are IPL and LaseMD. These resurfacing options will definitely help with pigment while also boasting improvement in skin texture/tone (think wrinkles and anti-aging!). One treatment of IPL runs anywhere from $200-$350 (depending on areas treated), while LaseMD will come in at a slightly more expensive $450 (also the most aggressive option we’ve discussed).
There you have it…MY pigment treatment algorithm. (Stressing MY because someone else will probably have a different one, and that’s OKAY.)
Not sure which option is best for you?!?! Consultations should become your best friend. Yes, they add more time to the process, but, in the end, getting a professional opinion will end up saving you a lot of money and frustration.
I almost finished without mentioning the NUMBER 1, ABSOLUTLE MOST IMPORTANT PART of operation sun-spot destruction…..SUNSCREEN (think Zinc or Titanium Dioxide).
Spending time and money on all of the above without wearing sunscreen is like……..you guessed it……..
eating a donut while walking on a treadmill.
Happy Fall Ya’ll!