It's Time to Tackle Brown Spots

Dark or brown spots are one of the most common skin complaints received by dermatologists.

Hyperpigmentation of the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Sun damage
  • Post-inflammatory changes from acne or other skin conditions that cause inflammation of the skin
  • Hormonal and genetic conditions such as melasma

There are many treatments for dark spots, including lasers and peels, topical prescription (Rx) creams, over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments, and oral vitamin or amino acid supplements. The best results are achieved when multiple treatment types are expertly combined.

Let the Pure Dermatology team of board-certified dermatologists and aesthetician develop a treatment plan and skin care regimen specific to your skin goals!

Schedule An Appointment

INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR TO FIGHT HYPERPIGMENTATION

Rx Tretinoin or OTC Retinols:

  • Increases skin turnover and exfoliation.
  • Used in combination with other lightening products can increase penetration.

Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA or BHA):

  • Exfoliates the skin.

Azelaid Acid: 

  • Higher concentrations (15-20%) inhibit free radicals and tyrosinase, which is an enzyme necessary for melanin production.

Kojic Acid:

  • Inhibits tyrosinase, which is an enzyme necessary in the production of melanin.

Transexamic Acid:

  • Synthetic amino acid that blocks excess melanin production.
  • Available topically in OTC products and orally via Rx.

Cysteamine:

  • Reduces melanin production by inhibiting key enzymes required in melanin production.

 

Hydroquinone: 

  • Decreases and prevents the formation of excess melanin in the skin.
  • Available in 1-2% strength in OTC products and 4% or greater with a prescription.
  • Works well but cannot be used long term, best used in Rx strength for short time periods and followed with other dark spot correctors for long term maintenance.

Niacinamide:

  • Anti-inflammatory that helps barrier function of the skin with increases hydration and improves uneven tone.

Vitamin C:

  • Potent antioxidant that helps repair skin and indirectly reduces hyperpigmentation.

Licorice Root Extract:

  • Anti-inflammatory by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.

PATH-3 Technology: 

  • Unique new patented ingredient that helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage.
NEW PRODUCT ALERT!

Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced

What we love: Dewy serum texture, non-irritating while exfoliating and calming the skin.

Key ingredients:

  • Tranexamic acid
  • Niacinamide
  • Licorice Root Extract
  • Blend of exfoliating acids

Browse Our Skin Care Favorites

AESTHETICIAN CORNER

Are you ready to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a more even skin tone and youthful appearance? Now, before the summer, is the perfect time to consider Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments.


What is IPL? IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a technology that uses broad-spectrum light to target various skin concerns. It is commonly used to treat sun damage, brown spots, redness, broken blood vessels and overall uneven skin tone. IPL works by delivering pulses of light energy into the skin which are absorbed by the red and brown pigmentation and brought to the surface and removed.

Are you a good candidate for IPL? IPL is safe for most skin types and can be customized to address individual skin concerns. However, it is important to consult with a qualified skincare professional to determine if IPL is the right treatment for you.

Take the first step towards healthier, more radiant skin by scheduling a consultation to learn more about the benefits of IPL treatments. Say goodbye to skin imperfections and hello to a more confident you with IPL!

Schedule An Appointment

by Pure Dermatology

Large Pores? Pure Dermatology Can Help!

Pores can get enlarged when they’re clogged with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, or other debris. Additionally, as part of the aging process and sun damage our skin  loses some of its structural support from collagen and elastin which can cause pores to enlarge over time. Large pores can be a frustrating skin concern but there are several steps you can take to minimize their appearance.

Check out some at-home and in-office tips from our team of board-certified dermatologists and aesthetician to combat this common skin concern.

Follow a comprehensive skin care routine at home.

  • Cleanser: Keep your skin clean by washing your face twice a day and after exercise with a non-comedogenic, gentle cleanser or a cleanser containing salicylic acid.
  • Exfoliator: Introduce an exfoliator. Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and make them appear larger.
  • Toner: Using a toner with alpha or beta hydroxy acids can help reduce the appearance of large pores by removing excess oil and debris.
  • Retinol: Incorporating a retinol product into your skincare routine can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun with a daily broad-spectrum SPF prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can contribute to larger pores.

