A Look at Hyperpigmentation Treatments That Really Work

Categories
Med Spa Blog Tone + Texture

Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of your skin look darker than its natural tone. Factors that can cause hyperpigmentation include too much sun exposure, acne scarring, and wounds that haven’t entirely healed. Darker spots on the face can cause anxiety and embarrassment, but there are effective treatment options. Read on to learn about hyperpigmentation and see which treatments might work best for your skin.

Understanding Hyperpigmentation

There are a few different types of hyperpigmentation, all of which can affect individuals of all skin types. Understanding the cause of your darkened patches of skin can help guide you to the most effective treatment option. For this reason, it’s beneficial to seek professional skin care that utilizes a holistic approach. At Vitality Wellness Clinic, we blend the principles of naturopathic medicine with cutting edge skin care solutions, so you can experience a more complete approach to your dermatological care. We won’t simply mask cosmetic skin concerns. We will take a deep dive into your total health and wellness to identify the root causes of those skin concerns. Then, we can develop a customized treatment plan for results that last.

When it comes to hyperpigmentation, the first step is identifying which type of hyperpigmentation you’re dealing with. Here’s a closer look at the three most common types we treat:

  • Melasma – Melasma can cause larger patches of darkened skin that are attributed to the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, menopause, or the use of hormonal birth control. Melasma is usually seen on the face and belly, and it will often respond to topical treatments. However, you may benefit from hormone balancing therapies as well, such as the use of supplements or a hormone detox. In some cases, melasma does go away on its own following pregnancy.
  • Sunspots – Sunspots, also called liver spots or age spots, are small, darkened spots of skin seen in areas frequently exposed to the sun. They’re typically harmless, but they may pose a cosmetic concern because people often associate them with age.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Injuries and inflammation can trigger excess melanin production in affected areas. For example, acne can be a cause of hyperpigmentation. In addition, some medications can trigger an inflammatory immune response that causes dark spots to appear.

Treating and Preventing Hyperpigmentation

Because hyperpigmentation is so often related to sun exposure, one of the best ways to treat and prevent it is by protecting your skin when you head outdoors. Living in sunny Arizona, this may be a challenge. However, simply finding a daily sunscreen that you enjoy applying to your skin can go a long way. There are also some targeted treatments that can help you even out your skin tone. Here’s a closer look at your options:

  • Wear Sunscreen Every Day. If you’re starting to get dark spots due to too much sun exposure, the answer is in a bottle of sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen every day will help keep you from getting new spots and prevent existing spots from getting larger and darker. Sunscreen blocks the ultraviolet radiation that causes your skin to darken. Always apply a chemical-free (paraben and phthalate-free) SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning. Even if you plan to stay indoors, the sun’s rays are always coming in through windows. Be vigilant in reapplying throughout the day as well. When you do head outdoors, add some extra protection with appropriate clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Try a Healing Facial. Getting a professional facial is a great trick for reducing hyperpigmentation. A skin care professional will know exactly which ingredients and treatments your face needs to heal. At Vitality Wellness Clinic, we offer a wide range of facials to help your skin appear smoother and brighter. For hyperpigmentation, we recommend our Bright & Beautiful HydraFacial. This treatment gently exfoliates the surface of your skin to remove old, dead skin cells. You will walk out with brighter, smoother, replenished skin.
  • Keep Things Topical. For more help reducing dark spots at home, try a topical serum. Vitamin C is a fantastic choice for hyperpigmentation. Apply a Vitamin C serum to your face in the morning and night to help your skin look brighter and more even over time. Products containing topical retinoids may also lighten darkened skin.
  • Consider Laser Skin Care. Laser skin resurfacing is another Med Spa treatment that can yield effective results when treating dark spots. Laser skin care uses light to trigger a healing response deep within the skin. This response heightens collagen production and cell regeneration, so you can expect to see dark spots and freckles fade away in treated areas. In addition, you’ll find that your skin is firmer, smoother, and kissed with a youthful glow after laser treatment.

At Vitality Wellness Clinic, we are experts at treating hyperpigmentation. We are proud to provide hyperpigmentation treatments that really do work. Do you want to book a visit for a facial or skin consultation in Chandler? Please check out our booking page here or call us at (602) 388-1155.