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How to erase sun spots according to an expert
After returning from vacation and getting back to my own bathroom and magnifying mirror, I quickly realized I got more sun than I should have! (Probably shouldn’t have looked in that mirror with reading glasses on …) Thankfully, the beloved hat I wore basically every day helped a little — but not enough. Hence, the clear evidence of brown sun spots 🙁 And shame on me, because I’ve talked a lot on this blog about the importance of sunscreen and how we should all be applying it every day. I should’ve taken my own advice!
What to do? Visit your dermatologist, unless you have a friend like Dr. Lauren, in which case you text in a panic! Here’s what Dr. Lauren Bordeaux, Board Certified Dermatologist, has to say:
“To erase pigmentation, you can use a number of different over the counter and in-office treatments. Generally as a rule, I will combine daily sunscreen and antioxidants, with some light acids (glycolic or lactic acid). For more severe sun damage, lightening agents such as hydroquinone are often needed. These are available in stronger percentages by prescription only, but you can find 2% hydroquinone over the counter.”
# 1 Dr. Dennis Gross IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
I like the Dr. Dennis Gross IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum because it has three different ingredients to combat pigmentation, L-ascorbic acid is basically Vitamin C, a topical antioxidant that has been clinically shown to lighten pigment and brighten the skin. Kojic acid helps to decrease pigment production in the skin. Also, this serum has lactic acid to help exfoliate any sun damage from the summer fun!
#2 Murad Brighten & Protect Set
Murad came out with the kit that has a lot of the essentials for keeping the skin bright and healthy. First and most importantly, sunscreen! You will want to wear SPF 30-50 every day (even when it’s cloudy). This helps prevent repigmentation and protects your skin from UV radiation that leads to aging and skin cancer. Murad also added an anti-oxidant cleanser to further brighten skin, as well as an essential lightener — hydroquinone 2%.
#3 PCA Skin Pigment Gel
If you already have a cleanser and sunscreen that you like, PCA SKIN has a pigment gel that I personally love. It has hydroquinone to lighten and prevent dark spots from recurring.
#4 Five star foundation with SPF
One of the easiest ways to get SPF and a little coverage at the same time in only one step!
#5 Favorite SPF options
It was Dr. Lauren who first alerted me to Supergoop! and I haven’t turned back. I’m sure you have your own favorites, but it in case you want to try something new, I highly recommend this line. I’ve personally tried several products from the line and I love them all, especially the ones listed below!
And finally …
“For stubborn pigmentation and melasma, in-office treatments with your dermatologist can help clear pigment more effectively. We perform a lot of chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments to help erase the damage done in the summer. Prevention is key!” – Dr Lauren Bordeaux. Find her on Instagram here.
Thank you for reading, and a huge thank-you to Lauren for all your thoughtful information! xo
