12 Feb

How to Treat Facial Hyperpigmentation

True beauty may lie within you, but your outer beauty can play a vital role in boosting your self-esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shines on the outside and vice versa. The better you look, the better you feel.

Maintaining your beauty requires active care in terms of what you eat, drink, how you sleep, how often you exercise, and what skincare and makeup products you use. If you are abiding by all these golden rules, yet still suffering from patches of darker discoloured skin, you most likely have hyperpigmentation. 

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition wherein the skin develops patches that are darker in colour due to the excess production of melanin in the skin. While it isn’t particularly dangerous to your health, hyperpigmentation tends to impact the affected individual’s self-esteem. 

If you have been dealing with hyperpigmentation, there’s no need to suffer in silence, you are not alone. Read on to learn about the many ways you can treat facial hyperpigmentation.  

Hyperpigmentation Causes

This skin condition is caused by an increase in the skin’s melanin content. Melanin is a natural pigment that provides colour to our skin, eyes, and hair. A spike in its production and deposits can be a result of multiple factors. This includes prolonged sun exposure, hormonal changes, age, inflammation, skin injuries, acne, or scars. 

Treatment Options

Hyperpigmentation won’t disappear with a snap of your fingers, but with these cosmetic solutions, you’re on your way to clearing up your skin and restoring it to its former beauty and radiance. 

Lightening Creams

A great DIY solution to battling hyperpigmentation is a good lightening cream. Their whitening properties aid in decreasing the excessive pigmentation of the skin. Most of these topical products are sold over the counter, but you should consult your doctor or aesthetician for the best recommendations. 

Lightening creams or gels work best for treating hyperpigmentation in the form of age spots or melasma. 

Retinoid Creams

Retinoids may be some of the oldest tricks in the skincare book, but they’re some of the most effective ones too! Thanks to their vitamin A based molecular structure, they have the ability to penetrate deep into the dermis in order to treat the skin within the innermost layers. While you can safely purchase retinoid creams over the counter, you should always consult your dermatologist first for a stronger prescription, in case you need one. 

The biggest benefit of using retinoids is that they are generally safe for most skin types and are also amazing for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. 

Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you want to treat your hyperpigmentation while also restoring your skin to its original wrinkle-free plumpness, you’ll love laser skin resurfacing. 

This revolutionary procedure removes skin layer by layer with optimal precision. As a result, new skin cells will form, providing you with a tighter and younger-looking appearance. Two types of laser skin resurfacing include:

• Ablative Laser Resurfacing 

The two common types of ablative laser skin resurfacing are Erbium YAG lasers and CO2 lasers. These procedures are specially formulated to ablate the superficial layers of the epidermis in order to reveal the skin underneath. 

Erbium lasers promote the production of collagen for an overall plump and smooth appearance of the skin. While CO2 lasers are designed to eliminate layers of the skin on the face, neck, chest, and hands. 

• Non-Ablative Laser Treatment 

The common types of non-ablative laser treatment are Laser Genesis, Fraxel, and Fraxel Clear + Brilliant. They work by stimulating the production of collagen to improve the appearance of the skin. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Formulated with strong concentrations of acid, they are perfectly equipped to treat hyperpigmentation. The three most common types of chemical peels include:

• Superficial Chemical Peels

Superficial peels work by using mild acids, such as alpha-hydroxy for gentle exfoliation of the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). This type of chemical peel is best used for treating fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin tones. 

• Medium Chemical Peels 

If you’re looking for a deeper treatment that reaches the middle layers of the dermis, medium chemical peels are a stronger acidic solution for more pronounced skin concerns. This classification is best for eliminating damaged skin cells. 

• Deep Chemical Peels 

This hardcore class of chemical peels is ideal for penetrating the deeper layers of the skin in order to remove damaged skin cells. Typically containing phenol or trichloroacetic acid, a deep peel should only be performed once to see results. 

Microdermabrasion  

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive beauty treatment with little to no downtime. After immersing the skin in a rejuvenating exfoliation procedure, patients will experience smoother and brighter skin, free of hyperpigmentation, acne, scars, stretch marks, and fine lines. 

Purchase your next Microdermabrasion treatment through Harmony MedSpa’s secure booking system!

How To Prevent Hyperpigmentation

These essential tips will help prevent and protect your skin from hyperpigmentation:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). In the event that you need to be out during these hours, try to walk in the shade, wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Nothing is too extreme when protecting your skin.  

• Refrain from touching your skin too often. Frequently scratching or picking at pimples, insect bites, or rashes could result in inflammation and eventually lead to darker pigments forming on your face. In line with this, always apply skincare products and makeup with freshly washed and dried hands. 

• Always remove your makeup and keep your skin clean. It’s so easy to just fall asleep when you’re exhausted without removing your makeup, washing your face, and moisturizing, but these three elements are essential in preventing acne, hyperpigmentation, and other adverse skin conditions. 

Say Goodbye to Hyperpigmentation with Harmony MedSpa

Hyperpigmentation can get in the way of your beautiful radiant skin. Break free from this concern with the expertise provided at Harmony MedSpa. Your beauty and wellness goals are in good hands with our wide range of advanced non-surgical procedures and treatment options.

At Harmony MedSpa, it’s bye-bye blemishes and hello, vibrant skin! Give us a call to book your way to pristine skin today.