Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin grow darker in color than normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when melanocytes (pigment producing cells) over-produce melanin, forming concentrated deposits of brown pigment in the skin. Hyperpigmentation maybe caused by sun damage, inflammation, hormonal changes, or skin injuries (including acne). It can be found anywhere on the body and can affect the skin color of any race.
Age spots (sometimes called “liver spot”) are a common form of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Another form of hyperpigmentation, melasma, is most often caused by hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the “mask of pregnancy” on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas.
Ultraviolet light is a predominant cause of continuing and worsening hyperpigmentation.
Other stimulants include medicines (salicylics like aspirin, antibiotics, and many others), which, when taken over time, can cause an uneven or blotchy skin tone.
This blog will discuss the treatment of these skin conditions that are unsightly but medically benign.
The number one rule in controlling hyperpigmentation is: STAY AWAY FROM ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT! This is much harder to do than you would think. Clients typically tell me “Well, I don’t sunbathe anymore.” However, the kind of ultraviolet light we’re talking about is ANY exposure…the kind you get from simply driving in your car or walking. Even having your bed next to a window (unless curtained) is giving you ultra-violet light on a daily basis. Ultraviolet damage is cumulative, beginning in childhood.
So, aside from staying indoors for the rest of your life, what can you do?
At The Greenwich Medical Skincare & Laser Spa the protocol for hyperpigmentation include a combination of pharmaceutical-grade lightening agents that slows the production of melanin and gradually fade dark spots to match normal skin coloration as well as office peels or light treatment.
COSMELAN Peel – One of our favorite peels, the COSMELAN Peel, reduces the appearance of skin discoloration brought on by hormonal imbalance, photo damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in all skin types. This once-time peel is applied by one of our medical aestheticians and can be left on your skin for up to 10 hours, depending on your skin type. The peel mask is washed off at home at the appropriate given time, and a special cream is applied by you on a scheduled maintenance for the next several months. Improvement can be instantaneous and dramatic…large areas of hyperpigmentation can disappear in less than two weeks!
Obagi NuDerm System – The Obagi Nu-Derm System is a physician-dispensed, prescription strength skincare system that can actually transform your skin at the cellular level. By addressing the signs of photo damage and restoring the healthy function of your skin cells, this system is clinically proven to result in a younger and healthier looking skin.
During the four distinct phases of your skin transformation, daily use of the ingredients in the system will restore cellular turnover, providing noticeable results in a s few as four weeks.
IPL – Known as Intense Pulsed Light, is a revolutionary method of photo rejuvenation that improves your skin’s texture, tone and appearance. A series of IPL photofacial treatments will diminish flushing or redness of the skin associated with Rosacea, reduce hyperpigmentation, sun spots, freckles or liver spots caused by sun damage and age, erase broken capillaries, and smooth roughly textured skin. IPL therapy also stimulates new collagen to form, thereby reducing fine lines, minimizing pore size and mild acne scarring, and increasing skin elasticity.
So, to sum up…..
If hyperpigmentation is something that has been bothering you for a long time, make an appointment at The Greenwich Medical Skincare & Laser Spa for a free consultation to discuss what is the best course of treatment for your skin type and your life style.
There is a younger you inside, let us bring it out.
Karen Costopoulas – Medical Esthetician
Disclaimer: None of the above is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your doctor.
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