Skin Discoloration Ogden UT is a common occurrence in Utah due to sun exposure and results in the skin being darkened in some areas or develop patches of dark spots. The dark areas are usually brownish and are a collection of a pigment known as melanin.
Melanin is naturally produced by the skin as it absorbs UV rays and protects the body from the harmful effects of the sun.
The more melanin produced in our bodies leads to increased discoloration. Lighter skinned individuals are more prone to skin discoloration and have a higher risk to develop skin cancer.
The common forms of skin discoloration are melasma, freckles, and age spots.
Melasma occurs on sun-exposed areas of the face. It shows a brown color on your cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip. Melasma is also known as a pregnancy mask due to the link it has to the female hormone estrogen and progesterone.
Pregnant women and those taking birth control pills are prone to melasma that generally disappears after childbirth or when you stop taking some contraceptive pill.
Freckles are common among light-skinned people and those with red or light hair. It is caused by genetics and sun exposure and tends to darken during summer or when you have too much sun exposure.
Age spots are also caused by sun exposure, and they appear as brown, black or gray spots found on our skin.
Causes of Skin Discoloration
Skin Discoloration Ogden UT is usually caused by the overproduction of melanin. Some medications can cause skin darkening that includes chemotherapy drugs which can have skin discoloration as a side effect.
Pregnancy hormone levels can affect melanin production in women. That is the reason why we see darkened necks, armpits, and thigh inserts in pregnant women that may naturally go away after giving birth.
There is a rare endocrine disease known as Addison’s disease that can result in skin discoloration in areas that are exposed to the sun that includes the face, hands, neck, elbows, and knees.
Too much exposure to the sun can also cause skin discoloration as the body produces more melanin for protection.
Here in Utah, we are exposed to the sun all the time. Preventing skin discoloration is possible by using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You can also wear hats and clothes that block sunlight. The best protection is avoiding sun exposure especially during the hottest part of the day, which is around 10 am to 4 pm.
If you notice skin discoloration you can avoid certain medications like the birth control pill, for example, and see whether your skin goes back to normal.
Skin discoloration isn’t harmful in most cases and may fade on their own with proper sun protection.
In some cases, treatment is necessary to deal with the problem. But there is no guarantee that the spots will fade completely even after aggressive treatments.
Treatment For Skin Discoloration
Today’s skin clinics offer numerous treatments for Skin Discoloration Ogden UT. One of the more popular is IPL therapy.
IPL therapy is a treatment using fractional lasers which stimulate collagen growth in your dermis. After multiple sessions, flat spots may disappear including spider veins, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. The treatment works with people with fair skin.
Microdermabrasion is another option for skin discoloration treatment. Skin experts use a drill-like tool with a wire or abrasive attachment. This tool is placed across your skin to remove the epidermis or outer layer of your skin. Multiple sessions may prove helpful in treating skin discoloration.
If you are fair-skinned and dealing with superficial scars, microdermabrasion may be the ideal treatment for you.
Laser peeling uses targeted beams of light to reduce skin darkening. Ablative lasers are aggressive, and they involve removing layers of your skin. The heavy-duty lasers may be more effective but may cause more side effects.
For some people, an IPL or non-ablative treatment may cause the skin to darken instead of lightning.
Your dermatologist will know what the best treatment is for your skin tone and type.
Skin tone plays a vital role in the intensity and duration of skin discoloration treatments. People with fair to medium complexion may need lesser treatments compared to those with darker skin.
Fair skin usually responds well to various skin discoloration Ogden UT treatments.
No matter what type of treatment you opt for, don’t forget to protect your skin from further damage from sun exposure.
Wearing sunscreen every day is a must in Utah, even when it’s cloudy and you are out skiing on the slopes.
