Skin Blemishes

The primary causes of skin blemishes include exposure to sunlight, aging, hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause), genetic factors, certain medications, or trauma such as acne. In rare cases, certain vitamin/mineral deficiencies or hormonal imbalances can cause blemishes. Blemishes are often harmless, but if there are sudden color-pattern changes or enlarging blemishes, the possibility of skin cancer should be ruled out.

Treatments for skin blemishes:

Topical Treatments: Creams containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and azelaic acid—the most commonly recommended medications.

Chemical Peel: Peels the upper skin layer; specifically alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), glycolic acid, salicylic acid or TCA are used.

Laser/Intense Light Treatments: Targets pigment cells in blemished areas; two to three sessions may be required.

Microdermabrasion/Dermabrasion: The upper layer of the skin is mechanically abraded.

Cryotherapy (Freezing): Small spots can be treated with liquid nitrogen.
The choice of treatment should be determined by the doctor according to the type and depth of the stain.

While lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or honey are recommended for blemishes by some sources, their scientific effectiveness is limited. Using harsh chemicals or acidic substances without a dermatologist's advice can cause skin irritation. Regular cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection are also helpful.

• Vitamin B12 and D deficiency can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and folate deficiency can cause pale skin.
• Vitamin E and C deficiency can increase free radical damage in the skin and cause uneven skin tone.
• Female hormones such as estrogen/progesterone play a role in the formation of melasma/blemishes.

• Broad spectrum (UVA+UVB) sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be used.
• Staying in the sun for long periods of time should be avoided, protective clothing and a hat should be preferred.
• To prevent the formation of new spots or darkening of existing spots, the skin should be cleaned and moisturized regularly.

• If the stain color and shape changes in a short time
• If there are rapidly growing spots with irregular borders
• If additional symptoms such as itching and bleeding occur, a dermatologist examination is absolutely necessary.

The best spot treatment varies depending on the type of spot, skin color, and the person's general health; however, the most effective methods, according to the standards recommended by international dermatology authorities, are:

• Topical Treatments: Dermatologists recommend combinations containing hydroquinone (a lightening cream), retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), and sometimes corticosteroids as first-line treatments. A "triple combination" of these ingredients is the most commonly used treatment, particularly for melasma and sunspots.
• Chemical Peeling: Professional peeling applications containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid) contribute to the regeneration of pigmented areas by peeling off the upper layer of the skin.
• Laser and Light Treatments: Depending on the type of spot, intense light (IPL) or fractional laser treatments target the pigment; however, it is important to have the treatment performed under the supervision of a doctor, especially in people with dark skin, due to the risk.
• Cryotherapy and Microdermabrasion: These are preferred as non-surgical, superficial treatments for small age spots.

Additionally, sun protection (with at least SPF 30 sunscreen) and long-term, regular use of spot products are essential for successful treatment. All of these methods are recognized as the most effective and safe treatment protocols by the Mayo Clinic, the American Academy of Dermatology, and international scientific publications.

Brown moles or spots on the face are generally harmless but can be treated for aesthetic reasons. According to scientific data, the most common methods for lightening the appearance of spots include topical creams containing hydroquinone and retinoids, laser and intense light treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy, and, if necessary, surgical removal. The choice of treatment method should be determined by a dermatologist based on the type of spot, the patient's skin tone, and overall health. Regular use of sunscreen after treatment is important to prevent the formation of new spots and the darkening of existing ones. All these approaches are based on international sources such as the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dark spots (hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) often develop after sun exposure, skin trauma, inflammation, or acne, and the first step in treating them is daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Dermatologist-recommended topical products containing hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C are commonly recommended for lightening spots. These ingredients suppress melanin production in the skin, gradually lightening dark areas. For stubborn or deep spots, professional procedures such as chemical peels (with glycolic, salicylic, or TCA acids), laser treatments, or microdermabrasion may be necessary. Gentle skin care, avoiding irritating treatments, and effectively managing the underlying cause (e.g., acne) are also important throughout the treatment process. UNESCO (AAD), the Mayo Clinic, and comprehensive medical resources recommend this algorithm.

Brown spots on the hands, commonly called "age spots" (sunspots, solar lentigo), are primarily caused by years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunlight stimulates pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes), and over time, melanin accumulates in these areas, resulting in the appearance of brown, flat, oval-shaped spots. While these spots are most commonly seen in individuals over 50, they can also develop in younger people due to intense sun exposure. Rarely, certain genetic syndromes or skin conditions can contribute to the development of brown spots, but repeated UV exposure is typically the most significant risk factor. The Mayo Clinic and international dermatology authorities emphasize that these spots are harmless, but a doctor should be consulted for any unusual spot patterns to differentiate them from skin cancer.