Are you dealing with pesky patches of darker skin? Whether it’s due to too much sun, hormones going wild, or some skin inflammation, hyperpigmentation can seriously mess with your confidence. But you’re not alone. Luckily there are many modern technologies and treatments that can be used to address your hyperpigmented spots.
Let’s start with the easy stuff – topical treatments. Readily available, lower cost, and all things you can do to help treat your skin from the comfort of your home. There are three main ingredients you should keep your eye out for when purchasing topical treatments or when talking to your dermatologist about your skincare regimen. Hydroquinone is a powerful ingredient that lightens your skin by stopping the production of melanin. Retinoids are also another strong agent that speed up cell turnover and builds your collagen. Overtime and with proper use, they help fade those dark spots. Finally, who doesn’t love a vitamin C serum? Packed with antioxidants, these topicals naturally brighten your skin. Not only do they help with melanin overproduction, but they also fight against pesky free radicals in the air that damage our skin overtime.
If you’re looking to treat your hyperpigmentation more aggressively, a chemical peel may be right for you. Chemical peels, such as the TCA peel targets certain components of the skin and allows for the patient to shed the aged, discolored, and damaged skin over the days following the procedure. As your dead skin peels away, it reveals your brighter healthier skin. It’s like a much-needed reset button for your skin, tailored to your skin type and goals. Make sure that you always speak to and get chemical peel treatments from a board-certified dermatologist to avoid the risk of damage to your skin.
Lasers are another amazing alternative for clearer, even-toned skin. These treatments require minimal downtime and there are a variety of lasers to meet your skin’s needs. We have Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments that use light to zap away excess pigment, especially those pesky sunspots and age-induced pigmentation. Then there’s the resurfacing laser which creates micro injuries that tell you skin to produce more collagen. Finally, the picosecond laser is another great option to remove those hyperpigmented spots on your skin. This laser breaks down your melanin over the course of your treatment plan. Think of breaking down a boulder to a stone to a sand grain. Regardless of the laser, the result is impeccable – fresh, even-toned skin.
Hyperpigmentation doesn’t have to be a forever thing. Thanks to the innovation happening right now in dermatology, you will not be alone on this journey. Whether you’re a fan of topical tricks, pro procedures, or a mix of both, clear and even skin is in sight. Make sure that you speak with a dermatologist to figure out the reason behind your hyperpigmentation and your doctor will craft a custom plan for you. And remember – patience and consistency is key. So, chin up, you’ve got this!