“Out Damn Spot!”

I think it was 9th grade that I read Shakespeare’s MacBeth, and this is one of the two lines I

remember. Lady Macbeth sleepwalking and repeating this line, "Out Damn Spot!" over and over. This post is going to address "spots" too and they may actually be more difficult to get rid of than Lady Macbeths', even though hers were of her conscious. The spots I want to address are those pesky brown spots that are otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. And getting rid of them is no easy task!

But what is hyperpigmentation and how did we get it in the first place? Hyperpigmentation is where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when there is an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. So how do we get this "excess melanin"? It depends on what type of hyperpigmentation you have If you have melasma, it's often caused by hormonal changes, such a pregnancy or birth control pills and usually appears as dark, irregular patches on the face. Another type of hyperpigmentation is called PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type often occurs after an injury or inflammation of the skin, such as acne, eczema, or a burn leading to dark spots as the skin heals. And the last type of hyperpigmentation is known as "sunspots" or "liver spots" or "age spots" and these are caused by prolonged sun exposure and often appear on the face, hands, arms and chest.

Ok, now we know what they are but how do we get rid of them? Mine fall into the last category, as I've got both age and sun exposure to thank for this. Can't control aging, that happens. But sun exposure we do have full control over.

I'm from the era of baby oil and iodine, sun reflectors and Bain de Solie. All the worst possible things you could do to your skin. But as they say, "hindsight is 20/20" or "if I knew then what I know now". Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way which is why we now have to deal with this problem. Going forward, we can prevent it from happening or getting worse by diligently using a good sunscreen. "The only time you don't need to apply sunscreen is when you need a flashlight," said my dermatologist. So, I use it every day. Under makeup or without makeup. And every dermatologist that I've ever gone to recommends the same sunscreen over and over, which is Elta MD. I have used this for over 10 years. It's great under makeup, (no pilling) it leaves no residue, has an SPF of 46, it's oil free, light weight and contains zinc oxide. And, what I love about the tinted version, it actually helps even out my skin tone. This is the first step after the morning cleaning routine and before I apply my foundation. It a should become a habit. because it is so important. Your skin will thank you for this! Remember, because sun damage occurs in the deepest layers of the skin, it can take from 10 to 20 years for it to show up. And these spots usually start to appear around 40. So, if you are not using sunscreen on your face and neck, décolleté, and hands, start now!

My good friend Margie (yes, of Margies Rice fame) asked me the other day what can be done about brown spots. There are several ways to address this, and I'll take them one by one. First, the quickest but most costly (and sometimes painful) way is through laser. Lasers target the pigment in the skin and breaks it down. I've done this and it may have worked on some of it, but I still have the main spot that bothers me. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion all work to exfoliate to help fade and reduce the pigmentation. And they too can be professionally done. Again, costly and maybe painful. So, the question is, are there any topicals that can be used to do the trick?

The answer is YES!

Exfoliation definitely helps and it's of the premises that microdermabrasion works on.

Taking off the dead skin cells for new ones to come to the surface.

My all-time favorite exfoliator is Dr Gross Everday Exfoliating Pads. They come in two strengths, the Universal Daily Peel and the Extra Strength Peel. I use both, alternating each day. This literally takes two minutes. I do step one, which is the peel part, wipe it over my face, brush my teeth and then take the second part which is the neutralizer. I use these on my hands as well. I have used these for years. They're easy, quick and portable to take on a trip. You will get hooked on these. I did:) Secondly exfoliator is from the Ordinary. It's called AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution. If you read my post on "It looks like I can Skate on Your face", then you are familiar with this product. I love it and could not be without it! If I am looking for a "wow, did you change your makeup", I use this peel beforehand. You only leave this on for 10 minutes and then rinse off. And then you will see why Lindy made the comment:)

Third great exfoliator that I love is Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel. Pricey? Yes. Is it wonderful? YES! This is a gentle glycolic acid peel. It brightens the skin, evens out the texture and leaves the skin with a healthy glow. I saw a difference after one use.

Also recommended, is the Lancer Method, especially their exfoliator and polish. The exfoliator, well, exfoliates and the polish smooths the skin. Used together, the result is beautiful, clean smooth skin. I use this two-step cleanse after I do a pre cleanse with Ma:No oil. I just discovered this oil and its fabulous. Its lightweight, emulsifies with water and sweeps all makeup away! Including eye makeup!

Now, besides exfoliator's, what else can be used to work on those spots? Retinal.

You can buy Retin-A or Tretinoin by prescription, and I have done that. The problem is it can be a little hard on your skin. I've found that I get the same results with a good retinal product without the harshness of Retin-A. I use Lancer Retinol Treatment. This has a higher concentration of retinol than most treatments which is why I love it. Pricey but you only use a very small amount. The bottom line is that it works. And this is another product I would not be without. If you are new to retinol, you may want to start off with a lower dosage product. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is an excellent place to start. The squalane hydrates the skin and the retinol promotes cell turnover. Very wallet friendly and definitely worth a try.

Back in play is our good friend Vitamin C. How does it work on brown spots? Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, which helps fade hyperpigmentation. I did a whole post on Vitamin C which you can read here at Have you had your vitamin C today? All of the vitamin C serums mentioned in that post are great. Don't skip using C. It's one of the most potent topicals to help with brown spots. Whether it's True Skin with Hyaluronic Acid, or Bliss Bright C with Peptides and Collagen, Timeless SkinCare Vitamin C serum with E and Ferulic Acid , RoC Multi Correction Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum or Mad Hippy Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, just add C to your skincare routine!

The best cure for hyperpigmentation is prevention so get your sunscreen on! Excessive sun exposure makes those darn spots, wrinkles and the danger of melanoma. Next, exfoliate, retinol and vitamin C. Consistency is the key. Remember, these spots took years to develop but they won't start to fade if you don't take that first step. And if all else fails, cover them up with derma blend! It's been around for years, and it works! After I finish my makeup, I check for "the spots". I dab on a very small amount of the derma blend, then dab it again with my makeup sponge, which still has a little foundation on it, and it blends right in!

Too bad Lady McBeth didn't know about derma blend. It may have saved her some sleepless nights :)

Till next time

Liz❤️

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