Tackling Hyperpigmentation
A leopard can’t change its spots, but with the right guidance, you can tackle your skin’s hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is characterized by the darkening of certain areas of the skin, a common concern that can affect a variety of skin types and tones. Whether caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, post-acne, or inflammation, hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat on your own. Fortunately, advanced skincare treatments and products are available to help you achieve a more even and radiant complexion.
Laser: BBL/MOXI
Laser is one of the most effective ways to tackle hyperpigmentation. Sciton’s BBL Hero modality addresses sun spots, age spots, and rosacea through intense pulsed light. Within the next several days, your body’s natural healing process will remove the pigmented cells and replace them with fresh, new cells.
MOXI laser is an incredible treatment for all skin types and tones, year round. It is one of the few effective and safe treatments for melasma, which is notoriously difficult to treat. It harnesses fractionated waves to create micro-injuries (MENDS), kickstarting your body's natural healing process. This offers gentle resurfacing, removing unwanted pigment as the MENDS slowly slough off.
Depending on your skin type, you can “stack” BBL and MOXI treatments for the ultimate resurfacing and glow.
Chemical Peels
Regular professional chemical peels can correct pigmentation by through chemical exfoliation of the top layers of skin to reveal brighter skin underneath.
The Perfect Derma is a medium-depth peel that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation – including Melasma. It is the only peel on the market with the powerful antioxidant Glutathione, plus a blend of other acids, powerful antioxidants, and peptides including trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, retinoic acid, kojic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. Within a few days of treatment, thin sheets of the outer layer of the skin - the epidermis - painlessly start to peel off. Once the shedding is complete, you will see brighter, smoother skin with reduced pigmentation.
Skincare
Using the right skincare is a powerful tool to treat and prevent melasma. Here are our recommendations for those prone to hyperpigmentation:
Skinbetter’s Even Tone Serum is like an Instagram filter in a bottle! It is a lightweight, multi-action skin tone serum formulated to combat the appearance of brown patches, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory spots from acne, and discoloration without hydroquinone. If used before laser treatments, it can help “prep” the skin and enhance your results.
Biologique Recherche’s PIGM 400 line is specially formulated for pigmentation – with a collection of an exfoliating toner (the famous Lotion p50!), targeted serum, and a moisturizing creme. Crème PIGM 400 is a popularly recommended product with a concentrate of active ingredients that brightens and protects skin, while reducing the appearance of dark spots. Both a preventive and corrective treatment, it reduces the intensity of existing pigment spots and prevents the appearance of new blemishes. The complexion becomes more radiant, and skin is more uniform with a beautiful pearlescent finish.
UV damage can cause and worsen sun spots and melasma. Protecting your skin daily with sunscreen is essential to prevent pigmentation and sun damage. With so many elegant formulations on the market, there’s no excuse to skip. For the best protection, opt for at least SPF 30+ with mineral UV protection with zinc and/or titanium dioxide. Some of our favorites include Skinbetter ToneSmart SPF 75 Lotion, Alastin Hydratint, and the Skinbetter ToneSmart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact. For sheer protection on-the-go, the Skinbetter sunscreen stick is convenient (and perfect for kids, too).
Treating pigmentation issues requires a holistic approach with a professional who can identify the cause of hyperpigmentation, and recommend the best course of action. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our experienced estheticians and laser specialists in South Tampa or Plant City.