Lightening Skin Blotches

With all the advances in skin care recently getting rid of those spots on your skin is now a possibility. The spots you may want to lighten can be anything from unwanted freckles, to age spots, to random blotches that you no longer want to look at. These blemishes can be caused by many things, like unprotected sun exposure, acne, eczema, psoriasis, or hormonal fluctuations. Removing them or treating them can be done by several methods.

• Hydroquinone is a lightening agent that can be found in skin creams. An over the counter cream will usually have two percent Hydroquinone, while a prescription cream will contain four percent. A dermatologist can formulate their own with up to ten percent. Generally you will use a combination of a lightening agent and an exfoliant to get the best results possible. This is the easiest and least expensive of the options.
• Botanical products are an alternate choice often used when your skin is sensitive to Hydroquinone. Vitamin C and soy are used as mild lighteners, and so is mulberry root. Another natural lightener is purified licorice extract. All of these can be used with an exfoliant as well to maximize results.
• A dermatologist can help you find a product that works for you, but if that fails they also have alternative ways to remove skin blotches. Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion are procedures that get good results that last. Peels are another method they may use to even your skin out. These are solutions applied to your skin that cause the top layer to flake off. Laser treatments can be used to lighten or remove spots also.
• Surgical removal of certain spots may be necessary. Some skin blemishes can be dangerous and therefore must be eliminated. Keep an eye on any spot you may have to identify growing, sensitivity, or bleeding. These are signs that you need to talk to a dermatologist and determine if any of the spot is cancerous.

It s normal to have a few spots on your skin as you get older, as everyone will have a few somewhere on their bodies, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. If you remember to protect yourself against the sun and lessen the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight, you may be able to prevent more spots from appearing. If your blotches are related to eczema or psoriasis talk to you doctor about ways you can try to prevent them from forming. If you decide that lightening is not for you do not let them hinder you in any way. There is no need to hide behind clothing and excuses because you are beautiful just as you are.