Hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark patches or spots on the skin due to an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. Various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne, and injury to the skin, can trigger it. Typical forms of hyperpigmentation include sunspots, age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. At Art of Skin Dermatology, Tania Cohen, DMSC, PA-C, offers a range of treatments designed to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and help patients achieve more precise, even-toned skin.
Hyperpigmentation can affect any skin type and occur on any part of the body, but it’s most commonly found on the face, hands, and other areas frequently exposed to the sun. Effective treatment options are available to lighten dark spots, minimize discoloration, and restore a more balanced complexion.
Before starting any treatment, a thorough consultation is conducted to assess the cause and severity of the pigmentation. It ensures the treatment plan is customized to meet the patient’s needs.
HOW DO HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENTS WORK?
Various treatments are available to target hyperpigmentation, each designed to reduce excess melanin production and lighten dark spots. The most common approaches include chemical peels, laser therapy, and topical treatments, all of which aim to even out the skin’s tone and improve the skin’s overall texture.
- Chemical Peels: Skin is exfoliated with a chemical solution that exfoliates the outer layer, removing dead skin cells and stimulating cell turnover. The use of chemical peels is effective for reducing sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. The depth of the peel may determine whether patients see significant improvement after one or more sessions.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatments target the deeper layers of the skin by breaking down excess melanin and promoting the body’s natural healing process. This results in gradually fading dark spots and a more uniform complexion. Laser therapy can be customized to treat specific areas or used for larger areas of the skin.
- Topical Treatments: Prescription-strength creams containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C can help lighten hyperpigmentation over time. These treatments inhibit melanin production and encourage cell turnover, resulting in a more even and bright complexion.
Each treatment addresses the root cause of hyperpigmentation—overactive melanin production. By breaking down the pigmented areas and encouraging the skin to renew, these treatments help fade discoloration and promote healthier, clearer skin.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT SESSION?
A hyperpigmentation treatment session begins with a consultation to assess your skin’s condition and discuss your goals. Your provider will evaluate the type and severity of hyperpigmentation to determine the best treatment option.
A solution is applied to the skin for chemical peels to exfoliate the outer layers, stimulating new skin growth. Depending on the strength of the peel, the treatment takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, the skin may be slightly red or flaky as it heals, with results becoming noticeable after it renews itself.
Laser treatments are performed by passing the laser device over the affected areas. It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete the procedure, and patients may feel a mild warming sensation during the procedure. While some redness or swelling may occur post-treatment, most patients resume normal activities shortly after.
For topical treatments, prescription creams are applied daily to the affected areas. These treatments are often used alongside other procedures to enhance results. Over time, they help to lighten dark spots and gradually improve skin tone.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER A HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT?
Depending on the type of procedure, patients may experience mild redness, peeling, or sensitivity in the treated areas after a hyperpigmentation treatment. These temporary effects typically resolve within a few days to a week. Sun protection is essential following any hyperpigmentation procedure, since the skin may be more sensitive to ultraviolet exposure.
Depending on the treatment, results may vary. Chemical peels and laser therapy typically show improvement within a few days to a week as the skin heals and the pigmentation begins to fade. Topical treatments, while slower, gradually lighten over time, with the best results appearing after consistent use.
There may be a need for multiple sessions to achieve the desired results, especially for more profound or more stubborn pigmentation issues. Personalized plans will be developed based on your goals and skin type, ensuring long-lasting results and a smoother, more even complexion.
