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2024.09.01
A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Skin Spots and Their Treatments! Find the Right Care for Your Skin Spots
With deep medical insight cultivated as an internal medicine specialist, I bridge aesthetic surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. Having spent my childhood in China, I communicate fluently in Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean. Possessing an international perspective—evidenced by invitations to present at overseas conferences—I actively promote techniques as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for GOURI and REJURAN®. My specialty procedures include double eyelid surgery, skin-nurturing boosters, and body hyaluronic acid treatments. My approach leverages the holistic understanding of the body cultivated through internal medicine to guide patients toward natural, healthy beauty.
Hello, everyone.
Dr. Hime of BIANCA CLINIC, also known as Senki Akashi.
"I want to get rid of my dark spots," "Nothing I use seems to make them fade"—we hear these concerns all the time.
But actually, even though we call them “spots,” there are several different types.
The causes, the locations where they can occur, and the treatment approaches are completely different.
This time, we've clearly summarized the characteristics of six common types of skin spots and the treatments best suited for each.
Start by identifying your spot type!
There are six main types of spots!
There is more than one cause of dark spots.
UV rays, hormones, friction, inflammation... Each factor affects how it looks and how to treat it.
① Melasma
It is common among women in their 30s to 50s and is largely related to hormonal imbalance.
Often appears symmetrically on the upper cheeks and tends to worsen with UV exposure or friction.
Depending on the type of laser treatment, the pigmentation may actually become darker, so first...Accurate diagnosis is paramount.is.
② ADM (Acquired Dermal Melanocytosis)
Characterized by a bluish or grayish appearance caused by pigment in the deep layers of the skin (dermis).
Because it appears symmetrically on both cheeks, it's often mistaken for melasma. However, if it doesn't respond to toning, it's highly likely to be ADM.
③ Freckles
This type is highly hereditary, with many individuals showing noticeable symptoms from their teenage years.
They scatter finely across the bridge of the nose and both cheeks, darkening when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Even concerns you've had since your youth can be improved with laser or IPL treatments.
④ Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
The most common type, commonly referred to as “age spots.”
Sun damage occurs on areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, hands, and neck.
As it increases with age,Concurrent occurrence with melasmaAnother characteristic is that there are many.
⑤ Seborrheic Keratosis
“Also known as ”senile warts."
The characteristic feature is that even a flat spot will eventually become raised over time.
They can easily form on areas other than the face, and removal by laser or electrosurgery is common.
⑥ Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Acne scars, insect bite marks, and “residual spots” that appear on skin that's been rubbed too much.
Once it appears, it often stubbornly persists,Skincare to Avoid Irritationis important.
The key is gentle care, such as moisturizing plus hydroquinone or peeling.
Recommended Treatments by Type of Skin Spot
The effective treatment varies completely depending on the type.
At Bianca Clinic, we often combine multiple treatments based on skin diagnosis.
| Types of Skin Spots | Primary Treatment Methods | Points |
|---|---|---|
| liver spots | Oral Tranexamic Acid, Hydroquinone, Pico Toning | Strong lasers are not recommended. A gentle approach is fundamental. |
| chloasma | IPL and Pico Laser | It reacts relatively quickly, and you can easily feel the brightening effect. |
| Senile lentigines | Pico Laser, YAG Laser, IPL | Identify whether it coexists with melasma and select treatment accordingly |
| Seborrheic keratosis | Carbon dioxide laser / Electrosurgical unit | Precise removal of wart-like growths |
| ADM | Q-switched ruby laser | Targets deep-seated pigmentation. Consistency is key. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Hydroquinone Peeling | Avoid friction and gradually adjust the tone. |
https://biancaclinic.jp/blog/39263/
The most important thing in spot treatment is “assessment.”
During an actual examination,Cases involving multiple types of spotsseems to be very common.
For example, "melasma + seborrheic keratosis" or "ADM + post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation."
Even if they look similar, the treatment approaches are completely different. That's precisely why a doctor's diagnosis is essential first.
If your skincare routine isn't working... consider consulting a professional.
Summary｜Know the facts, and dark spots aren't scary!
The causes of dark spots vary from person to person. But,Understanding your skin's mechanisms and treating it appropriately will definitely make a difference.
At Bianca Clinic, we offer skin analysis using the VISIA system and provide customized treatment plans designed by our physicians.
If you're troubled by dark spots, please consult us first.
Let's work together to create a “Spot-Free Plan” tailored to your skin.
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