Age Spots or Brown Spots from Sun Exposure

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Are brown spots troubling your skin’s appearance? In sun-soaked places like Spring Hill, Clearwater and Tampa, Florida, these age spots or sunspots often appear on exposed areas like the face, hands, and feet. At 360 Dermatology, we understand these concerns deeply. Our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating brown spots effectively, restoring clarity and health to your skin.

What Causes Brown Spots on Skin?

Brown spots on the skin are primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, it stimulates the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, leading to the formation of brown spots.

Unfortunately, our skin’s ability to regenerate slows down as we age, making it more susceptible to damage and discoloration. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can also cause brown spots. Genetic factors also play a rolel, with some individuals being more prone to developing these spots due to their genetic makeup.

Other contributing factors include using tanning beds, which emit harmful UV radiation, and certain medications that increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. In Tampa, Florida, where the sun is extreme, these factors can combine to significantly increase the likelihood of developing brown spots.

Common Types of Brown Spots

Age Spots

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown, or black spots that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They are more common in individuals over the age of 50 but can affect younger people as well.

Brown Spots on Feet

Brown spots on the feet can be caused by sun exposure, friction, or even certain medical conditions. These spots can range from light to dark brown and may vary in size and shape.

Raised Brown Spots on Skin

These spots can be benign conditions like seborrheic keratosis or could indicate more serious issues such as skin cancer. Thus, we recommend that any new or changing spots be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Brown Spots While Pregnant

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to the development of melasma, a condition characterized by brown or grayish-brown patches on the skin, often on the face.

Risks of Unprotected Sun Exposure

As mentioned, excessive UV exposure cause these spots and damage the skin’s DNA, leading to mutations that can result in malignant growths.

Treatment Options at 360 Dermatology

We offer a range of advanced treatments to address brown spots and restore your skin’s natural radiance. Our board-certified dermatologists provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs throughout Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, Clearwater and Land O’Lakes. Here are some of the best treatments:

Topical Treatments

Creams, like prescription creams containing retinoids, hydroquinone, and SkinCeutical serums can reduce pigmentation and improve skin texture. Additionally, regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreens prevents further sun damage and helps treat existing spots.

Laser Treatments

The laser resurfacing technique removes the outer layers of damaged skin, stimulating collagen production and revealing clearer, younger-looking skin. Whereas the IPL targets pigmentation and vascular issues, effectively reducing the appearance of the spots.

Chemical Peels

Our light to medium peels exfoliate the skin’s surface, removing damaged cells and encouraging new cell growth. The deep peels, used for more severe pigmentation, penetrate further into the skin to address significant sun damage and aging signs.

Microdermabrasion

A minimally invasive procedure exfoliates the skin, removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of age spots.

Cryotherapy

This treatment involves freezing the brown spots with liquid nitrogen, causing the pigmented cells to peel off and new, lighter skin to form.

Preventative Measures

Preventing brown spots is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. One of the most effective strategies is diligent sun protection. Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial. It should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, can shield the skin. Avoiding peak sun hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest, can further reduce exposure. In addition to these measures, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine can help protect against sun damage.

Regular dermatological check-ups are important for early detection of any skin changes or damage, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more serious conditions.

Why Choose 360 Dermatology for Brown Spot Treatment

We are committed to providing personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs, helping you achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Our team of board-certified medical professionals, are trained and experienced in all types of brown spots and the best treatment for your unique skin tone and desired results. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect and rejuvenate your skin.

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Written by 360 Dermatology Medical Experts

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