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BROWN SPOTS

Brown spots, sun spots, age spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation are formed by an accumulation of excess melanin or pigment within the skin’s surface. Pigment is the skin’s natural form of defense against environmental and inflammatory aggressors. These aggravators trigger excess melanin production for cellular protection when they are excessively exposed. With age and repetitive damage, these dark spots accumulate and can become permanent if left untreated.

Causes Of Brown Spots

Except for moles and freckles patients are born with, most brown spots that develop over time are due to the following factors:

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  • Sun exposure (UVA and UVB radiation, which includes tanning beds)

  • Hormonal fluctuations (including melasma during and post-pregnancy)

  • Acne (hyperpigmentation can often come with acne scarring)

  • Skin injury and surgery

How We Treat Brown Spots At Kline Dermatology

We have a breadth of treatments that can target and diminish excess pigment in all its forms. For some patients, a series of chemical peels or a light microlaserpeel may be all it takes to erase years of sun damage or signs of melasma for a brighter, more even complexion. For deeper-set sun damage or dark spots, we also offer IPL Fotofacial or fractional resurfacing laser treatments that will target melanin and related skin tone and texture far beneath the surface of the skin. These treatments can be used to treat the face any also other popular body areas such as the chest, neck and hands.

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Please note: We take some ‘brown spots’ very seriously at Kline Dermatology. As a practice with years of skin cancer expertise, we always take extra care that any complaints about changing areas of pigment or growing dark spots are not very early signs of skin cancer. For all patients, we advise an annual skin cancer screening (which might be increased to every six months if there is cause for closer observation).

FAQs

Q: What causes brown spots on the skin?

A: Brown spots are caused by excess melanin accumulation. The most common triggers include UV radiation (sun exposure and tanning beds), hormonal fluctuations (such as melasma during or after pregnancy), acne-related hyperpigmentation, and skin injury or surgery.

Q: What types of brown spots can be treated?

A: Kline Dermatology treats sun spots, age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-acne hyperpigmentation. Treatments can be applied to the face, chest, neck, and hands.

Q: What treatments are available for brown spots?

A: Options include IPL Photofacial, fractional resurfacing laser treatments, microlaserpeel, and chemical peels. The appropriate treatment depends on the depth and severity of the pigmentation.

Q: Can brown spots become permanent?

A: Yes. With repeated sun damage and age, dark spots can accumulate and become permanent if left untreated. Early intervention is recommended to prevent lasting discoloration.

Q: Do you screen brown spots for skin cancer?

A: Absolutely. Kline Dermatology takes pigment changes very seriously. Any growing or changing dark spot is evaluated carefully for early signs of skin cancer, and annual skin cancer screenings are advised for all patients.

Q: How many treatments are needed to see results?

A: The number of sessions depends on the type and severity of pigmentation. Some patients see improvement with a single chemical peel or microlaserpeel, while others with deeper sun damage may require a series of IPL or laser treatments.

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