What do brown spots, liver spots, sun spots, age spots, pigmented spots, sun burns, melasma, chloasma, hiperpigmentation and skin cancer have in common? The sun damage.

Watch the Sun Damaged Skin Slideshow of alarming pictures of skin damage and take action to prevent skin problems and reduce your skin care costs.

Nationwide, a growing number of people are turning to cosmetic procedures to put their best face forward as they look for a job – or try to hold on to the one they have. A survey of physicians by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showed that 75 percent of them said they had treated patients who requested facial plastic surgery to stay competitive in the workplace.

”Youth is becoming more and more emphasized in the workplace,” said Dr. Steven Pearlman, past president of the organization.  “The seasoned experts, once pictured in ads with lots of wrinkles, have been replaced by young go-getters with multiple degrees and the appearance of boundless energy.” Read the whole story published by Miami Herald.

Dyschromias, in particular hyperpigmentation, are major issues of concern for people of color. Pigmentary disorders such as melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can cause psychological and emotional distress and pose a negative impact on a person’s health-related quality of life.

The precise etiology of these conditions is unknown. Therapies for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation target various points during the cycle of melanin production and degradation. Therapies for these conditions include topical agents and resurfacing procedures. Hydroquinone remains the gold standard of topical agents. Other efficacious agents include kojic acid, azelaic acid, mequinol, and retinoids. Cosmeceutical agents include licorice, arbutin, soy, N-acetyl glucosamine, and niacinamide.

Laser resurfacing procedures are the safest and most efficacious options to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation on the skin of color. These procedures are best used in combination with topical bleaching agents. Given the propensity of darker skin to hyperpigment, resurfacing procedures should be used with care and caution. Maximal results are best achieved with repetitive, superficial, resurfacing modalities.

In addition, ultraviolet protective measures such as broad-spectrum sunscreens are fundamental to the successful management of these conditions.