Category: Skin Care

Discolored skin can be more than just a cosmetic concern: It often impacts our self-esteem and confidence in daily life. 

From dark spots to light patches, various factors can lead to skin discoloration. But what causes these issues? And equally important: How can they be addressed through cosmetic procedures? 

It’s important to understand the common causes of skin discoloration (also called hyperpigmentation). Once you know the specific cause of your issue, you can start exploring solutions from Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute for restoring your skin’s natural pigment.

Causes of Discolored Skin

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

After healing from an injury, acne, or skin conditions like eczema, you might notice a darker spot on your skin. Known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), these dark spots can take time to fade. Using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 and avoiding sun exposure can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Melasma

Commonly found on the face but also on the forearms and neck, Melasma causes dark patches of pigment. It’s prevalent in Latinas as well as women of African or Asian descent and involves factors like genetics, pregnancy, and some medications. Once again, sun protection measures like hats and sunglasses can help to reduce the appearance of Melasma. 

Medication-Induced Discoloration

Certain medications for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can cause skin discoloration, especially in people of African or Latino descent. If you notice such symptoms, consult the doctor who first prescribed the medication.

Solutions to Discolored Skin

Treatments for discolored skin range from prescription medicines and chemical peels to laser therapy and medical-grade facials. 

At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, the practice’s specialists offer a variety of treatments designed to restore your natural skin color. In addition, the daily application of moisturizer and sunscreen can help in alleviating Pityriasis Alba, a condition common in children that causes round, light patches covered with white scales.

Schedule a Consultation Today 

If you’re concerned about discolored skin or dark spots, it’s time to consult the experts. Led by Dr. Steven Greene, the Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute has over 25 years of experience in treating skin conditions. 

Contact Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute at (206) 402-4797 to schedule your consultation today in Seattle, WA.

At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, advances in dermatological science offer a safe, effective solution for removing keloids and helping you achieve the appearance you want. 

But what exactly are keloids? When trauma occurs to the skin, the body’s natural supply of collagen is stimulated, resulting in the formation of firm, rubbery nodules known as keloids. 

With innovative Cryoshape treatments, it’s safe and easy to remove these formations from the body. 

What Are Keloids?

Keloids predominantly occur in patients with skin of color. They tend to form at the site of a piercing, burn, acne, surgical scars, or even from a particularly unpleasant insect bite. 

Common areas for keloid growth include the earlobes, chest, back, and shoulders. Although keloids are benign (non-cancerous) and not contagious, they can be very painful and aesthetically displeasing. In severe cases, untreated keloids can hinder the body’s ability to move, impacting quality of life.

Treatment Options

Despite various treatments like pressure therapy, steroid injections, lasers, and surgical excision, minimal outcomes have been achieved in keloid removal. With the Cryoshape device, however, patients are finding much better results for getting rid of this unpleasant skin condition. 

Using a hand-held probe, Cryotherapy introduces liquid nitrogen into the keloid, freezing and eliminating unwanted scar tissue from the inside out. Unlike other methods mentioned above, Cryoshape deeply penetrates the scar tissue, removing the keloid while reducing the chance of it growing back. 

This treatment empowers patients to break free from this frustrating skin condition and reclaim their self-confidence. 

Advantages of Cryoshape Treatment

• Customized Treatment: Each patient’s Cryotherapy session is tailored to meet their needs, including the size, location, and number of keloids being treated.
• Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is virtually painless thanks to the application of local anesthesia to the treated area. 
• Quick Recovery: After the procedure, patients experience rapid alleviation of pain and itching, allowing them to resume their daily activities in no time. 
• Effective Keloid Removal: Cryoshape reaches deep tissue levels, freezing and destroying the keloid to prevent re-growth and provide long-lasting results.

Schedule a Consultation Today 

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Greene at Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from keloids with the Cryoshape device. 

If you’re seeking a breakthrough in keloid removal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Greene for Cryotherapy treatment. Contact their clinic at 206-402-4797.

Summer is here, and while many are eager to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, it also means that your skin is also at more risk. Whether you have allergies or spend most of your time out in the sun, there are several ways your skin can become damaged if precautions aren’t taken. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your skin stays smooth and healthy all summer long. Here are some skin care tips to keep in mind to prevent sun damage.

Use Sunscreen and Wear a Hat

This is by far the most important tip on our list. If you are going out in the sun for more than 30 minutes, you need to wear sunscreen. This is even more important if you are going outside between 10am and 4pm, which is when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the strongest. Clouds don’t block much sunlight either, so it’s critical that you wear both a sunscreen and a hat during the summer. Make sure to apply SPF 30 or higher for long-lasting protection.

Drink Plenty of Water

If you get a sunburn or are exposed to sunlight for more than 30 minutes, make sure you drink a lot of water. Sunburns can cause what is known as vasodilation, which dilates your skin’s blood vessels and make the skin lose water. This can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink water frequently when exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.

Be Careful With Exfoliants

While it is important to exfoliate your skin year-round, try not to overdo it during the summer months. Too much exfoliation will leave your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so try to use gentler scrubs on sunnier days.

Want to Reduce the Appearance of Sun Damage?

If you have any sunspots or other forms of hyperpigmentation due to sun damage, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today at 206-402-4797 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Greene. He can identify the best treatment for your condition, ranging from IPL to laser skin resurfacing. We are happy to serve patients living in Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and other neighboring Washington communities.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by the excess production of melanin in your skin. While sun damage is one of the most common reasons for hyperpigmentation, there are other factors that can cause increases in melanin production. At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, Dr. Steven Greene can evaluate your skin and determine the ideal treatment for your poikiloderma, melasma, or other pigment changes.

Hyperpigmentation usually occurs as spots on the skin that are darker than the surrounding tissue. The extra melanin in these spots can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Sun Exposure: Over time, excessive exposure to UV rays can create sunspots or darken freckles. Around 80% of all skin aging and hyperpigmentation is caused by too much sunlight. To help prevent photoaging, make sure to wear sunscreen if you are outside for prolonged periods of time.
• Inflammation: Any inflammation in the skin can cause hyperpigmentation. The most common culprits for post-inflammatory pigmentation changes are acne, scars, and stretch marks.
• Hormonal Changes: Major hormonal changes can cause hyperpigmentation such as melasma to appear on multiple areas of the body. This condition mostly affects women who are pregnant or starting/stopping birth control. It also affects those undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
• Medications: Some medications may lead to hyperpigmentation like patches or dark spots. This includes drugs for malaria, antibiotics, and antiarrhythmics.

At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, we have several treatments available for patients looking to correct their skin pigmentation. Some lesions may be successfully treated with laser therapy, chemical peels, or HydraFacial. While not all types of hyperpigmentation respond to treatment, Dr. Greene can help determine if there is a safe, effective solution for you.

Learn More About Our Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options Today

If you want to know what treatment options are available for hyperpigmentation, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today at 206-402-4797 to set up an appointment. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene and his team can carefully evaluate your condition and create a custom treatment plan that addresses your concerns. We are proud to serve patients living in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and other nearby Washington communities.

Acne is a common condition that typically affects areas of the face, back, neck, and shoulders. Despite being commonly associated with adolescence, acne outbreaks can happen to women and men of any age. Due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, while starting birth control pills, or just before a menstrual cycle, women are particularly prone to acne.
Continue reading “How Are Different Skins of Color Treated for Acne?”