Hyperpigmentation: Excess Melanin
Symptoms
Hyperpigmentation is the production of excess melanin (melanocytes) causing dark spots on the skin. Age spots, liver spots, freckles, sun spots and melasma are all types of hyperpigmentation. There are several treatments available to reduce or remove the darker skin while improving overall skin tone to mitigate this issue.
Causes
Hyperpigmentation can be the result of an injury or trauma to the skin. For example a cut will heal, but in its place pigment has darkened. This is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In some instances, the injury can result in hypopigmentation, the absence of melanin in the given area. As we age, the uneven appearance of our skin can be a combination of both hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
How we treat it
There is not a one size fits all plan to address hyperpigmentation. Variables may include the natural melanin content of skin or skin type, the darkness of the pigmented lesions themselves, level of sun exposure and if the pigmentation is hormonally driven. Fortunately, Mad Peaches addresses all these factors through BBL, profractional laser and microlaser skin peels.
In darker skin types, as well as melasma, hydroquinone is often temporarily prescribed. Hydroquinone could be described as a sleeping pill for the melanocytes. The solution keeps the melanocytes dormant during the treatment process to avoid exacerbating the hyperpigmentation. Keeping the riled up melanocytes calm using hydroquinone allows successful results.
BroadBand Light
BroadBand Light (BBL) works by removing the melanin from the vessel itself, essentially removing the root cause of what is creating the hyperpigmentation. After the BBL treatment, the pigmentation will darken immediately within 24 to 48 hours afterwards. Depending on the treatment area, in approximately a week, this pigmentation will slough off to reveal a more balanced appearing skin. For deeper pigmented lesions, it can take more than one treatment to remove. For skin that is a combination of both hyper and hypo pigmentation, BBL will even the disparities of pigment in skin. The end result is an even skin tone and more youthful skin.
ProFractional Laser
This laser puts small holes into the skin to break up pigmentation. It can be thought of as aerating your skin, which allows the melanin to escape from the vessel. ProFractional is typically used in conjunction with hydroquinone for the span of the treatments. This is an ideal option for patients with melasma or scars.
Chemical Peels
We have a variety of peels that can combat fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, layer upon layer of dead skin is present in the epidermal layer or surface of the skin. Over time, this creates a lackluster appearance in comparison to the glow of youthful skin. Chemical and laser keratolytics are able to effectively remove the layers of dead skin, allowing your natural glow to come through. We offer a no obligation consult with one of our skincare specialists, allowing you to be able to articulate which treatment is best for your complexion and goals.
I have been going to Mad Peaches for over 5 years now, bouncing in between various treatments like exilis, pro fractional and SculpSure. All of the ladies seem very knowledgeable of the science behind each procedure and have me walking out feeling better and confident after each visit!! (View more of our Yelp Reviews)