Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term that covers different skin conditions characterized by patches of skin becoming noticeably darker than the surrounding skin of the same area. Hyperpigmentation is at the heart of many common skin conditions, including:

• Age spots – Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, age spots are usually brown, tan, or black spots that appear on the skin after repeated sun exposure.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Often associated with acne, PIH is characterized by darkened spots and patches on the skin. It often appears after an inflammatory skin condition or trauma such as acne, eczema, scratches, and insect bites.
• Melasma – Melasma consists of brown patches that frequently appear on the face. Hormonal fluctuations are a common culprit, which is why this condition is common in women, especially during pregnancy. Melasma usually produces a pattern on the face and often appears on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip, and typically worsens with sun exposure.

There is no cure for hyperpigmentation. Our goal is to achieve as much sustained lightening as possible with our combination regimen.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation in the skin is caused by an increase in melanin, the body’s natural pigment that is responsible for the color of human skin, hair, and eyes. There are several factors that can alter melanin production in the body:

• Hyperpigmentation can be caused by various drugs. Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, antiarrhythmics, and antimalarial drugs can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
• Changing hormone levels during pregnancy can also affect melanin production in some women.Addison’s disease, a rare endocrine disease, may cause a greater production of melanin and hyperpigmentation, which can become more obvious in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and hands.
• Age spots, freckles, and other dark skin patches also become more pronounced when exposed to the sun. Melanin absorbs the UV rays’ energy in order to protect the skin from overexposure, leading to overproduction and darkening of skin patches.

Lasers use targeted light beams to reduce hyperpigmentation. Ablative lasers work by removing layers of the skin, while non-ablative devices target the dermis to promote collagen production. These lasers stimulate the growth of new skin cells, helping to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

• Clear + Brilliant® is a type of fractional laser, similar to Fraxel®, that creates thousands of tiny pinpoint beams of laser energy to penetrate skin and stimulate the skin’s regenerative process from within.
• Clear + Brilliant Perméa is a gentle fractional laser treatment that helps diminish and reduce the appearance of melasma, skin pigmentation & discoloration, fine lines, shrink pores, and improve texture & tone.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – Also known as a photofacial, help to restore your skin to its natural beauty.
• Chemical peels – Acid solutions exfoliate the skin by removing the outermost layers of skin to reveal healthier and clearer skin below. These treatments come in a variety of depths, which can address a wide range of concerns and goals.