How to Remove Brown Pigment Spots From the Face

Overview

The brown pigment spots on your face are most likely solar lentigines. Also referred to as age spots, these skin lesions are a result of sun exposure. With age, the repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause melanin, a compound responsible for pigmentation as well as protecting the skin, to cluster or clump together, forming an area of hyperpigmentation anywhere between 0.2 and 2 cm in size, explains the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Normally, these brown pigment spots aren't a cause for alarm, but can be treated to minimize their appearance on the skin.

Step 1

Start using a hydroquinone cream, suggests MayoClinic.com. This skin bleaching agent can destroy the melanin and thereby remove the brown spots of pigmentation from your skin. Take care to only apply it along areas of hyperpigmentation, since hydroquinone can cause a lightening of the surrounding skin.

Step 2

Pick up a prescription for a topical retinoid, advises the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. If hydroquinone fails to fade age spots, a retinoid can destroy the clustered melanin and reduce the darkness of age spots. Always follow the instructions given by your dermatologist when using this topical medication.

Step 3

Talk to your doctor about cryotherapy. Both the Cleveland Clinic and MayoClinic.com offer this option to improve the appearance of age spots, stating that the application of liquid nitrogen can effectively destroy the melanin causing the brown spots on the skin.

Step 4

Make an appointment for a chemical peel. Chemical peels use an acidic agent to remove the surface layer of your skin. The healing process causes new skin to form that lacks the clumps of melanin causing the age spots.

Step 5

Fade lentigines with dermabrasion, proposes MayoClinic.com. Much like a chemical peel, this cosmetic procedure removes the surface layer of your skin. But instead of an acid, a rotating brush sands away the epidermis of your face, leaving a controlled wound. As the area heals, new skin forms that lacks the melanin clusters.

Step 6

Undergo laser therapy. With laser therapy, the light energy applied to the skin actually breaks up the melanin, causing the brown spots to fade. It may take a series of treatments to fully remove the age spots on the skin.

How to Get Rid of Pigmentation on Your Face

Overview

Pigmentation is usually the result of long-term sun exposure or regular use of tanning beds. Aging of the skin also contributes to the appearance of pigmentation problems. According to MayoClinic.com, spots of dark pigmentation are harmless and are caused by excess of melanin accumulating in certain areas of your skin. Pigmentation problems are more common on the forehead, but can occur anywhere on the face.

Step 1

Dab natural lemon juice directly on the spots if the pigmentation is slight and the spots are small. Repeat twice daily for as long as needed. If you have sensitive skin, wash off the juice after 30 minutes to avoid irritation.

Step 2

Try an over-the-counter fade cream. These are bleaching creams that can help fade the spots away with regular application. MayoClinic.com recommends looking for a cream that contains hydroquinone or glycolic acid. These creams might cause irritation and make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen regularly.

Step 3

Ask your doctor for a prescription bleaching cream. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, prescription bleaching creams usually contain hydroquinone in double or more the amounts contained in non-prescription creams. Tell your doctor if you have sensitive skin, as hydroquinone can cause irritation. Results may take up to six months to show.

Step 4

Undergo a chemical peel. Chemical peels can be done in three intensities: mild, medium and deep. Mild peels have no downtime but they might need to be repeated several times before you notice improvement. Medium and deep peels will burn away the top surface of the skin and with it eliminate the pigmentation spots. Talk to your doctor about possible complications and healing time.

Step 5

Consult a dermatologist about more invasive treatments. Laser therapy, dermabrasion or freezing (cryotherapy) can all be used to treat pigmentation. All three carry some risks, especially scarring and infection. They also have a longer healing time, so you might need to take off work for a few days. Discuss these risks with your doctor before you choose a procedure.