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Hyperpigmentation

Do you have concerns about the treatment of dark spots and want to know how to treat them?

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin types and is usually harmless, but it can cause cosmetic concerns for those affected.

Are there different types?

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a few different factors;

Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate the production of melanin, leading to sunspots or age spots.

Inflammation: Skin injuries, acne, or eczema can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Hormonal Changes: Conditions like melasma often occur during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills.
Medications: Certain drugs, like chemotherapy agents, can cause hyperpigmentation.

How can I prevent hyperpigmentation?

1. Sun Protection:

Use Sunscreen Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're outdoors.
Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing can shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

2. Skincare Routine:

Gentle Cleansing: Avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliants that can irritate the skin and lead to inflammation, which may trigger hyperpigmentation.
Moisturize Regularly: Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its barrier function and can prevent irritation.
Antioxidant Serums: Products containing Vitamin C or other antioxidants can protect the skin from environmental damage that leads to pigmentation issues.

3. Treating Inflammation Promptly:

Acne Management: Treat acne early to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Consider using products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Avoid Picking or Scratching: Picking at skin lesions can lead to dark spots due to inflammation and trauma to the skin.

4. Hormonal Management:

Consult a Doctor: If you’re prone to melasma, talk to a healthcare provider about managing hormonal factors, such as considering alternative birth control methods.

5. Healthy Lifestyle:

Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support healthy skin and may reduce the risk of pigmentation issues.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

6. Regular Dermatologist Visits:

Early Intervention: Regular check-ups with a dermatologist can help you catch and treat any signs of hyperpigmentation early, preventing it from becoming more pronounced.

Are There Different Treatment Options?

Topical Treatments:

Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent that decreases melanin production.
Retinoids: Promote skin cell turnover to help fade dark spots.
Vitamin C: An antioxidant that brightens skin and inhibits melanin production.

Chemical Peels:

Glycolic Acid Peels: Remove the outermost layer of skin to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Salicylic Acid Peels: Effective for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Laser Therapy:

Fractional Laser: Targets pigmentation by breaking down melanin in the skin.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Uses light waves to target pigment and break it down.

Microdermabrasion:

A mechanical exfoliation process that removes dead skin cells and can help improve skin tone.

How Does a Laser Treat Pigment?

At NEOMO Skin we use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, a versatile laser system that can effectively treat various types of pigmentation, including sunspots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Here's how it works:

Dual-Wavelength Technology:

The GentleMax Pro Plus combines two laser wavelengths—755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd;YAG—allowing it to treat a wide range of skin types and pigmentation concerns. The Alexandrite laser is particularly effective for targeting pigmented lesions.

Selective Photothermolysis:

The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the skin. This absorption heats the pigment, breaking it down into smaller particles that the body can naturally eliminate over time.

Targeted Treatment:

The laser precisely targets pigmented areas without damaging the surrounding skin. This precision reduces the risk of side effects and allows for more effective treatment of pigmentation.

Controlled Energy Delivery:

The GentleMax Pro Plus delivers energy in short pulses, which helps protect the skin from overheating and minimizes discomfort during the procedure.

Cooling Mechanism:

The system is equipped with a dynamic cooling device (DCD) that sprays a cooling burst of cryogen on the skin milliseconds before each laser pulse. This cooling minimizes discomfort and protects the skin, reducing the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.

Schedule a Consultation:

Your medical history, medications, skin type, and pigmentation concerns will be reviewed to determine the best treatment plan.

Sun Protection:

Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun for at least 2-4 weeks before your treatment. If you must be outdoors, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing.

Skincare Products:

You may be asked to discontinue Certain Products: Stop using retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and any other exfoliating or harsh skincare products at least 1-2 weeks before treatment. These can make your skin more sensitive to the laser.

Medications:

Avoid Photosensitive Medications: If you're taking any medications that increase your skin's sensitivity to light (like certain antibiotics or acne medications), consult with your doctor. You may need to stop these before treatment.

Antiviral Medication: If you have a history of cold sores or herpes, your doctor might prescribe antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak.

NO TANNING

Avoid Tanning Beds and Self-Tanners: These can increase melanin in your skin, making laser treatment less effective and increasing the risk of complications

Shave the Treatment Area:

Shave, Don’t Wax: Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams, as these can irritate the skin.

Immediate Care:

Cool Compresses: Apply cool compresses to soothe the treated area and reduce redness or swelling. Avoid Hot Water: Use lukewarm water for washing your face and avoid hot baths or showers for 24-48 hours.

No Intense Workouts or Saunas: Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, like intense exercise or using saunas, for 24-48 hours post-treatment.

Sun Protection:

Follow-Up Care:

Strict Sun Avoidance: Stay out of the sun for at least 2-4 weeks post-treatment. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even indoors if you're near windows.

Follow Your Post Treatment Instructions: Adhere to any specific post-treatment instructions provided by your dermatologist or laser technician.
Schedule Follow-Up Appointments: Keep up with any recommended follow-up sessions to ensure optimal results.

Gentle Skincare:

Use Mild Products: Stick to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for the first few days post-treatment. Avoid harsh or active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C for at least a week.
Hydrate the Skin: Keep your skin well-moisturized to promote healing and prevent dryness or flaking.

Be Patient:

Results Take Time: Pigmentation may initially darken before it starts to fade. Full results typically appear after several weeks as the skin heals and regenerates.

Avoid Picking or Scratching:

Let the Skin Heal: You may experience some redness, swelling, or darkening of the treated areas before they lighten. Avoid picking at or scratching your skin to prevent scarring or infection.

Effective for Different Skin Types: The dual wavelengths make it suitable for treating pigmentation in a variety of skin tones, including darker skin, which is often more challenging to treat with lasers.

Minimal Downtime: Most patients experience little to no downtime, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.

Long-Lasting Results: With proper skin care and sun protection, the results of laser pigmentation treatment can be long-lasting.

Say goodbye to pigmentation, and hello to radiance. Ready to Glow?