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One of the most common complaints that we tend to see in our clinic, aside from aging concerns, is typically related to pigmentation. This is something that almost every person deals with in some aspect – some worse than others. We’re here to tell you all the good (and bad) when it comes to all things pigment!
So what can cause hyperpigmentation?
There can be various causes of hyperpigmentation. Some are out of our control unfortunately. These are typically going to be related to genetics, hormones, pregnancy, aging, or just your skin type. The other causes of pigment that we can control include sun exposure, lifestyle, skin care products, and spf usage (or lack-there-of).
The good news about hyperpigmentation —
So the good news is, whether your pigment is related to causes outside of your control or a combination of all of the above, we have treatment options!
The basis for any aesthetic routine is going to start with good medical grade skincare. This could be an entire blog in itself but let’s just say that we have many options to help build a routine for general skin health and to target pigment more specially. I actually recommend that patients start a medical grade skin care routine at least one month before having a procedure done if possible to help prep the skin.
Aside from skin care, we have a few treatment options related specifically to pigment. The two most common treatment options that we suggest are laser treatments or chemical peels.
Laser
The laser that I tend to lean towards when discussing treatment options with patients is going to be our Lutronic Ultra laser. I like to say that this laser does just about everything except treat redness. (We have a laser that does this and can be used in conjunction just FYI!) This laser works by creating microchannels in the skin that penetrate the superficial dermis (where all the good anti-aging stuff happens, and where pigment lives.) Helloooo collagen! In short terms – this laser will help with all things anti-aging, texture related, and also works to help with melasma, freckles, sun spots, and more! We can customize this treatment to be more aggressive for more severe pigment or aged skin, or do a lighter treatment for those who just need a fresh pick me up.
Chemical peels
We carry a medical grade chemical peel called the VIPeel. Medical grade peels are going to be stronger than other traditional peels and give you some extra great benefits! VIPeel has two peels that are specially related to pigment – the VIPeel Purify with precision plus, and the VIPeel precision plus. The only difference between the two is that the purify is catered to more acneic or oily skin that also struggles with pigment. These chemical peels work by soaking through and going down to the superficial dermis layer of the skin (where collagen stimulation occurs), and this is where we get our anti-aging and textural benefits. The peel also contains different acids and Enzymes that are specific to helping lighten and or prevent new pigment from coming up.
The not so good news about hyperpigmentation —
The not so good news about pigment is that pigment is stubborn. It seems to show up overnight but it typically takes multiple treatments to help get it under control. We recommend a series of at least three treatments with both our chemical peels and laser treatments. Sometimes one series of treatments gets patients’ pigment under control but oftentimes we still have people come in for routine maintenance appointments throughout the year. Along with this, controlling pigment is going to be a full time commitment on your end. We recommend staying on a medical grade skin care routine to help get the best benefits from your treatments and prevent further pigment from occurring, and also being diligent about your SPF wear and being smart when you are out in the sun.
So what do I do next?
If you are curious which option may be best for you – or even if you are a candidate for either – we recommend coming in for a free consultation. While both treatments are typically good options for most people, there may be an option that is better for you and your skin type, your schedule, or your overall goals! We would love to help come up with a treatment plan specifically designed for you and your goals!
Wear that SPF, girl
XOXO,
Claire Cross, NP
