How do I get rid of dark spots/hyperpigmentation on my face? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.  The first step I would recommend is to apply a thin layer of  hydroquinone (bleaching cream)  morning and night to help even out your skin tone.  I would also recommend doing a series of chemical peels every 4 weeks.  Also another treatment that would be beneficial for getting rid of hyper pigmentation is doing a Co2 skin resurfacing laser treatment.  Please consult with your physician before starting any of these treatments.  

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question. This can be very frustrating problem that affects many people. The treatment varies from person to person, but typically always starts with a good physician grade skin care treatment. In addition, there are other treatments that can also be helpful, such as laser treatments and chemical peels. To find out the best option for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced facial doctor. Please see the link for more information and a personal experience of a patient who had the same problem. You can also find more information on our website.

There is various different treatments available to treat hyperpigmentation, I would suggest a combination of procedures along with an at home topical regime. Start by making sure you apply a Sunscreen with zinc at least spf 30 multiple times per day to prevent further sun damage as that will make your current pigmentation worse, visit your nearest Dermatologist to get started on some Chemical peels that will not only remove the top layer of your skin and promote a new layer allowing for topical medication to penetrate better but will reduce the pigmentation each time you do the treatment. Finally an at home use to bleaching cream (hydroquinone), preferably a formula that has been compounded with some sort of retinol will aid in getting rid of your melasma. Good Luck and be patient.

Best-
Alex Khadavi M.D

Hello! I assume that those dark spots are from acne?  To lighten these spots requires patience and diligence.  You need an excellence skincare regimen that includes Vitamin C serum, retinol and possibly a lightening agent such as hydroquinone, and sunscreen.  However, if your skin is oily and you're still experiencing breakouts, then be sure to use the above listed products in a formulation that's appropriate for oily, blemish-prone skin.  And you may need products that have salicylic acid.  I compare the importance of skincare to brushing your teeth daily!  You can also try a series of chemical peels then lasers.  The best is to consult your local professional.   Good luck!

Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, can come from acne scarring over time.
Microneedling and PRP treatments in series will help.
It is important to treat the acne at the same time to prevent new dark spots as well.
Kristine Brecht, MD
Seattle, Wa