It is a fact that nowadays there are several treatments that allow the reduction or even the total removal of skin blemishes. But to achieve the desired result, it is essential to follow a treatment done by a dermatologist in a trusted clinic, because the use of products on their own is very risky and will hardly offer good results.
Sara Bragança (RJ), postgraduate doctor in Dermatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, explains that currently there are several types of technologies on the market for this purpose, but the important thing is that the patient is examined to assess the degree of hyperchromy. and after a long history, the best treatment should be chosen for that type of patient, always taking into consideration the patient's phototype, degree of sun exposure and patient's recovery time according to their social activities and work.
Juliana Jordão (PR), postgraduate doctor in Dermatology, Full Member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, Full Member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery, with a Specialization in Laser Therapy and Photodermatology, stresses that there are several types of skin blemishes, and for each One there are treatment options.
"Spots in general do not always cure, most often clear and remain with the improvement result if there is care with sun prevention that could cause their relapse." highlights dermatologist Juliana.
Among the most common complaints in the dermatologist's office, according to Juliana, are melanoses (freckles) and melasma. It is extremely important to consult and indicate treatment with a dermatologist so that there is the correct differentiation and diagnosis between melanoses and melasma. The importance of the correct diagnosis, made by the dermatologist, is due to the fact that procedures used in melanoses have a high chance of worsening melasma spots and therefore should not be performed on skins with this diagnosis, under rich worsening. Differentiating between the two diagnoses is not always easy and requires training and experience that only the dermatologist has ?, he points out.
Melanoses X Melasma
Juliana points out that melanoses, also known as freckles, respond very well to treatments with pulsed intense light, CO2 laser, Q-switched laser or chemical peels. • These treatments, if correctly indicated, are safe and bring good results, but when done by untrained professionals can cause burns or even worsening pigmentation. Melanoses in hands respond very well to treatments too ?, he says.
Melasma is a spot that occurs on the face especially of women, most often in the cheekbones, forehead and fluff region. • Occurs frequently after birth control pill, intense sun exposure and pregnancy. In its early stages, it can be confused with melanoses by an inexperienced professional. It has an irregular response to treatments and relapses whenever there is sun or heat exposure. Most patients respond well to chemical peel and Q-switched laser, requiring some sessions during the year. Recently a treatment has been gaining prominence because it has a higher response rate even in cases resistant to other treatments: percutaneous collagen induction (IPCA) ?, says Juliana.
Best Aesthetic Procedures
Below, dermatologists talk about the top treatments that are used today to help those who want to lighten their skin by reducing blemishes.
Phototherapy: light-based technique. Sara explains that it is indicated for melasma and other hypertrophies such as solar melasses. Treatment is recommended monthly around 6 to 8 sessions. The value of the session depends on the extent of the area to be treated, but is around 500 reais.
Laser Spectra: it is the Q-switched laser, as Juliana explains. The best known brands of this laser are Spectra and Acroma. It is an option in the treatment of melanoses, melasma and tattoo. For melasma weekly sessions between 8 to 10 sessions are required. Maintenance is performed according to the needs of each patient. The sessions are painless and the patient notices only a slight reddening of the skin. The cost is on average 350 to 500 reais per session.
CO2 laser: Juliana explains that it is a laser with affinity for water and not for pigment. It is the best laser option when it comes to rejuvenation, with optimal collagen stimulation, wrinkle reduction and epidermis renewal. Through the renewal of the epidermis (superficial layer of the skin) there is also partial or total bleaching of some melanoses ?, he says.
For melasma, according to Juliana, the CO2 laser is not a good option and has been erroneously indicated for this purpose by inexperienced professionals. "The CO2 laser can stimulate the worsening of melasma, so once again it is extremely important the correct diagnosis of spots by the dermatologist before the indication of this treatment," he says.
When rejuvenating, the sessions are held every 45 days, being 3 sessions. The treatment is invasive and should be done by a doctor because it requires strict diagnosis and care after the procedure ?, adds Juliana.
The cost of a session varies widely, ranging from 800 to 5,000 reais, according to Sara.
Peelings: Juliana explains that they are the application of acids and other products in high concentration and should be performed by the dermatologist. These are the oldest treatments for this complaint. For bleaching, peels with combinations which may include retinoic acid, hydroquinone, kojic acid, salicylic acid, jessner peel, trichloroacetic acid, among others. They are indicated for melanoses or melasma, and are performed from 1 to 5 sessions usually with monthly intervals. The value can be between 100 to 800 reais.
Microdermabrasion: Sara explains that it is a mechanical peel, removes the layers of dead cells. It is indicated only for the most superficial stains. It can be performed weekly or biweekly. May or may not be associated with chemical peel. The value is around 200 reais per session.
