There is a common misconception when it comes to discoloration and hyperpigmentation – that it will resolve itself and fade away without any treatment. While there is some degree of truth to this and certain types of pigmentation do lighten over time, such as types caused by acne, none ever truly fade away without intervention.
In order to permanently do away with hyperpigmentation, you will need to use products with powerful active ingredients and visit a professional skin clinic for hyperpigmentation treatments. Both of these options will give you results far superior to the final result you would achieve by either doing nothing or simply using an over-the-counter treatment.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that affects millions of people the world over and is usually harmless. Characterized by patches of skin becoming darker, the condition is caused by an overproduction of melanin, either in response to excessive sun exposure or as the result of another skin condition – typically, acne.
As we age, most people will develop so-called liver spots. Also known as sunspots, they are caused by overexposure to the sun over the years, making it one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. For those with darker skin tones, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is also a common occurrence. This form of hyperpigmentation develops secondary to another skin disorder or following damage to the skin either from an injury or as the result of a medical procedure.
Treating Light Discoloration
When it comes to hyperpigmentation, the treatment plan must carefully be tailored to the severity of the case. After all, a minimally invasive procedure won’t be effective on serious hyperpigmentation issues, while more intense treatments will be overkill for lighter and smaller areas of discoloration.
To address light discoloration and mild cases of hyperpigmentation, a straightforward treatment like microdermabrasion will be ideal. Although it will have minimal effect on deeper damage, it’s regularly used in the treatment of sunspots, especially if these are light in color and few in number.
Treating Severe Cases of Hyperpigmentation
Acids are usually the first course of treatment recommended to patients suffering from severe cases of hyperpigmentation. In a professional environment, the strength of these acids can be adjusted on a case by case basis. However, their effectiveness is also what makes acids an incredibly harsh treatment option.
To address more severe cases of hyperpigmentation, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation without using harsh acids or chemical peels, instead, look for a clinic that offers the Marine Peel Treatment. This all-natural treatment uses powerful marine and botanical actives to effectively treat hyperpigmentation without the side effects associated with traditional peels and acids. Rather than working against your skin, it works with it to address pigmentation issues in a way that suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, and darker skin tones which require a gentler approach to avoid causing any further pigmentation issues.
Treating Sun Damage
Sun damage is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation and can be notoriously stubborn. To effectively lighten discoloration caused by sun damage, professionals will often use IPL in combination with some of the treatments we have already mentioned above. By using multiple treatment types, discoloration can be addressed both on the surface of the skin and on the deeper levels.
Professional Hyperpigmentation Treatments – Aftercare
Once you have started a professional treatment plan for your hyperpigmentation, the last thing you want is to cause further damage, or do anything that will impact the effectiveness of them. No matter what type of hyperpigmentation treatment you have opted for, it is vital that you wear sunscreen every day. Many of these treatments can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, causing further pigmentation issues if you do not take extra steps to shield your skin from the sun, and the UV damage it can cause.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
