How can I get rid of sun spots?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes (the skin cells responsible for producing pigment) become overactive, thus overproducing melanin which gives color to the skin, eyes and hair.  Hyperpigmentation caused by age (age spots), sun exposure (sun spots/damage) or acne scarring are all treatable with medical aesthetics.  Melasma, pigmentation caused by hormonal imbalances (such as pregnancy) and exacerbated by sun exposure, cannot be treated as effectively.

Depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation there are a few options for treatment.  Chemical peels are effective 20-min treatments in which the skin is deeply exfoliated using alpha or beta hydroxy acid.  Light chemical peels can improve superficial discolorations.  A medium peel uses a stronger concentration of glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to reach the epidermis and the upper layer of the dermis and can correct age spots, freckles and moderate discoloration.  For darker deeper hyperpigmentation, a deep peel (like our Potentia Soma) penetrates the dermis, which allows it to address more significant discoloration issues.  For an even greater effect, try pairing your peel with an IPL treatment.  IPL treatments utilize specialized Palomar Medical Laser handpieces which filter light from different parts of the spectrum.  The light emitted from the laser handpieces is attracted to melanin.  Using the principle of selective photothermolysis, the light is absorbed by the chromophores (which produce melanin) in your skin, and is turned into heat, which thus destroys the chromaphore, creating a lesion.  These lesions then slough off the skin typically within two to three days.

The key to success when dealing with unwanted pigmentation is PREVENTION.  Use SPF daily to ensure that the spots you worked (and paid) to remove stay away!