Any glow getters booking a spring getaway this year, please know we are living through you. With this constant tease of cool/warm weather, sunshine/cloud, the thought of basking in the warmth of the sun sounds like a truly delightful experience.
However, over time, Mr(s). Sun may leave behind some unwanted souvenirs on our skin: sun spots—also known as age spots, liver spots or, if you want to get real scientific, solar lentigines.
These benign yet bothersome hyperpigmented areas, can be a common consequence of prolonged sun exposure.
Fortunately, together with our friends at MD Beauty Clinic, we offer an array of potions and solutions to diminish these unwanted friends to ultimately restore our skin’s natural radiance and keep it that way.
Uninvited Guests
We’re certainly not calling sun spots over for a hangout... so what brings them along? Sun spots often appear on areas of the skin that receive significant exposure to the sun (hence the name). Therefore, we can imagine that their presence has something to do with the way the sun works. As we know, to heat our planet, the sun emits radiation in the form of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Once your skin is exposed to these rays, they trigger an increase in melanin production, which is why you get a tan in the summer.
This excess pigment can cluster, forming the distinctive dark spots we recognize as sun spots. While they’re usually harmless, sun spots will not fade like your vacation tan. Which means their presence can affect the appearance of your skin's radiance, health and overall quality prompting you to seek effective treatments.
Your Sun Spot Survival Guide
Before we get into treatments and specialty products, we feel that it goes without saying that the most effective tool against sun spots is, well, protecting your skin from the sun. That means diligent sunscreen application and reapplication, as well as seeking shade or cover when out and about. Now we offer both a mineral and a chemical sunscreen to ensure you're SPF protected all year round.
Topical Treatments
The most accessible way to treat sun spots is through products that target hyperpigmentation. Over-the-counter creams and serums containing ingredients like glycolic acid, hydroxy acids, and Vitamin C can help lighten sun spots gradually with consistent use. We have various formulations that can help with evening out complexion but these are our ride-or-die that you won't be disappointed with:
Soothe is a multi-purpose tool that can address skin injuries like sunburns, as well as sun-induced hyperpigmentation. Definitely a staple for your summer care routine.
Super C, like its name suggests, is an absolute powerhouse of pure, concentrated ascorbic acid—Vitamin C. It can be mixed in with your AHA cream or gel for megawatt results. Alpha Hydroxy Acid works by exfoliating skin cells to promote cell turnover, which reduces hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
Stronger treatments, such as topical retinoids, may be recommended for more stubborn cases. We offer two retinol concentrations: Retinol 30, which is 0.3% retinol, and Retinol 60, which is 0.6% retinol.
Non-invasive Treatments
Miracle 10 Facial Peel Treatment
Chemical peels involve the application of a solution to exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing a fresher, more even-toned complexion. Their mechanism is similar to that of retinoids, although a peel is much stronger.
The Facial Peel involves the use of varying acids making them customizable to a host of skin concerns, including reducing the appearance of sun spots. Glycolic acid is a great ingredient for hyperpigmentation (as mentioned in our last section), but your provider will be mindful of your individual skin sensitivity.
The key with sun spots? Consistency. That's why it's usually recommended to come in for a peel every 6-8 weeks. This way you give your skin a chance to get back in prime shape for your next session. You can visit MD Beauty Clinic in Ontario or a number of our retail partners across North America to book yourself in for a peel!
Laser treatments and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy are great for many concerns. They’re almost like the liposuction of non-invasive procedures (if you know, you know). The light particles alter cell response which can be helpful for hair removal, hyperpigmentation and more!
Laser and IPL treatments target the melanin in sun spots, breaking it down and encouraging the body to naturally eliminate the pigment. These interventions are known for delivering noticeable results with minimal downtime. MD Beauty Clinic recommends coming in every 4-6 weeks to allow for recovery in between appointments.
Microneedling is the holy grail of non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It works by creating tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production and helping to fade sun spots. Combining microneedling with serums or growth factors can enhance the results. The intervals between appointments range between 1-1.5 months, and you’ll begin to see results after just a few sessions!
Sun spots may be a reminder of your joyful days spent in the sun, but advancements in cosmetic treatments and our high-quality skincare formulations provide hope for achieving clearer, radiant skin once again. And with the right combination of skincare and cosmetic interventions, you can bid farewell to pesky spots of hyperpigmentation and say hello to a more luminous, vibrant you.