Sun Damage

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control, and hormone therapy can stimulate melanin production, leading to melasma. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as the “pregnancy mask.”
• Sun Exposure: UV rays activate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), darkening existing melasma and triggering new patches.
• Heat and Inflammation: Exposure to high temperatures, even without direct sun, can worsen melasma. Activities like hot yoga or excessive exfoliation can contribute.
• Genetics: If melasma runs in your family, you may be more prone to developing it.

Sun damage can show up differently for everyone, but some of the most common visible signs of pigmentation include:

• Freckles and sun spots (also called solar lentigines): Small, flat, brown spots on the face, hands, chest, and shoulders
• Mottled pigmentation: Uneven patches of light and dark skin tone
• Blotchiness or redness: Persistent flushing or dilated blood vessels, often on the nose and cheeks
• Melasma: Larger patches of darkened skin, often triggered or worsened by sun exposure

These changes typically show up in areas with the most sun exposure, like your face, neck, chest, forearms, and the backs of your hands. In some cases, pigmentation may be accompanied by textural changes such as roughness, scaling, or precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses (AKs).

When UV radiation hits the skin, it triggers your melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) to make more pigment in an attempt to protect your skin. This is why we tan. However, repeated UV exposure causes these melanocytes to overproduce or distribute melanin unevenly, leading to:

• Dark spots and discoloration
• Hyperpigmentation in patches
• Melanin clustering in damaged areas

Over time, the skin’s ability to regulate pigment becomes less efficient, especially with aging, hormone fluctuations, or inflammation, all of which can worsen the appearance of sun-induced pigmentation.

The most effective way to prevent sun-induced pigmentation is to minimize your UV exposure daily, not just at the beach.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, rain or shine
• Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for reliable protection
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors or after sweating
• Wear hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing
• Avoid peak UV hours between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Don’t forget about reflected sunlight: snow, water, and concrete can bounce UV rays back up to your skin

It’s also worth noting that visible light and heat can trigger pigmentation in some skin types, especially with conditions like melasma. That’s why we often recommend tinted sunscreens with iron oxides for additional protection.

Medical-grade Skincare
Our providers may recommend prescription or professional-strength products designed to:

• Fade existing pigmentation
• Improve skin turnover
• Prevent future pigment development

Key ingredients we recommend may include:

• Hydroquinone (available by prescription)
• Retinoids (to accelerate cell turnover)
• Azelaic acid
• Tranexamic acid
• Vitamin C serums (to brighten and protect)

Target Hyperpigmentation with Proven Solutions
At Cascade, we offer a range of dermatologist-recommended products to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. This includes:

• SkinMedica Even & Correct – A targeted solution to improve skin tone and clarity.
• Colorescience Even Up – A 3-in-1 formula that corrects pigmentation, evens skin tone, and protects with broad-spectrum SPF 50 to help prevent future spots.
• VI Derm Pigment Correcting System – A clinically proven system that targets stubborn pigmentation and promotes a more even complexion. Learn more.

We also compound custom prescription treatments at Cascade featuring hydroquinone and tretinoin.

Chemical Peels
A series of light to medium-depth chemical peels can help lift pigment from the skin’s surface by exfoliating sun-damaged cells and encouraging new, healthier cells to replace them.

These treatments are carefully timed and customized to your skin type and sensitivity level. Downtime is typically minimal, and results can be seen gradually over a few weeks.

For more stubborn or deeper pigmentation, we may recommend laser treatments like IPL (intense pulsed light), Clear & Brilliant Permea, and Fraxel Restore.
These treatments work by targeting excess melanin in the skin and breaking it down into smaller particles that your body can naturally remove. They’re highly effective, especially for:

• Sun spots
• Redness and visible vessels
• Uneven tone and texture

Not everyone is a candidate for every laser, especially patients with deeper skin tones, so we’ll always start with a personalized consultation to determine the safest and most effective approach.

DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial are advanced treatments that combine exfoliation, extraction, and infusion to clear away dull, damaged skin and deliver brightening serums directly where they’re needed. They’re great for maintenance, prep before bigger treatments, or patients looking for a refresh without downtime.

If you’re seeing new pigmentation (or haven’t had a skin exam this year), a full-body skin exam is always a good place to start. We’ll examine your skin thoroughly to rule out any suspicious lesions, identify signs of long-term sun damage, and help you create a care plan that balances both aesthetic goals and long-term skin health.

Sun damage may be common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you’re trying to erase dark spots or prevent them from forming in the first place, Cascade Eye & Skin Centers offers expert guidance, proven treatments, and customized care built around your skin.

Click here to schedule a consultation or full-body skin exam today.