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black spot removal treatment
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13074
47 days ago
88

black spot removal treatment - #13074

Kiaan

I am really worried about these black spots that’ve appeared on my face and I’m not sure what to do. About a month ago I noticed a couple of dark spots on my cheeks, thought they were just pimples at first, but now they’re definitely not going away. I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams, but nothing seems to work! A friend told me about black spot removal treatment options but I have no idea what’s involved. I’m not looking to do anything too drastic, but I don’t wanna waste time with ineffective treatments ya know? Like, what are the best black spot removal treatments out there? Do they actually work? I read about chemical peels and laser treatments but what’s the recovery like? A coworker mentioned microdermabrasion as a black spot removal treatment, and I’m curious if anyone here has had that done? Also, should I consult a dermatologist before starting any treatment or just go for it? I can’t keep living with these spots—I feel kinda insecure about it. I’d love to hear what worked for you or if any of you experienced side effects from different black spot removal treatments. Thanks in advance!

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Doctors’ responses

When addressing black spots on the face, it’s important to first determine their likely cause. The spots you describe may be hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, or melasma. Consulting a dermatologist before starting treatment is advisable to clarify the cause and to choose the most effective and safe treatment. Chemical peels can be a good choice. They involve the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, revealing newer skin. Peels vary in strength, with superficial peels having minor downtime while deeper peels require more recovery, with redness and peeling lasting several days to a week. Laser treatments, like Q-switched lasers or fractional lasers, are effective for stubborn spots, working by targeting the melanin in the pigmentation. Recovery may vary from a few days of redness and swelling, with multiple sessions often needed based on severity. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive option that gently sands the skin to remove the outer layer, suitable for mild spots and requiring little to no downtime, though usually repeated sessions are necessary. It bears mentioning that professional treatments can have risks such as irritation or pigmentation changes particularly if not properly done, so a dermatologist’s expertise is crucial. Aside from professional treatments, using daily sunscreen is essential as UV exposure can exacerbate pigmentation. Topical treatments containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or vitamin C may help lighten spots over time, often as part of a maintenance plan post professional treatments. While treatments have variable effectiveness, combining methods and maintaining preventative measures often yields the best results. Also good to keep expectations realistic, as some spots may take time to fade and complete removal isn’t always possible depending on depth and cause. If you’re considering treatments, specify your comfort zone regarding downtime and have a professional guide the best option aligned with your lifestyle and skin type.

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