“Hyperpigmentation” is an umbrella term that encompasses many different concerns, including melasma and sun spots. However, when it comes to addressing specific issues, understanding the differences between these conditions can help you understand how to best approach their treatment..
At SPRY Skin & Wellness, we want to empower our patients through education. In this blog, we discuss the difference between melasma and sun spots, which are two different forms of hyperpigmentation, and your options for treating both.
Melasma
Melasma is a chronic skin condition caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and sun exposure. It appears in large brown, black, or blue/gray spots or patches on the face. While melasma is not a curable condition, you can easily manage it using our options for melasma treatment in Waterloo.
Sun Spots
Sun spots, however, are a curable skin condition. Over-exposure to direct sunlight causes these brown and tan spots, and they can get worse as you age. While measures like wearing sunscreen can help you prevent developing sun spots, we offer a wide variety of treatments that can reverse the damage already done to your skin.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Melasma | Both | Sun Spots |
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Our Treatment Options
Thankfully, a lot of the treatments we use for melasma can also be used to treat sun spots. These treatments include the following.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a unique mixture of chemical compounds to remove the damaged and pigmented skin cells and create newer, evenly toned skin.
PRX
PRX works similarly to chemical peels, but provides a more gentle exfoliation experience for those with more sensitive skin.
IPL
By using the power of heat generated by intense pulsed light, our team can destroy pigmented cells to create a more even-toned complexion.
Start Enjoying Clearer Skin
We encourage you to either request a skin assessment with our SPRY team or use our complimentary treatment planning tool to begin exploring which melasma or sun spot treatments might work best for you.
