There is a common misconception when it comes to discolouration 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 laser skin care 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. Characterised 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 – such as, 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 Discolouration
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 too much for lighter and smaller areas of discolouration.
To address light discolouration and mild cases of hyperpigmentation, a straightforward treatment such as dermabrasion in combination with Zaheda Ultra Light Derma White cream will be ideal. Although it will have minimal effect on deeper damage, it’s regularly used in the treatment of superficial hyperpigmentation such as sunspots, especially if these are light in colour and few in number.
Treating Severe Cases of Hyperpigmentation
Peels are usually the first course of treatment recommended to patients suffering from severe cases of hyperpigmentation. In a professional environment, the strength of these can be adjusted on a case by case basis. However, their effectiveness acid peels are 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 Derma White Treatment. This all-natural treatment uses powerful marine and botanical actives to effectively treat hyperpigmentation without the side effects associated with traditional chemical 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 discolouration 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, discolouration 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.
