Non-Invasive Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Everybody dreams of having smooth, even skin. Different conditions can make this hard, with spots, patches and blemishes ruining your skin. One of the most bothersome skin conditions to treat is hyperpigmentation, which can make having beautiful skin without makeup seem impossible. 

Nevertheless, our board-certified cosmetic dermatologist disagrees. Managing and treating hyperpigmentation, whatever the cause, is possible.

[Learn more about our in-house Dermatologist Dr. Alberto de la Fuente Garcia]

For every skin condition bothering you, our dermatologist might have a solution. In this article, we are going to share with you the best treatments for hyperpigmentation directly from a skincare expert!

What is hyperpigmentation? 

According to our dermatologist, the first step to treating hyperpigmentation is to understand it.

Hyperpigmentation happens when your skin produces extra melanin, creating dark spots or patches of skin. The type and length of treatment for hyperpigmentation patients changes, depending on your skin. The causes of hyperpigmentation are varied, however, the most common are: 

• Sun exposure. When you stay under the sun without adequate protection for too long, your skin’s defense mechanism is to produce extra melanin. 
• Medications. Some prescription medications can trigger hyperpigmentation, causing your skin to develop dull patches of skin. 
• Inflammation of the skin. If you have acne, scars, eczema or lupus, your skin gets inflamed. Once the inflammation of the skin has passed, your skin’s reaction can be to darken. 
• Melasma. Hormonal changes, like the ones experienced during pregnancy, can cause your skin to produce more melanin.

Hyperpigmentation is extremely common and can affect people of all ages and skin tones.

Treating Hyperpigmentation: creams, lasers and everything in between

First things first: your dermatologist needs to check your skin and medical history in order to determine what’s causing the hyperpigmentation. Once this is determined, the doctor will prescribe the best treatment for you, to not only improve the symptoms but also identify and treat the root problem.

Let’s go over some of the most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation.

Topical treatments: chemicals, acids and retinoids.

A prescription treatment.

Your dermatologist might prescribe a topical treatment, such as a lightening cream, retinoids or face acids that penetrate and gently exfoliate your skin. By applying these topical treatments, your hyperpigmentation can become milder or even disappear. These treatments are best for patients with mild hyperpigmentation and with no other identified medical causes.

Chemical peels.

If you have tried over-the-counter and at-home acids on your skin with no results, a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist is a more effective treatment. A chemical peel uses different acids to deeply exfoliate and remove the epidermis or dermis, the superficial or middle layers of the skin.  Chemical peels are best for treating the following forms of hyperpigmentation: sun damage, melasma and age spots. Check out our other dermatology services here.

Laser and IPL Treatments

If you want the most advanced technology to treat your hyperpigmentation, talk to your surgeon about an in-office procedure such as laser skin resurfacing or fractional laser treatment. These treatments usually require 2 to 3 sessions but yield the best and longest-lasting results while also allowing your dermatologist to constantly monitor your skin’s progress.

Laser peel or laser skin resurfacing.

With the use of a targeted laser beam, your dermatologist can remove the outer layers of the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. Some lasers have the added benefit of promoting collagen growth and tightening the skin. There are different lasers, ablative and non-ablative, and each has a different intensity. Given the versatility of laser treatments for hyperpigmentation, your dermatologist needs to asses the cause first and decide which would be the best laser for your skin.

Photofacials or IPL.

IPL, or intense pulse lighting therapy, is a type of non-ablasive laser treatment that is gentle for sensitive or irritated skins. IPL treatments are incredibly effective because they target the middle layer (dermis) of the skin without affecting the epidermis. When you receive IPL treatment, the pigment cells of your skin absorb the laser and convert it into heat that clears the excess pigment.  IPL also stimulates collagen growth, reducing sun damage, enlarged pores and fine lines. Patients with fair skin that irritates easily might benefit greatly from IPL.

What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?

The best hyperpigmentation treatment for you is best determined by a dermatologist. For pricing and other info, visit here.

Call VIDA Wellness and Beauty at 619 738-2144 to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dermatologist. Dr. Alberto de la Fuente will create an effective treatment plan for your hyperpigmentation and give you the even-toned skin you want.

Our experts know the best and most effective treatments to make your skin healthy and beautiful!