Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation post summer sun exposure is always an issue for those that want clear, more youthful skin. Hyperpigmentation affects all skin types and tones and can be seen in many forms such as freckles, sun spots, age spots, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. All forms of hyperpigmentation can cause debilitating distress.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Genetic predisposition, hormonal influence, inflammation or injury to the skin, visible light exposure and heat are triggers for the development of hyperpigmentation.
How to treat hyperpigmentation?
Some forms of hyperpigmentation can be a condition that can wax and wane. Effective management requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach with SPF (photoprotection) as the cornerstone of treatment. Avoiding sun during peak hours, meticulous sun protection and physical barriers such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses is essential. Avoiding sauna or steam should be considered. Prescription triple combination creams using hydroquinone, a retinoid and topical steroid can be effective, particularly in epidermal melasma. This can be irritating to skin so starting slowly is essential. Other topical skin brighteners can be compounded with alternatives to hydroquinone with similar results. In office treatments can involve topical depigmenting compounds to reduce the excess pigmentation in higher layers of the skin, chemical peels to remove pigmentation in middle layers of the skin and laser therapy to remove both superficial and deep layers of pigmentation. Oral medication may also be used.
One of my personal favorites is topical skincare in combination with laser stacking using MOXI with HALO to clear a significant amount of pigmentation with less than a week downtime. Stay tuned to Instagram to see my journey this fall! Whats equally exciting is that we also have the ability to treat body hyperpigmentation too. Treating the body in the fall is optimal to clear skin when there is less exposure to the sun.
And remember, it is best to come in to determine the best course of action needed for optimal results.