If you're noticing dark spots, sun spots, or age spots that seem to multiply each year, you’re not alone. Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns we treat at Sheen Vein & Cosmetics in St. Louis—and thankfully, there are safe, effective ways to fade dark spots and restore an even, radiant complexion.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what causes dark spots, how to prevent them, and the top treatment options we use in our clinic to help patients get clearer, healthier skin.

What Causes Dark Spots on the Skin?

Dark spots—also known as hyperpigmentation—occur when certain areas of the skin produce too much melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Several factors can contribute to this uneven pigmentation, including:

• Sun exposure (UV damage)
• Hormonal changes (e.g., melasma during pregnancy or menopause)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne or skin injuries
• Aging and natural oxidative stress
• Certain medications or products that increase sun sensitivity

Regardless of the cause, melanin clusters in the top layers of the skin and appears as brown or gray-brown patches—often on the face, chest, hands, or shoulders.

Step 1: Protect and Prevent with Medical-Grade Skincare

The most important step in preventing and treating dark spots is sun protection. Daily sunscreen use is essential, even on cloudy days.

At our St. Louis clinic, we recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For patients already dealing with pigmentation issues, we also build customized skincare routines using:

• Vitamin C serums to brighten and fight oxidative damage
• Retinoids to speed up cellular turnover and fade discoloration
• Hydroquinone-free brightening agents like kojic acid, arbutin, or tranexamic acid
• Niacinamide to reduce inflammation and support barrier health

We carry several clinical-strength product lines that outperform over-the-counter options when it comes to fading stubborn spots safely and gently.

Explore more: What is Functional Medicine?

Step 2: Consider In-Office Treatments for Faster Results

If skincare alone isn’t enough—or if you’ve been living with dark spots for years—our advanced in-office treatments can significantly accelerate the fading process.

1. Fotona Laser Therapy

Our favorite solution for pigmentation issues is the Fotona laser, which uses a gentle but effective dual-wavelength approach to target melanin, stimulate collagen, and improve skin tone. It works particularly well for:

• Sun spots
• Age spots
• Melasma
• Uneven texture or redness

Fotona treatments are non-invasive, have little to no downtime, and can be combined with other modalities for enhanced results.

Learn more: Fotona4D Laser Skin Lift in St. Louis

2. Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels exfoliate the outer layers of skin to improve texture, reduce pigmentation, and encourage fresh, even-toned skin to surface. We tailor our peels based on your skin type and concerns, using ingredients like:

• Glycolic acid
• Salicylic acid
• TCA
• Mandelic or lactic acid (for sensitive skin)

Peels are especially effective for post-acne marks or dull, uneven skin.

3. PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Microneedling

Microneedling with PRF stimulates natural collagen production and helps break up pigment over time. It’s a great option for those with darker skin tones or who want to avoid more aggressive laser treatments.

Related: PRF for Skin Rejuvenation

Step 3: Address Root Causes from the Inside Out

Many patients are surprised to learn that internal factors like hormonal imbalance, liver detox overload, or gut inflammation can contribute to pigmentation issues—especially melasma or recurring dark patches.

Our functional medicine team may run labs to evaluate:

• Estrogen/progesterone imbalances
• Thyroid and cortisol function
• Liver detox capacity
• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., zinc, antioxidants, B vitamins)

We then support the body with targeted nutrition, liver support, and hormone balancing to prevent future flare-ups and promote long-term skin clarity.

Explore more: The Gut-Immune-Hormone Connection

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Improvement in dark spots takes time and consistency. Most patients see visible results within 4–8 weeks of starting a comprehensive regimen, with continued improvement over several months.

Combination therapy—including at-home skincare, in-office treatments, and internal functional support—offers the most dramatic and lasting changes.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Dark Spots?

If you're tired of covering up dark spots with makeup or trying endless skincare products with no results, it’s time to take a personalized, medical approach.

📞 Call 314-842-1441 to schedule your skin consultation
💻 Learn more at www.sheenveinandcosmetics.com and explore our laser and aesthetic services

You don’t have to live with uneven skin tone. With the right tools and guidance, you can brighten your complexion and feel confident in your skin again—naturally.

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