Beyond Melanin: Treating Discoloration

by Jennifer Linder, MD, FAAD

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark spots or patches on skin. Clients often refer to it as discoloration, brown spots, or age spots due to the prevalence of melanin. However, when treating dyschromia in skin, it is essential to consider additional chromophores, such as redness, yellowing, sallowness, and grayness, which all can contribute to an uneven complexion and the severity and appearance of hyperpigmentation. In addition, whether they can articulate it or not, most clients consider an uneven complexion a prominent sign of aging. If skin care professionals only address fine lines and texture, the client’s expectations may not be met. Understanding the different types of skin discolorations, their unique causes, and effective treatment approaches that simultaneously target various chromophores in skin is essential to optimal outcomes.   

Dr. Linder is a board-certified dermatologist, and founder and chief medical officer of Linder Health, a professional skin health company. She is also a fellowship-trained skin cancer surgeon using the Mohs micrographic technique. Previously, Dr. Linder owned PCA SKIN where she served as chief scientific officer, guiding all product development and clinical trials for the company. A graduate of Washington University Medical School, Dr. Linder completed her internship at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University. She later held a faculty position in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California San Francisco.