Hyperpigmentation is a medical term used to describe darker patches of skin. These patches occur from excess melanin production which can be caused by everything from acne scars and sun damage to hormone fluctuations to genetic build up.
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin issue, and though it is a harmless condition there are a number of different therapy options available for people who want to get rid of it.Cosmotree Clinic offers best pigmentation removal in Delhi for desired and safe results.
The Different Types of Hyperpigmentation.
Getting familiar with the types of hyperpigmentation will help you determine the right course of therapy to prevent further discoloration from occurring. Understand that hyperpigmentation does not only occur on your face. Here are the four types of hyperpigmentation:
• Melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal imbalances, and is a normal
occurrence during pregnancy. It can also occur as a result of thyroid dysfunction and as a side effect of taking
birth control pills or hormone therapy medication. This is a difficult type of hyperpigmentation to treat.
• Lentigines. These are also known as liver spots or age spots. They are found on 90% of people
over the age of 60, and are usually caused by exposure to UV rays.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is caused by skin injury such as psoriasis, burns, acne, and some skin care therapys. It usually goes away as the skin regenerates and heals.
• Drug-induced hyperpigmentation. This secondary hyperpigmentation, known as lichen planus, occurs when drugs cause an inflammation and eruption on the skin. It is non-contagious.
Some therapy for pigmentation includes:
• Chemical peel
A chemical peel uses acidssolutions to treat pigmentation. They reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by removing the outer damaged layer. Deeper versions may also penetrate the middle layer of your skin (dermis) to produce more drastic results.
Chemical peels cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun’s rays. If you don’t adequately apply sunscreen and use other UV protection, the sun may worsen your hyperpigmentation. You’ll need to take extra precautions for at least one week after your last chemical peel.
Chemical peels may work on:
• Spots,
• Sun damage
• Melasma
• Blotchy skin
They also work best for fairer skin tones, and they may provide faster results than face acid products.
Laser peel (skin resurfacing)
A laser peel therapy employs targeted beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation. There are two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are the most strong, and they involve removing layers of your skin. Non-ablative procedures, on the other hand is not so intense, works only on the dermis to promote collagen growth and tightening effects.
Who should try this?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to skin resurfacing. Ablative lasers may work better for people with fair skin. For some people, non-ablative versions may cause the skin to darken instead of lighten. Your dermatologist will work with you to assess your discoloration and overall skin tone to select the best option for your skin.
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Intense pulse light therapy (IPL)
It is a type of non-ablative (fractional) laser therapy. Also known as a photofacial, IPL therapy quickens collagen growth within the dermis. It generally requires multiple sessions.
IPL is used for overall pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially respond to this therapy. It may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, spider veins, and enlarged pores.
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Microdermabrasion
It is an in-office procedure used to treat hyperpigmentation that affects the epidermis only (superficial scarring).
During the procedure, your dermatologist will use a drill-like handheld tool with a wire brush or other abrasive attachment. The tool is then swiped across your skin to rapidly — but gently — to remove the epidermis. You may need multiple sessions to achieve your ideal result.
Who should try this?
Microdermabrasion works best on superficial scars. Your dermatologist can help you determine whether this therapy is right for you. It also works well for people with fairer skin.
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Dermabrasion
This particular therapy also involves the removal of your outer layer of the skin, but its effects continue down to part of your dermis.
While dermabrasion is sometimes used to smooth out wrinkles, the procedure can also treats the following:
• acne scars
• age spots
• injury scars
• sun damage
As with microdermabrasion, your dermatologist will use a drill-like handheld tool with a wire brush or other abrasive attachment. They’ll move the tool across your skin to rapidly — but gently — to remove your entire epidermis and the top part of your dermis.
Who should try this?
Dermabrasion may be a good option if you’re looking to decrease pigmentation at a faster rate than microdermabrasion.
Topical therapys generally take longer to produce visible results. Patience is key with any therapy option.
Talk to your dermatologist
Your dermatologist can help you identify the cause of your hyperpigmentation and work with you to develop an appropriate therapy plan.
No matter what therapy you ultimately choose, it’s important to protect your skin from further sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Wearing sunscreen every day is a must. You should apply sunscreen every morning — even when it’s cloudy! — and reapply as needed throughout the day. Be sure to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
