Remove skin spots (photo-rejuvenation)

Facial melasma (also called chloasma when it appears directly related to pregnancy) is a skin condition that consists of the appearance of dark brownish spots (hypermelanosis) typically located and distributed in sun-exposed areas (face), which occurs in outbreaks, worsening in summer and improving significantly in winter.

The cause is unknown but is related to hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, and sun exposure. It usually disappears during menopause. Treatments are aimed at eliminating or reducing its intensity, and typically consist of combinations of in-office treatments (peeling or IPL) along with at-home treatments.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, covering an area of approximately 2 square meters in an adult. It is a living organ capable of regenerating; it is waterproof, resistant, and flexible, breathing and remaining active 24 hours a day.

However, with the passage of time, poor habits, and unprotected sun exposure, the skin undergoes changes that may manifest years later due to a memory effect or accumulation. Therefore, while we can treat the spots present at a given moment, preventive measures must be maximized to delay the appearance of new signs of photoaging, such as spots or the loss of elasticity and firmness, for as long as possible.

The more unprotected solar radiation a person receives throughout their life, the greater their risk of developing skin changes: cellular damage accumulates and may appear as dark spots or more significant lesions, even years after sun exposure.

For this reason, it is essential to be very consistent with preventive measures:

• Apply a good SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Reapply sunscreen every 4 hours, because after that time it stops being effective
• Avoid going to the beach during the middle of the day, between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the sun is highest and burns the most. 
• On the other hand, try to take care of your skin and keep it hydrated at all times, so it is not as sensitive to future burns or sun exposure.

And debunk the false belief that you will not tan if you use sunscreen: it is true that it takes a little longer, but in the long run it is better.

There are different types of facial dark spots, and an accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the appropriate treatment. The most common causes include sun exposure and hormonal factors, which lead to solar lentigines and melasma. Depending on the type of dark spot, we employ medical-grade chemical peels of varying intensity, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) with specific filters to treat hyperpigmentation, or fractional CO2 laser.

Depending on your needs and the anatomical assessment carried out by the specialist doctor, different techniques are used. The aim is to restore facial volume changes caused by the passage of time, soften or eliminate wrinkles, and finally improve the skin’s texture and quality. This is done using products such as hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and neuromodulators that relax the facial muscles. Phototherapy with laser and intense pulsed light, as well as chemical peels, also reduce or eliminate age spots that appear over time.