Dealing with Dark Spots
Urban Skin Solutions. By Kathryn Leverette. Photo:D.J. Jones. Of the many skin disorders that affect the darker races, hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone and dark spots) is the chief complaint. Skin problems, medications and medical conditions can lead to hyperpigmentation, including the aftermath of acne, razor bumps, melasma, chemical irritation, eczema, friction, electrolysis, allergic reactions, overuse of abrasive scrubs, scrubbing one’s skin, using too much pressure, over-applying products (too often, too thick and/or repeated application to irritated skin), certain prescription medications and hormones (ask us about these), dehydration, obesity, thyroid disease, chicken pox, sunburn, waxing, electrolysis, insect bites, picking, wiping the eyes, rubbing, tampering with the skin by any means, trauma, tweezing, surgical procedures, lasers and overzealous microdermabrasion.