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Dark spots are also known as hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmented areas. These are your normal skin cells that undergo changes and develop more pigments. These pigments occur due to various reasons, including sun damage, wound healing, medication, and hormonal changes.

However, the good news is you can choose from several Skin Pigmentation Treatments to improve the appearance of dark spots. Among most of those treatments, laser pigmentation treatment is the most viable option due to its better efficacy.

This article gives an overview of different dark spots treatment options, especially laser treatment, and why it is a better option.

Types of Dark Spots

Sunspots have the following types:

  • Sunspots
  • Freckles
  • Birthmarks
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Aging spots

Major Causes of Dark Spots

There are multiple causes of dark spots. The most common among those reasons is excessive exposure to the sun. Sunlight contains UV rays that directly hit your skin and cause your cells to develop dark pigments.

Minor Causes of Dark Spots

Dark spots can also be caused by:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Post pregnancy
  • Stretch marks
  • Allergic reactions
  • Trauma or injury to the skin
  • Congenital
  • Aging

What are the Treatment Options for Dark Spots?

Dark spots are curable through a variety of procedures, including medical and surgical techniques.

Taking the following medications can help cure a dark spot as early as it develops:

  • Hydroquinone
  • Vitamin C
  • Retinoids
  • Soy
  • Licorice root
  • Daisy
  • Kojic acid
  • Peony extract

If medicines don’t help in the treatment of dark spots, then you should immediately consult your doctor for an in-office treatment.

Here is a list of in-office procedures to treat dark spots:

  • Laser Treatment
  • Cryotherapy
  • Chemical Peeling
  • Microdermabrasion

Laser Pigmentation Treatment

Laser pigmentation treatment uses concentrated light energy to lighten dark spots. Some laser treatments target the pigmented areas, while some ablate skin layers along with pigmentations. Essentially, laser treatments burn off dark spots.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy freezes the pigmented cells and makes them peel off while healthy cells come out.

Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling treatments typically use mild acids to exfoliate dead skin cells or the entire outer skin layer. The purpose of this treatment is to reveal an evenly toned skin underneath the pigmented outer layer.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion essentially sands the outer skin layer. The two techniques used in this treatment are Crystal Microdermabrasion and Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion. The crystal microdermabrasion procedure involves spraying tiny crystals over the skin to eliminate dead or pigmented cells. On the other hand, a diamond-tip machine passes a diamond-encrusted tip over the skin.

In simple words, crystal microdermabrasion presents an analogy to sandblasting of your skin. In contrast, diamond-tip microdermabrasion is much like using sandpaper.

Benefits of Laser Dark Spot Removal Treatment

Dark spots can be very troublesome, especially if they are on exposed areas of your body like the face, hands, arms, etc. Laser treatment is a time-effective procedure that helps you get rid of the dark spots permanently to make your skin healthy and fresh. On top of that, this treatment doesn’t target your normal skin cells. Therefore, the area around pigmentation remains safe.

Is Laser Treatment Painful?

Essentially, laser treatment for dark spots is not painful. However, much depends on the sensitivity of the skin. Generally, it feels like a rubber band hitting your skin, which can be irritating but not painful. 

How Long Does Laser Treatment Take to Treat Dark Spots?

Although you may need to undergo up to three laser treatment sessions, desirable changes will start occurring after the first session. The length of laser treatment depends on the area being treated and the level of pigmentation.

Is Laser Treatment Costly?

Although laser treatment for dark spots may cost you more than other options, it rids you of the endless hassle of using creams and solutions to manage your appearance. It means you will also be able to save money in the future. So, is laser treatment for dark spots costly? Not really.

What Are the Side Effects of Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment may cause redness and swelling, both of which go away in a couple of days.

Moreover, your skin will become a bit sensitive to sun exposure for a few days after the treatment. So be sure to wear sunscreen and be on the top of your skincare regimen.

Can Dark Spots Reoccur?

Failing to take care of your skin after laser treatment can cause dark spots to reoccur, especially if you go out in the sun regularly. So, make sure to take precautionary measures after the treatment.

Safety Measures after the Treatment

  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Use sunscreen.
  • Cover yourself up.
  • Use soothing lotions.
  • Use pigment blockers.

Conclusion

Dark spots can occur at any age. Fortunately, laser and other non-invasive treatment options help you get rid of these spots effectively and painlessly. Laser Skin Care Clinic offers you a variety of procedures to get perfectly healthy skin. We provide you professional assistance and consultancy with all of your skin problems.