4 TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION

 

Just because you have hyperpigmentation doesn’t mean you are stuck with it. Hyperpigmentation has a variety of causes and with modern technology, there is a strong possibility you can say goodbye to it forever!

Keep in mind that if you really want to try these techniques to diminish any hyperpigmentation you may have, wearing sunscreen daily is imperative! Otherwise, you run the risk of the spots coming back.

 

4 Types of Hyperpigmentation and What to Do About It:

 

1. Clusters of Brown Spots = Freckles

Whether you got them as a child or developed them later on in life, freckles don’t have to be part of your complexion if you don’t want them to be. Freckles are small and flat. They can vary in color from brown to red to tan and can be found on any part of the body that’s exposed to the sun, like the face, nose, shoulders and chest.

 

2. Large, Dark Patches = Melasma

More commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma is one of the harder types of hyperpigmentation to correct because it is tied to estrogen and progesterone (found in birth control pills) and can affect the deep dermal layers of the skin. This type really tends to “pop” out when exposed to sunlight.

 

3. Dark Spots After Acne Breakouts = Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Long after a breakout has healed, the effects may hang around with red or brown spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You may notice spots that can be brown, red or pink. Unlike acne scars, PIH is not pitted or depressed — the skin is still smooth to the touch. The more inflamed the breakout (think cystic acne, pustules or red bumps) the darker the spot; spots that fade in days or weeks contain less inflammation. The darker the scar, the longer it will take to heal.

 

4.Isolated Dark Spots = Sunspots

Sunspots are appropriately named as they are caused by prolonged sun exposure over extended periods of time. In more mature skin, sunspots may be accompanied by skin that has a crinkly texture. Sunspots vary in size and color—they can be dark brown or gray, or almost black, and are usually flat, but bigger than a freckle. They’re normally found on the hands, sides of the face, chest and neck, and any other part of the body been exposed to the sun on a regular basis

 

What can be done? These 3 treatments will help make sure you aren’t seeing spots in the near future!

 

 

1. Chemical Peels and Light Treatments

These are slightly aggressive procedures that utilize either chemicals or intense pulsed light technology to remove the top layer of discolored skin. Some treatments can be uncomfortable and your skin will be red and flaky for a few days. Both can also be effectively used to treat sun spots on the hands and chest as well as the face.

 

2. Enlighten Skin Brightener

This targeted treatment is formulated to even pigment coloration and brighten the skin’s appearance. Naturally occurring Kojic acid and L-Arbutin botanical ingredients in this lightweight formula work to reduce discoloration associated with sun exposure and aging without irritation. Use of this product for a couple of weeks prior to any facial procedure can also significantly reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

 

3. Ablative Laser Treatments

Stubborn or deep spots may need to be broken up by creating microscopic wounds with an ablative laser. Your skin will turn dark for seven to 10 days before healing and flaking off. Darker skin tones may experience blistering or discoloration, so be sure to consult with your skin care professional about the right treatment for you skin.

 

As always, healthy skin is better skin. Taking care of it is easy with Theraderm's Skin Renewal System.