Your face may be subject to different blemishes ranging from acne to dark patches, such as age spots. Dark blemishes occur on the face due to hyperpigmentation, which typically occurs from overexposure to the sun. When hyperpigmentation occurs, there are several different options available to you to help reduce the appearance of spots and return your skin to its normal state.
Bleaching Cream
Bleaching creams are among the most accessible and affordable options for treating dark spots on the face. Creams such as hydroquinone reduce the appearance of spots by decreasing the production of melanin in the affected skin tissue, and breaking down the melanin that is currently present in the spot. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, they do this by blocking the action of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is necessary for the production of melanin.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, may also be effective at reducing the prominence of dark spots on the face. When applied to spots on the skin, tretinoin speeds up the peeling of the skin. As skin peels from the affected area, excess melanin is removed with it. This process can help reduce the darkness of the spot. Due to possible fetal side effects, the National Institutes of Health does not recommend using a retinoid product while pregnant or breast feeding.
Lasers
Laser resurfacing with an ablative laser can help remove dark blemishes from the face. Ablative lasers use concentrated bursts of light energy to safely vaporize the superficial layers of affected skin. As the treated areas heal, new, smoother and more evenly pigmented skin will replace the removed tissue, reducing the appearance of the dark spot on the face.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses abrasive tools to sand down the hyperpigmented area of the face. Using a rotary wire brush or diamond burr, your dermatologist will sand off the discolored area of skin, allowing new, more evenly pigmented skin to replace it. Dermabrasion is more invasive than other removal methods, and can result in continuing redness and the formation of scabs over the treated skin until the area heals completely.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are similar to dermabrasion in that they remove the outer, superficial layer of affected skin, allowing more normally colored tissue to grow in its place. However, instead of abrasives, a chemical peel uses chemicals such as phenol, alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids to blister the skin and cause it to peel off.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses a freezing agent, such as liquid nitrogen, to freeze the dark spot on the face. The cold of the treatment destroys excess melanin pigment in the affected skin tissue, resulting in lighter skin as the treatment area heals. When using cryotherapy it's important to understand that permanent scarring may occur due to the freezing process, but is typically rare, states the Mayo Clinic.
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