• 1.  What Are Dark Spots?
• 2. Benefits of Laser Treatment for Dark Spots
• 3. Is Laser Dark Spot Removal Painful?
• 4. The Laser Treatment Process
• 5. FAQs

What Are Dark Spots? 

Dark spots are pigmentations that appear on the skin. It’s a common issue amongst many people, and even though they’re not a cause of concern for health, they can impact how a person perceives their appearance.

There are different types of dark spots.

Melasma
This is a pigmentation condition that causes dark patches on the skin, mainly on the face - on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and upper lip.

Sun spots
Also known as age spots, these appear as a result of exposure to the sun without sunscreen. They are more likely to occur on people with fair skin over the age of 30.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This occurs as a result of the overproduction of melanin due to inflammation. This is highly likely to appear on darker skin tones with spot-prone skin.

 Different factors trigger dark spots.

Sun exposure
Without wearing SPF, sun exposure causes dark spots because the UV rays trigger the production of melanin.

Ageing
As we get older, the body slowly loses the ability to heal itself quickly and collagen production decreases, triggering a significant increase in melanin production.

Hormonal changes
Our hormones have a massive impact on our health. If you experience a shift in your hormones (which can be caused by oral contraceptives, pregnancy or medication taken during the menopause) dark spots are likely to occur.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Dark Spots

To eliminate this problem, it’s worth considering laser dark spot removal. There are plenty of treatments you can try to help you remove dark spots from your skin, especially your face, but laser treatment for dark spots is effective and has plenty of benefits.

Laser treatments are non-invasive There are many beauty treatments and cosmetic enhancement options out there, but some of these can be pretty invasive.

 Laser treatment for dark spots works by shattering the pigment and drawing it to the surface, flaking off after a few days. They are non-invasive because they don’t require needles, incisions or knives, and they’re safe, effective and only target affected areas - not the whole face or body.

Laser treatments require minimal downtime and recovery
Because laser treatments are non-invasive, they allow for minimal downtime and recovery, so that you can heal quickly and resume daily activities.

Laser treatments can be quick and you’ll see the long-lasting results within a few sessions
Laser treatment improves the appearance of your skin and you can experience the results within a few sessions, whereas other options (such as using creams and serums) can take time (e.g. months) before you see the changes.

Laser treatments stimulate collagen production
Laser treatments stimulate collagen production, which helps keep skin elastic, allows for cell new cell growth and renewal and replaces dead skin cells.

Is Laser Dark Spot Removal Painful?

While laser treatment for face dark spots is safe and effective, it might be uncomfortable and slightly painful. A laser feels like a ‘snapping’ sensation on your skin, but you can apply numbing cream before your procedure to help dull the pain.

 Typically, those with lighter skin tones are highly likely to respond much more rapidly to laser treatment than those with darker skin tones. But regardless of skin tone and type, you can seek out laser treatments for dark spots that are suitable for all skin tones and types. Alternatively, you can find a professional who specializes in your skin tone and type, and laser treatment can treat a variety of other skin conditions.

 While laser treatment for dark spots is non-invasive, there are some potential risks to be aware of when choosing this treatment. Side effects that you might experience include redness, irritation, swelling, crusting or peeling, mild discoloration of pigment or slight bruising - but these side effects normally disappear after a day or two after the treatment.

Contraindications
If you have certain conditions, you should avoid laser treatment. Do not proceed with laser treatment if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have lupus
• Have skin cancer
• Suffer with auto-immune diseases
• Experience bleeding abnormalities
• Take blood thinning medication
• Suffer with vitiligo
• Have HIV, hepatitis or diabetes
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Suffer with rheumatoid arthritis
• Are allergic to histamines
• Suffer with psoriasis or eczema
• Have very dark skin

The Laser Treatment Process

Here’s the step-by-step procedure of laser treatment for dark spots to help prepare you before, during and after the treatment.

1. Before the laser treatment procedure, it’s important to take precautions. Two weeks before, avoid direct sunlight, use SPF50+, avoid other laser treatment and chemical peels, don’t wax or use hair removal creams and don’t use tanning products. One week before treatment, avoid using vitamin A and hydroquinone.

2.  To reduce the minimal pain you might experience, you will be provided with numbing cream before you start the treatment process.

3. The process usually takes 30 minutes. During the process, the laser treatment for the removal of dark spots targets the affected areas by heating up and shattering the pigment.

4. Then, the pigment is drawn to the surface and gradually flakes off and fades away.

5. For the best results, a minimum of 3-5 laser treatment sessions are typically required, plus follow-up to ensure that your skin heals properly.

6. In addition to this, aftercare is necessary to ensure that you take care of your skin after the procedure, to achieve the best results and to allow for the healing process to be effective.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

As long as you complete the correct number of laser treatment sessions, you should be able to see an improvement in your appearance and the dark spots fading away after 1-3 weeks.

 After the laser treatment, aftercare is essential to take care of your skin and ensure the best results. Avoid direct sunlight for a week, use sunscreen with a high SPF, avoid heat, don’t participate in high-intensity activities that cause excessive perspiration for two days, don’t pick or pull at your skin, refrain from exfoliating for 1-2 weeks, don’t wax and avoid depilatory use.

 Also, taking care of your skin and maintaining it on a daily basis will give you the optimal results that you’re looking for and complement the treatment. Opt for skincare products that are gentle on the skin and keep your skincare routine simple by using a mild cleanser and moisturiser. Add a vitamin C serum to your routine to help keep your face glowing with a luminous complexion, and as we said before, always use SPF.

 To further enhance the best results of the laser dark spot removal, we recommend the Evertone Dark Spot Treatment Duo. Vegan, cruelty-free and made in the USA, these products are professionally formulated to promote brighter, even-toned skin all over the body and nourish and hydrate the skin. The Refresher washes away impurities and leaves you with smooth and supple skin, and The Smoother regenerates skin tissue. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types!