Having discoloration (hyperpigmentation) and uneven skin tone on your face can lower your self-esteem and self-confidence and, worse, can build stress and anxiety. One study about women with hyperpigmentation issues reported that it could negatively impact their mental health.
Are you one of those who experience the same hyperpigmentation problem? Fortunately, many approved hyperpigmentation treatments can effectively treat discoloration and patches in your skin!
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the dark patches in your skin. This discoloration happens because there is abnormal melanin production (the brown pigment that produces standard skin color).
There are various types of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma. Melasma is commonly known as the mask of pregnancy. It is frequently acquired during pregnancy due to the increase in the reproduction of hormones in the body.
Sunspots. Sunspots are sometimes referred to as liver spots. It occurs because of too much exposure to the sun.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type of hyperpigmentation is a result of inflammation of the skin. One example of this is the spots caused by your pimple or acne, which results in dark marks or scars on your face.
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that may occur to anyone. However, there are counter-treatment that improves the skin and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
1. Microneedling treatment.
Microneedling is a minimally non-invasive procedure intended to help lighten the dark spots by encouraging your skin’s wound-healing response. It uses fine needles to create micro” injuries” to trigger the body’s natural response of healing, forming a new, healthy skin can that matches your normal skin tone, which reduces the appearance of dark spots.
Studies support the positive result of microneedling for treating hyperpigmentation, specifically melasma conditions. One article published that microneedling treatment in 22 patients of melasma showed significant results (successfully lightened their dark spot), making skin needling treatment effective for hyperpigmentation.
2. Chemical peels.
A chemical peel uses high concentration acids to treat the preferred area of skin. Types of chemical peels may use azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, along with sun protection. These treatments can lessen the presence of hyperpigmentation by removing the outer layer of the skin. Deeper varieties may also infiltrate the intermediate layer of your skin to create more melodramatic results.
There are various types of chemical peels based on the skin’s needs.
Superficial peel
It uses glycolic acid, salicylic acid, which eliminates thin skin covers, decreasing pigment and seeming dryness. Although the first session’s result may be unsatisfactory, remarkable improvement will be noticeable after repeated peelings.
Medium depth peel
The most usual chemical used for a medium depth peel is Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The concentration of TCA usually ranges from 20–35%. It can lead to a notable improvement in skin texture, decreasing pigmentation, freckling, and dry sunspots.
Deep peel
A deep peel uses phenol. However, deep facial peels may cause scarring. Nevertheless, it is very effective at improving both surface wrinkles and deep furrows, including hyperpigmentation issues.
3. Hydroquinone
In treating hyperpigmentation skin-related issues, hydroquinone has been the gold standard for over 50 years. It works by bleaching the skin, which can be helpful when treating different forms of discoloration problems.
Hydroquinone has been regarded as safe and effective by the FDA since 1982. The OTC-approved (over-the-counter) standard concentration is 2%. In rare cases, hydroquinone may cause a condition called ochronosis. A consultation is recommended for sensitive skin before trying the treatment.
Irritation caused by sunlight is possible after the treatment. So, it would be best if you avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. In addition, sunscreen and wearing protective clothing on the treated areas of skin is a must-have.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is essentially safe for everyone. In microdermabrasion treatment, using anesthesia is not needed. It works by eradicating cells from your outermost layer of skin, which encourages new cells to redevelop rapidly than they would normally. This results in more firmly toned and more youthful skin.
Some people try microdermabrasion for treating hyperpigmentation. For example, in a 2012 study, women who were given a combination of microdermabrasion and laser therapy experienced substantial progress in their skin tone.
There are two types of microdermabrasion:
Crystal microdermabrasion. This technique involves using the wand to remove tiny particles on your face.
Diamond-tip microdermabrasion. It uses an applicator that makes direct contact with your skin as it exfoliates.
Both methods work by relaxing and eliminating dead skin cells to reveal younger-looking cells.
5. Laser Resurfacing Treatment
Laser peel (resurfacing) treatment uses high-graded beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation.
There are two kinds of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are the most powerful, and they involve eliminating layers of your skin. Non-ablative procedures, on the other hand, aim at the dermis to stimulate collagen growth and tightening effects.
However, Ablative lasers may work better for people with fair skin. For some, non-ablative versions may cause the skin to blacken instead of lightening. That’s why consultation is very important before the treatment. Work with your provider to evaluate your discoloration and overall skin tone to hand-pick the best option for your skin.
Discuss possible treatments for your hyperpigmentation!
For hyperpigmentation, Indulge Aesthetics recommends that along with the treatment, proper skincare and protection from sunlight will remarkably improve the skin. Discuss with a trained professional the best treatment for your skin type and let the experts provide you with safe and effective treatment.