Treat and manage acne.

  • Acne clogs your pores making them appear more noticeable.
  • Inflammation from acne causes dilation of the follicle which leads to enlargement on the pores.
  • Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists to get a customized Rx and non-Rx treatment regimen for your acne whether it is mild and intermittent or constant and more severe.

Be gentle with your skin.

  • Scrubbing your face won’t make it cleaner, but scrubbing can irritate your skin making your pores look larger.
  • Picking, squeezing, or digging into your pores can also irritate your skin, making pores look more noticeable and sometimes cause scarring.

Explore in-office treatments.

  • Facial Peels: Medical-grade facial peels with ingredients such as Glycolic, Salicylic and Lactic acid can help slough away layers of old skin to reveal smooth new skin and tighter pores.
    • See our Perfect Derma Peel featured in our aestheticians corner below. 
  • SilkPeel: A gentle process of exfoliation, infusion, and extraction in one simultaneous treatment through the use of specifically formulated serums targeted to treat problems of the skin.
  • Hydrafacial: Patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate, infusion of super serums and application of LED light therapy, gently exfoliate and leave your skin moisturized and glowing.
  • Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive exfoliating procedure that can be added on to any facial, and will  help to improve uneven skin texture and  tone for a brighter and smoother complexion.

If you have questions about how to manage your large pores, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aesthetician. They will evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan and regimen just for you.

Schedule An Appointment

Favorite Products to Treat Large Pores


Cleansers:

  • SkinCeuticals® Simply Clean – Gel cleanser for normal, combination or oily skin.
  • Senté Daily Soothing Cleanser – Calms and helps reduce visible redness with the nourishing properties of vitamin E and green tea extract.

Exfoliants:

  • Senté Exfoliating Cleanser – For sensitive skin uses gentle ingredients like phytic acid and glycolic acid to reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion. Ideal for redness and irritation-prone skin, using just once or twice per week.
  • Micro Exfoliating Scrub – Gentle scrub delivers a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture and hydrate skin with silica, glycerin, and aloe leaf extract

Sun Protection:

  • Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 – Smooths skin texture and helps improve skin tone, calms sensitive skin with anti-irritants and antioxidants.
  • Avène Retrinal 0.05 Cream / 0.1 Intensive Cream – Visibly reduces wrinkles while smoothing and renewing skin.
  • Tretinoin (by prescription only) – A derivative of vitamin A, known as a retinoid, fights acne, and helps improve fine lines and dark spots.

Sun Protection:

  • EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Lightweight sun protection of oily skin prone to acne and rosacea.
  • ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ – Ultralight Emulsion with DNA Repairsomes®, all mineral, water resistant for everyday use.

Browse Our Selection of Skin Care Products

Aesthetician Corner

When home care and proper medical-grade skin care is not enough, you may want to look into treatment options for your enlarged pores. Learn more about one of our favorite peels, The Perfect Derma™ Peel.


The Perfect Derma™ Peel is safe, effective medium depth peel for all skin types and ethnicities. This product is virtually painless, with no pre-peel skin preparation and little downtime. Reduce enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin for a healthier, firmer complexion.

Benefits:

  • Reduce the appearance of pore size
  • Improve the overall clarity, tone and texture of the skin
  • Reduce or eliminate hyperpigmentation, sun damage and Melasma
  • Improve acneic skin conditions and reduce acne scars
  • Stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin

Ingredients: TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Phenol, Glutathione and Vitamin C.

Schedule An Appointment

by Pure Dermatology

HOW TO: Prevent Premature Skin Aging

Are you worried about premature skin aging? Don't panic! With a few simple steps, you can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.

7 WAYS TO REDUCE PREMATURE AGING

Protect your skin from the sun every day.