IPCA: percutaneous collagen induction. Juliana explains that it is done by applying a multi-needle device associated or not with depigmenting products during the session. The responses have been quite satisfactory even in resistant melasmas. This procedure should be done by a dermatologist because the application of inappropriate or aggressive devices may worsen the condition. Is adequate training necessary to perform the technique safely?
Dermatological Treatments (Prescription)
Below dermatologists talk about the most used medicines / products in order to lighten the skin.
Kojic Acid: It is effective in lightening / reducing skin blemishes, but not in isolation, as Juliana points out. "Kojic acid is contained in a wide variety of whitening creams and is a good option, but because it is a less powerful bleach, it is more used in combination with other bleaches and acids such as retinoic or glycolic acid," he says.
Sara adds that kojic acid can be used in the form of medical peels or night creams. "It is a rice-derived depigmentant that inhibits tyrosinase," he says.
Retinoic Acid: Juliana explains that this is the main acid in bleaching blemishes. It makes a cell renewal of the epidermis quite efficient. It can be used at home with a prescription or in high concentrations in office peelings applied by the dermatologist. Not all patients tolerate its use, especially those with sensitive or reddish skin, he says.
Hydroquinone: Juliana points out that this is the main whitening asset on the market. It is very efficient for most patients. "It should be used only on medical advice and at intervals, as its prolonged use may cause an adverse effect known as ochronosis or leukoderma guttata, in which dark and / or light spots induced by prolonged use of this substance occur," he warns.
Sara adds that hydroquinone inhibits tyrosinase and is derived from phenol. Used in concentrations between 4 and 5%.
It is worth mentioning that they are sold with a prescription and should only be used if there is a medical indication.
Cosmetic Treatments (No Prescription)
Below are the most recommended cosmetics bloggers to help lighten skin / reduce blemishes:
1. Dual Clear Max Ada Tina: It promises to lighten the skin blemishes, besides leaving the skin more hydrated and better looking. This is one of the darling products of blogger Vivian Fernandes.
2. Bio IDB Whitening and Ada Tina Anti-Wrinkle: It promises to reduce aging and rejuvenate the skin. Clinical test results showed 70% skin whitening, 65% color uniformity, and 70% improvement in overall skin appearance. Cilene Alba was one of the bloggers who tested and approved the product.
3. Kiarita TheraSkin: Cream gel that helps in whitening the skin, and has in its formulation Arbutin, Nicotinamide, Retinaldehyde and Bisabolol. Edu Soares has tested and approved the product.
4. Pigmentclar La Roche-Posay Serum: promises a noticeably more uniform hue and extended result. Vivian Fernandes, Edu Soares, among others, tested and approved the product.
5. SVR Clairial C10: It promises to reduce blemishes and even skin tone by blocking three stages of melanin production.According to the manufacturer, the results are visible from four weeks. Vanity Derme and Feminices and the like were some of the blogs that rated the product.
6. Profuse Clair Aché: Aids whitening, reduces imperfections and evenens skin tone. It is suitable for people who have hyperpigmentation disorders, darkened marks and skin imperfections. Estela Kunzler was one of the bloggers who approved the product.
Home and Natural Treatments: Do They Really Work?
Some say some homemade recipes may help in lightening the skin / reducing blemishes. Below you give some examples. However, as dermatologist Sara points out, there is no scientific support for any of these homemade recipes.
1. Water + chopped apple cider vinegar + parsley leaves: It is recommended to use this? homemade lotion? every day in the morning and also at night before bedtime.
Dermatologist Juliana points out that she is unaware of this recipe and cannot imagine a positive effect on these elements for the skin.
2. Pumpkin Puree + Water + Honey: Apply this paste on the stains and let it act for 15 minutes.
3. Avocado + Olive Oil: mix one tablespoon of mashed avocado with one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture on the face, massage and rinse.
Remember that none of these homemade recipes have scientific backing. Also, is it worth knowing that it is very dangerous? with whitening and anti-stain products. So the ideal is to consult a professional? Thus, if any natural ingredient can even help in bleaching, it will be indicated by the professional.
How to take care of your skin after treatments and prevent blemishes from resurfacing
Juliana guides:
- Use sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, reapplied every 2 hours if there is sun exposure, preferably based.
- Also use a hat and umbrella if possible.
- Avoid excessive heat by seeking fresh environments and, if not, cooling the skin with the application of thermal water.
Sara stresses that the main treatment and follow-up in the treatment of melanoses is the use of sunscreen regularly.
So you already know: If you have blemishes that, for one reason or another, may bother you, the first step is to look for a dermatologist you trust. You should consider together if it is really worthwhile to bet on a treatment to lighten the skin and, from there, you only need to follow all the guidelines given by the professional.
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