What Causes Brown and Red Spots and How to Treat Them Effectively

Seeing brown or red spots on your skin can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing your best to care for it. Whether it’s from too much time in the sun, changes with age, or skin sensitivity, discoloration can show up gradually or all at once.

At Ocean State Laser & Aesthetics in East Greenwich, RI, there are trusted, modern treatments that can significantly reduce brown and red spots, giving your skin a clearer and more even look. Let’s discuss what causes these spots in the first place and what you can do about them.

What Are Brown and Red Spots?

Skin discoloration shows up in different ways, but brown and red spots are two of the most common forms.

Brown spots often go by other names like sun spots, liver spots, or age spots. These usually appear as flat, tan to dark brown patches that show up in areas that get frequent sun exposure, like the face, chest, shoulders, and hands.

Red spots, on the other hand, are often linked to blood vessels or inflammation. These can show up as tiny red dots, larger blotches, or visible veins on the face or body. Conditions like rosacea, broken capillaries, and certain types of acne can all contribute to this type of redness.

While these spots are generally harmless, they can be a cosmetic concern for many people, and with skin discoloration treatment, they can give your skin a fresher, healthier look.

Common Causes of Brown and Red Spots

Knowing what’s behind the spots helps you understand how to treat them and maybe even prevent new ones.

1. Sun Exposure

UV rays trigger the production of melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its color). Too much sun over time causes melanin to clump together, forming sun spots, also called solar lentigines. Redness can also result from sun damage when blood vessels near the surface become enlarged or broken.

2. Aging

As your skin ages, its ability to regenerate slows down. That means old damage starts to surface. The skin also becomes thinner, making blood vessels more visible, especially on the face and neck.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones can affect melanin production. That’s why some women develop melasma or dark patches during pregnancy or while on certain birth control pills. These changes can cause a surge in pigmentation that often looks like brown spots on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip.

4. Skin Trauma and Inflammation

Inflammation from acne, eczema, or even bug bites can leave behind dark or red marks once the skin heals. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema.

5. Genetics

Sometimes, it’s just in your DNA. If your parents developed sun spots or vascular redness as they aged, you may be more likely to experience the same.

Brown and Red Spots Treatment Options

If these spots are starting to bother you, there are effective Brown and Red Spots Treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

One of the most popular sun spot removal treatments for both brown and red spots is IPL therapy, especially here in East Greenwich, RI. IPL is a type of light-based treatment that uses multiple wavelengths to target pigment and blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface.

For brown spots, the light targets pigment clusters (melanin), breaking them down so they rise to the surface and flake off naturally. For red spots or broken capillaries, the light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in blood vessels, causing them to fade over time.

Most people need a few sessions of Brown and Red Spots Treatment in East Greenwich, RI, to see noticeable results, but improvements often start after just one. There’s little to no downtime so that you can return to your normal routine almost immediately.

GentleMax Pro®

If you’re looking for a laser-based option that works well across different skin types and tones, the GentleMax Pro might be the right fit. It’s a dual-wavelength laser that combines both the Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths, making it highly effective for both pigmentation and vascular issues.

The Alexandrite laser targets pigment in the upper layers of the skin, making it ideal for removing sun spots and age spots. The Nd:YAG laser penetrates deeper to treat visible veins, redness, and other vascular lesions.

Because of this dual action, GentleMax Pro is great for people dealing with a mix of red and brown discoloration. This age spot treatment is fast, well-tolerated, and safe for various skin tones.

What to Expect During Treatment

Whether you choose IPL or GentleMax Pro, the process is pretty straightforward. Treatments are done in-office and usually take under an hour, depending on the area being treated.

Here’s a general idea of what happens:

• Your skin is cleansed before the procedure.
• A cooling gel may be applied to enhance comfort.
• A handheld device delivers short pulses of light or laser to the targeted area.
• You might feel a light snapping sensation. Some compare it to a rubber band snap.

After treatment, you may notice a little redness or mild swelling, but this usually fades within a day. Pigmented spots might darken at first, then gradually fade or flake away. Red areas often start lightening within a week or two.

For the best results, a series of treatments is usually recommended. Most people see great improvements after three to five sessions.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results from IPL and laser treatments are long-lasting, especially if you protect your skin afterward. Most people enjoy clearer, more even-toned skin for several months at a time. Maintenance sessions every six to twelve months can keep results fresh.

Of course, the biggest factor in how long your results last is how well you protect your skin moving forward. Daily sunscreen, a gentle skincare routine, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can go a long way.

When to See a Professional

If you’ve tried creams or serums without much success, or if the discoloration keeps returning, it may be time to get professional help. At Ocean State Laser & Aesthetics, our team offers customized skin evaluations to determine the best treatment for your specific needs. Some skin spots may even resemble conditions like skin cancer or rosacea, so having a knowledgeable provider assess your skin ensures you’re getting both effective and safe care.

Clearer Skin Starts Here

Spots on your skin may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. Whether you’re dealing with sun spots, age spots, or redness that won’t fade, you can achieve the benefits of brown and red spot treatment with modern laser and light-based treatments.

Ocean State Laser & Aesthetics offers both IPL and GentleMax Pro treatments right here in East Greenwich, RI. These options are quick, minimally invasive, and proven to work for all kinds of discoloration.
Ready to take the next step toward smooth, even-toned skin? Achieve clear, even-toned skin – Request your appointment now!