  • Wearing SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck and chest on a daily basis is the best thing you can do to prevent aging of your skin and keep it looking young. Whether spending a day in the sun or simply running errands, sun protection is essential.
  • You can also protect your skin by seeking shade and covering up with UPF clothing — such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Consider using a retinol or Rx Tretinoin cream.

  • Should you be using a retinol or retinoid? Yes, yes and yes! Aside from SPF, retinoids are the #1 product for promoting long-term skin health across all skin types.
  • Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that increase cellular turnover, which causes our skin to regenerate more quickly, thus making your skin look more youthful, vibrant, and refreshed.
  • The umbrella term “retinoid” is used for all vitamin A derivatives (ex: OTC retinol and retinaL, and prescription strength Tretinoin). What differentiates them is their strength, or how many conversions they must go through to become active and effective on the skin.
  • The only negative is that these products can be drying and irritating so you need to pick the right product for your skin type. See our Aesthetician Corner below for some tips or schedule a free aesthetician consult to find the right product for you.

Vitamin C, your new bff.

  • An anti-aging ingredient everyone should be using every morning! Vitamin C's strength is prevention and protection, it is essential for healthy skin.
  • This antioxidant fights free radical damage and prevents oxidative damage to the skin cells. Free radicals get produced in our skin daily from UV exposure, environmental toxins/air pollution and household chemicals. Damage caused by free radicals can affect our skin DNA in addition to breaking down our skin's collagen, which can lead to skin cancers, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and loose, saggy skin. Using a vitamin C neutralizes the free radicals, preventing this type of damage.
  • Vitamin C brightens the skin and improves skin texture. It fades hyperpigmentation (sun spots, melasma, and post-acne marks) by inhibiting melanin production and decreases inflammation creating a more even complexion.

Cleanse and moisturize your skin daily.

  • Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritation. We recommend washing your face twice daily and after sweating.
  • Applying a moisturizer immediately after cleansing traps moisture in the skin and gives it a more glowing plump appearance.

Apply self-tanner rather than tanning. 

  • Every time you get a tan, you age your skin. This holds true if you get a tan from the sun or a tanning bed.
  • All tanning methods emit harmful UV rays that in addition to causing skin cancers, breakdown collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin which can cause skin to thin and become wrinkled and crepy over time.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  • Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging.
  • Exercising daily can improve circulation and boost the immune system which may give the skin a more youthful appearance.
  • Avoid smoking, and drink alcohol in moderation, as these are damaging to skin health.

Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.

  • Water plumps skin cells and enhances elasticity, it is crucial for keeping skin looking youthful. Dehydrated skin can look dry, wrinkled and dull.
  • Proper water intake helps carry nutrients to skin cells and enhances the effects of topically applied products.

If you have questions about what products or treatments are right for you, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aestheticians. They will evaluate your skin and develop a regimen curated just for you.

 

NEW PRODUCT ALERT!

ALASTIN Skincare®️’s C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum is powered by a proprietary, encapsulated Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate). This clinically-proven formula provides comprehensive environmental protection and supports the skin’s ability to conserve elastin for skin that looks smoother and more radiant (purchase now).

In a Clinical Study, C-RADICAL showed the following in as early as 8 weeks:

  • 71% reduction in the appearance of uneven skin texture
  • 69% reduction in the appearance of redness
  • 50% reduction in the appearance of fine lines

HELPS TO:

  • Protect skin from environmental stressors such as free radicals & UV damage
  • Stimulate collagen and conserve elastin
  • Improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, firmness, and luminosity
  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and hyperpigmentation

AESTHETICIAN CORNER

What are the benefits of retinoids?

  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles by increasing collagen production
  • Improves skin tone + texture for smoother, firmer looking skin
  • Aids in fading sun spots and smoothing out rough patches on the skin
  • Increases cellular turnover, which can minimize breakouts
  • Stimulates production of new blood vessels on the skin, which improves the color of the skin

Do I need to use a retinoid?

Retinoids help keep our skin looking younger and healthier. We recommend that everyone over the age of 25 should use one. Plus, if you struggle with acne at any age, retinoids are one of our most recommended treatments!

