Did you know that all people have the same number of melanocytes (cells that produce color) regardless of their skin color? Anyone can suffer from hyperpigmentation, but people of color suffer from it the most.
First, what hyperpigmentation is? Hyperpigmentation is a discoloration of the skin due to increased melanin triggered by inflammation or injury.
There are three main types of hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) caused by an injury or inflammation; Melasma – believed to be caused by hormonal changes and sunspots – caused by the sun and also known as age spots.
1) PIH is the most common type of hyperpigmentation, usually left as a result of acne lesions, ingrown hairs, cuts or burns. In lighter skin tones, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can appear pink or red while sunspots can appear as a light brown color normally on the cheeks and temple area. In darker complexions, hyperpigmentation appears as a darker brown or black color.
2) Melasma is another form of hyperpigmentation which is believed to be caused by hormones and may develop during pregnancy. It is often referred to as a pregnancy mask and normally fades after the baby is born. It can also be hereditary in some ethnicities.
3)Treating hyperpigmentation is a progressive process, incorporating lightening peels, laser facials, a home care routine consisting of AHAs (exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic, mandelic etc.) and lightening agents containing ingredients like kojic acid or hydroquinone which will stop future hyperpigmentation from occurring while prepping the skin for deeper peels.
Home care is essential in targeting any skin concern but with treating hyperpigmentation, you want to push the skin to clear, while not stimulating the melanocytes to produce extra melanin. That is why your lightening agents are so important. We recommend that you do a 90 day cycle of hydroquinone followed by a 90 day cycle of a non-hydroquinone lightening agent like Image Iluma Intense Brightening Serum. Use a hydroquinone serum under the guidance of your esthetician for proper usage.
As always, wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily will help prevent any future hyperpigmentation and also protect the skin from sun damage.Although some people are nervous of getting peels done, it is truly an amazing way to target skin concerns like aging, acne, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. We have extensive training here at Beauty & Skin by Claudia Flynn and tailored progressive skin treatments are our philosophy. We work your skin up slowly to more intensive peels, rather than going gung-ho on the first treatment! We treat all skin types, all concerns and all complexions so you can rest assured that you’re in the best of hands when receiving treatments from us.
Our hyperpigmentation homecare recommendations:
Cleanser: IMAGE Vital C Cleanser (normal-dry), IMAGE Ormedic Cleanser (normal-oily)
AHA exfoliant: IMAGE Ageless cleanser (use 2-3 times a week)
Serum: IMAGE Intense Brightening Serum – use all over face.
SPF: IMAGE Prevention + SPF – choose from matte, hydrating, SPF 50 or Tinted
Night cream: IMAGE Iluma Brightening cream, IMAGE Ormedic Biopeptide cream
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