What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin become darker than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the upper layers of the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells known as melanocytes. There are various forms of hyperpigmentation, including age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Signs of hyperpigmentation can include:
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- Dark patches of the skin (may be brown, black, or blue-grey)
- Uneven skin tone across the face or body
- Sun spots or freckles that darken from sun exposure
- Discoloration after inflammation (such as acne)
- Melasma
- Darkening in folds or creases of skin
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a long-lasting skin condition and form of hyperpigmentation that leads to symmetrical brown patches, known as melasma lesions, typically appearing on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip, though it may develop on other parts of the body as well. Factors like UV rays, heat, and visible light can worsen the condition. Hormonal influences, including pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy, and IUDs, are also common triggers.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to an excess of melanin production in specific areas of the skin. There are several factors or conditions that can alter melanin in the body. These include excessive sun exposure, skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations due to pregnancy, and certain medical conditions, such as Addison’s disease, which can produce hyperpigmentation.
Overall risk factors for skin pigmentation patches may include:
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- Pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
- Darker skin types, which are more prone to pigmentation changes
- Drugs that may increase sensitivity to sunlight
- Trauma to the skin, such as acne scars, wounds, or superficial burns
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Preventing Hyperpigmentation & Melasma
There are various steps individuals can take to prevent future hyperpigmentation, including daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against UV light, wearing sun-protective clothing when outdoors, and following a consistent skincare routine that includes antioxidants to brighten the skin and combat free radicals, which can worsen hyperpigmentation. Patients should also avoid picking at acne, bug bites, or skin injuries to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation & Melasma Treatment Options
It is important to be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to first accurately diagnose the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation before pursuing any treatments or products. At UnionDerm, we offer a selection of cutting-edge laser therapy treatments to combat hyperpigmentation for a more evenly toned complexion. Lasers are chosen for treating melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation to selectively target pigment in the skin and stimulate pigment removal.
VI Peel
The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel designed to improve pigmentation concerns, including melasma. It works by exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover, which helps to lighten dark patches over time. The peel contains a blend of ingredients such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C, which work together to break up pigment and stimulate collagen production. This chemical peel treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with melasma because it penetrates deep into the skin without excessive irritation, making it safe for various skin types.
Clear + Brilliant/Permea
Our dermatologists will often recommend the Permea treatment, which is part of the Clear + Brilliant laser system. This gentle fractional laser treatment targets pigmentation and improves skin tone and texture. The unique Permea handpiece is created for brighter, more even skin tone and enhanced skin permeability. The Permea treatment can be performed along with Skinceuticals C E Ferulic antioxidant for a synergistic effect, which takes advantage of the increased skin permeability to achieve optimal benefits.
Fraxel
Fraxel Dual is a more intensive fractional laser treatment that resurfaces the skin by creating microscopic injuries, stimulating collagen production, and accelerating the skin’s natural healing process. It effectively reduces hyperpigmentation by targeting damaged pigment cells while improving overall skin texture and tone. It is particularly useful for treating sun damage, age spots, and melasma.
PicoWay Resolve
The PicoWay Resolve uses ultra-short pulses to shatter pigment particles in the skin, making it an excellent option for stubborn hyperpigmentation, melasma, and age spots. Unlike traditional lasers, its rapid energy delivery minimizes heat damage, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making it a great choice for darker skin tones.
Schedule a Consultation
Individuals who are interested in treating hyperpigmentation for a more evenly toned complexion should contact UnionDerm today. Our team of board-certified dermatologists is dedicated to providing individualized treatment for each of our melasma patients at any of our four locations: Union Square, Central Park, The Hamptons, and Greenwich, CT.