 

To get the most of any retinoid, frequent use is key! The best retinoid is the one you will use consistently, which would ideally be 5-7 nights per week. Retinoids are the most highly researched “anti-aging" topical in the market (with over 70+ years of data) showing that the 5-7 nights range will have the most impact on your skin.

Schedule a FREE aesthetician consult to have us help you select the best retinoid for your skin type that you can tolerate and use regularly.

Schedule An Appointment

by Pure Dermatology

HOW TO: Exfoliate (for glowy skin!)

Exfoliation is one of the secrets to smooth, soft, and healthy-looking skin from head to toe, but using the right products and treatments is key.

EXFOLIATION TYPES

There are two main methods for exfoliation — mechanical and chemical — and the methods you choose should be guided by your skin type.

Mechanical Exfoliation: Uses a tool, such as a brush, blade, sponge, or scrub to physically remove dead skin cells.

Chemical Exfoliation: Uses chemicals, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids or retinols to dissolve or gently remove dead skin cells.

HOW TO SAFELY EXFOLIATE AT HOME

To prevent skin damage while exfoliating, our board-certified dermatologists recommend the following:

Consider the skin care products you already use. 

Some medications and even over-the-counter products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel so you need to be aware of these prior to adding other exfoliation treatments. Examples of these include prescription tretinoin creams, and OTC products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid.

Select an exfoliation method that suits your skin type. 

Be gentle with your skin. 

  • If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water.
  • If you use a brush or sponge, use short, light strokes.
  • Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

Follow with moisturizer. 

  • Exfoliating can be drying to the skin so it is very important to ALWAYS hydrate afterwards.
  • Apply a moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
  • Dry skin product recommendations: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Retore
  • Oily skin product recommendations: Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer

Find the right schedule for you. 

  • How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation method. Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could lead to skin that is red and irritated.
  • Dry or sensitive skin types: 1-2 times per week
  • Oily or acne prone skin: 3-4 times per week

If you aren’t sure what skin type you have, or if you have questions about exfoliating, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aestheticians. They will evaluate your skin and help you decide what method of exfoliation will be beneficial for you. Schedule an appointment.

OUR FAVORITE IN-OFFICE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT

SilkPeel Dermalifusion Facial

This is a skin-resurfacing treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and infusion of condition-specific serums to improve skin health, function, and glow!

Similar to microdermabrasion, SilkPeel Dermalinfusion exfoliates the upper layers of your skin using a diamond head. Not only does this eliminate dead skin cells, it also delivers a topical solution into the area of the skin where new and healthy skin cells are growing.

BENEFITS:

  • Is safe for all skin types
  • Has no downtime
  • Cleans out pores
  • Buffs away wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars while rehydrating dry skin


AESTHETICIAN CORNER

Advice from Our Skin Care Specialists - Licensed Aestheticians Katie Velasquez and Ashli La Madrid

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Smoothing exfoliating scrub with silica effectively cleanses pores and exfoliates to hydrate, soften, and improve skin texture.

We recommend Micro-Exfoliating Scrub as a compliment to most acne and anti-aging regimens. Using 2 to 3 times a week gives your skin a boost in exfoliation to decongest pores and rid your face of dull, dry dead skin. You get an instant glow, allow your skin to absorb product more efficiently, and increase the results from procedures.

SKIN TYPES: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination

SKIN CONCERN: Dehydrated, Discoloration, Aging

FEATURES: Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features a powerful 2% concentration combining hydrated silica, glycerin, and aloe extract to purify pores and promote a healthy skin barrier. Gentle enough for daily use, this exfoliating scrub provides a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating the skin.

BENEFITS:

  • Mechanically exfoliates skin and polishes away dead skin cells
  • Delivers hydration to smooth and soften skin’s surface
  • Paraben-, sulfate-, soap-, fragrance-, dye- and alcohol-free
  • Suitable for dry, normal, oily, or combination skin

by Pure Dermatology