Today, we will explore a common skin concern faced by many—hormonal spots and pigmentation irregularities. There are various types of spots, and many people are unaware of the specific type of spots on their faces, only knowing they have some dark spots or patchy skin. Especially for some individuals who experience pigmentation from acne or darker spots post-laser treatment, how should they choose suitable treatment options?
The first step is to clearly diagnose the types of spots on the face, as different spots may have different causes. Treatment methods are divided into laser treatments and medications or skincare products, and a combination of both often yields better results.
Before discussing hormonal spots, let’s understand their causes. Hormonal spots are not a single disease but rather the result of multiple factors, such as hormonal changes, skin aging, and UV exposure. In addition to outdoor sunlight, indoor light sources and the blue light from electronic screens can also exacerbate the worsening of hormonal spots. Therefore, comprehensive consideration is required for the treatment of hormonal spots.
The root of hormonal spots lies in the skin’s basement membrane; once damaged, pigmentation can easily penetrate deeper skin layers. While popular treatments like skin-clearing and picosecond laser therapies have gained attention in the market, the most effective approach remains a combination of doctor-prescribed medications and suitable skincare products. For example, chemical peel treatments can effectively control the spread of hormonal spots; additionally, tranexamic acid medications and products that strengthen the skin barrier can provide effective treatment targeting hormonal spots.
However, is laser treatment suitable for every patient? The answer is no; not all laser therapies produce significant effects. If you have undergone several laser treatments but still cannot improve hormonal spots, you may need to consider alternative treatment methods. It is particularly important to note that prolonged use of laser treatments may cause pigmentation abnormalities and could lead to white patches in certain areas, which are extremely difficult to reverse, thus necessitating immediate cessation of laser treatments should white patches develop.
In addition to hormonal spots, another common skin issue is photoaging, typically manifested as age spots and sunspots. These types of spots are caused by skin exposure to ultraviolet rays, and dry, fragile skin may benefit from laser treatments. For prominent age spots, CO2 laser treatment can be chosen for removal; whereas, epidermal sunspots can effectively be treated with picosecond lasers. Additionally, incorporating retinol into skincare can help restore better skin condition.
Pigmentation is another common issue often caused by acne or injuries; usually, these problems do not require special treatment, as they tend to fade away after a period. However, if post-laser treatment causes hyperpigmentation, specific medications may need to be used for control, and after a period of treatment, hyperpigmentation may improve. It is important to note that even if some spots are removed through treatment, hormonal spots may still persist, making accurate diagnosis crucial.
Finally, there are also genetically caused spots, such as freckles, which can be removed with laser treatments but are prone to recurrence. For conditions such as nevus of Ota or melasma, comprehensive assessment and treatment by a doctor are required. If the spots are congenital, laser would be a better solution, while standard skincare products might not provide sufficient results.
In summary, the issues of hormonal spots and uneven pigmentation are complex and require comprehensive evaluation and treatment based on individual circumstances.