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If you get a spot or stain on your shirt, you can use one of those magic laundry detergent pens and voila! -- it disappears. Unfortunately, there are no nifty pens that erase acne scarring and brown spots from your face. Some topical treatments, however, can help make skin discolorations and other imperfections go "poof."
Skin Bleaches
When you get a tan, pigments in your skin change color, but these pigments fade away with time. Think of face spots as cells that have changed color, but aren’t fading nearly as fast as your tan post-beach trip. You can reverse the process by using a skin bleaching cream, such as one that contains hydroquinone and/or glycolic acid to encourage skin cells to lighten and release dead cells. While you can buy some skin bleaching creams over-the-counter, you will probably need a physician’s prescription to obtain a cream that can help to produce a noticeable difference in your skin.
Onion Extract
Derived from the vegetable that can literally make you cry, onion extract has healing properties that can help to minimize a spot’s appearance in your face. Look for a face product that has a gel base, meaning it is less likely to clog your pores. You have to apply it several times a day to see results, so make sure you are committed to getting rid of the spot before you initiate treatment.
Retinoids + Steroids
Another prescription face cream that reduces spots, tretinoin or retinoids help to encourage your skin to build new cells and also release dead, damaged skin cells including the ones on your face spot. Your dermatologist may recommend using a cream that has a mild steroid, which can help to encourage skin healing. Because retinoids take some time for your skin to get used to, expect a little drying and flaking when you are initially applying the product.
Silicone
If your spot appears hardened or a little lumpier than your surrounding skin, silicone treatments may be just the thing you need. Available as little sheets that resemble bandages or in gel form, silicone acts as a moisturizer and also helps to break up hardened scar tissue to reduce a spot’s appearance. Like onion extract creams, silicone requires frequent application for maximum effectiveness.
