Removal of Skin Hyperpigmentation

Removal of Skin Hyperpigmentation

Skin hyperpigmentation refers to the dark patches on your skin resulting from excess production of melanin. A bunch of factors can cause these dark patches to appear – hormone fluctuations, sun damage, and acne scars, among others.

This is one of the most prevalent skin problems worldwide, affecting millions of people. So, needless to say, there are a bunch of treatments available in today’s world to tackle this skin condition. Some are traditional methods, while others are up-and-coming unconventional methods that are being adopted for their beneficial effect.

Possible Causes

The common known cause of hyperpigmentation is excess melanin. Melanin is a pigment that provides color to your skin. There are several factors that can alter the melanin’s production in the body, such as:

• Some medicines
• Excessive sun exposure
• Pregnancy
• Addison’s disease
• Hormone imbalance

Risk Factor

The risk factors associated with hyperpigmentation depends on the type of disorder you have:

• Darker skin type more prone to pigmentation
• Medicines that lead to sensitivity to light
• Superficial injuries
• Use oral contraceptive

Sign & Symptoms

The main symptoms of hyperpigmentation are quite evident: darkened areas on the skin and dark patches that may vary in size. They may appear anywhere on your body.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of hyperpigmentation, the dermatologist may request your medical history and conduct a physical exam with a handheld tool. The doctor sometimes recommends blood tests for checking any anomalies. Rarely may your doctor suggest a skin biopsy.

Treatment Options at 7DMC

Most of the methods mentioned above need expert supervision because of the meticulous steps involved. This is why you need to book an appointment at a certified skincare clinic where you would be able to consult with dermatologists before moving on with the treatment that would suit your hyperpigmentation the best. Some of the prescribed treatments for hyperpigmentation are:

• Lightening Creams: Dozens of brands of lightening creams are available as over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Made with selected ingredients, these creams help in decreasing pigmentation. Applying them once or twice a day can help you see the results over a period of time.

Usually, the most common ingredients seen in these creams (some are available in gel form as well) are vitamin B3 (niacinamide), licorice extract, hydroquinone, and n-acetylglucosamine.

• Retinoid: Retinoids are derived from vitamin A are known for their extraordinary molecular structure, which is so small that it allows them to penetrate deep into your skin and work on layers under your epidermis.
• IPL Therapy: IPL therapy stands for Intense Pulse Light therapy. It is a non-ablative (fractional) form of laser treatment, that helps in boosting the production of collagen in your dermis. It should be noted that you would have to undergo several sessions to see the final result. It is also known as photo facial.
• Dermabrasion: It is a medical procedure that involves the removal of your epidermis. Although it is mostly used for addressing wrinkles, it has shown tremendous effects in answering texture-based issues. The best aspect of this procedure is that it shows the final result relatively faster than most other treatments. In this procedure, your dermatologist would remove your epidermis and the top portion of your dermis using a handheld tool that has a wire brush or some sort of abrasive attachment.
• Microdermabrasion: Very much like dermabrasion, as you can guess by its name, microdermabrasion is used to treat hyperpigmentation that affects only your epidermis region. This in-office method is carried out in a similar fashion as that of dermabrasion. A drill-like handheld tool is used to remove your epidermis. The tool has an abrasive attachment or a wire brush that is swiped across your face.
• Chemical Peel: In this method, acids with strong concentrations are used to treat hyperpigmentation. It addresses your epidermis, although stronger versions may penetrate to your dermis, resulting in more dramatic results.

If not done from professional spaces, these can have adverse effects on your skin, leading to permanent damage. Therefore, practice caution and undergo these procedures at only medical institutes such as 7DMC.