Hyperpigmentation Treatment - 5 Treatment Options Available
Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin, which typically results from increased melanin
. It can occur for people with all skin types and complexions. Hyper-pigmentation can be caused by many factors such as drug reactions, excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, heredity, acne or mechanical exfoliation techniques.Typically, hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition and sometimes resolves on its own; however, should it be too aesthetically damaging for you, the following treatment options can provide some relief. Here are some treatment options available for Hyperpigmentation, including the following.
1. Bleaching cream
Bleaching creams are designed to lighten the discolored spots on the skin. Some over the counter creams are available. Doctors can also prescribe certain drug treatments both to help prevent hyperpigmentation and to help reduce the visual discoloration that occurs.
Over-the-counter creams typically contain hydroquinone in a two percent formula, while prescription creams may contain tretinoin or a mix of medications such as hydroquinone, tertinoin and cortisone cream. Other possible ingredients include kojic acid and azelaic acid. The creams may require months of use, and are generally not as effective as other treatments. Possible side effects include localized redness and dryness of the skin, accompanied by a peeling of the skin.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a mini procedure that involves the skin being sandblasted by aluminum oxide crystals, vitamin C crystals and other types of mild abrasives to remove the horny (top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is usually done to the face, chest, neck, hands or arms. It is more affordable than cosmetic surgery, has fewer side effects and is effective on all skin types and colours . Microdermabrasion is however only effective in mild cases of hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
3. Chemical peels
A chemical peel is a procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the skin. The procedure is most commonly performed on the face, neck and hands. A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin and the chemical is left to soak into the pores. The chemical used for the peel causes the skin to blister and over the next 14 days the skin will eventually peel off.
The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks, increased pain, and longer healing time.
4. Laser skin resurfacing
Laser resurfacing involves a high-powered laser to remove the skin discoloration. This treatment penetrates deeper into the skin, removing multiple layers as opposed to just surface layers of epidermis. The recovery period is likely to be longer than with standard laser treatment, lasting up to three weeks or longer and often accompanied by redness that could last for months.
5. Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) uses intense broadband visible light in the 500-1200nm range, that is emitted from a nonlaser filtered flashlamp in pulses. The light which is applied to the target area is absorbed by the cells that have a greater intensity of colour or chromophores (parts of a molecule responsible for its colour) i.e. the hyperpigmented area. This light energy is converted to heat energy which causes damage to the target cells thus causing the break-up of the hyperpigmented area. The use of filters in IPL therapy enables different wavelengths to be applied to the target area and therefore allows optimum wavelength to be selected for effectiveness against different target cells. The advantage of this therapy is that recovery time is quite fast as only the dermis (lower surface) of the skin is targeted. It has shown to be effective against such pigmentation as refactory melasma (darkened brown patches), ephelides (freckles) and solar lentigines (liver spots). IPL therapy can be obtained from clinics.
Many treatment options are available to hyperpigmentation treatment. Discuss all these options in depth with your dermatologist to find out what type treatment is right for you.
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