Concerned about darker patches of skin that have appeared on your face? Worry no more! Hyperpigmentation is common, and can almost always be treated, says Dr. Pooja Malik is medical director and aesthetic medicine physician at Mullica Hill Skincare in Mullica Hill, New Jersey.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of skin start to appear a bit darker than areas of the surrounding skin. The condition is almost always harmless but people consider it to be unsightly. For some, it can be a cause of real distress, especially when it appears on the face.
There are several reasons why people might have darker patches on their skin. Causes of hyperpigmentation include sun damage, allergic reactions, certain medications and hormone imbalances, just to name a few. Hyperpigmentation is more common that you might think, and based on the reason for it, you will need a skin treatment that is right for you.
Light-Based Options
There are several cosmetic ways to help treat hyperpigmentation. Nine times out of 10, it is treated with a light-based technology, such as a Fotofacial (IPL-Intense Pulsed Light) or BBL (Broadband Light). In this case, the light targets the melanin in the skin, and about three to five days after the treatment, some of the hyperpigmentation may get darker and then flake away.
You can also treat some hyperpigmentation with pharmaceutical grade skincare products containing prescription strength hydroquinone (four percent). At Mullica Hill Skincare, we carry Obagi and Glytone products which both contain that ingredient.
Laser Resurfacing
In some cases, if your skin has more damage from hyperpigmentation and needs to be removed through laser peels, then laser resurfacing is used. With this technique, the foremost layers of the damaged skin evaporate and help in revealing fresh and even toned skin.
As a pre-treatment procedure, you can be advised to use hydroquinone creams to avoid excessive hyperpigmentation after the treatment is over. The cause of the hyperpigmentation and the extent of it may dictate which removal method is best for you, so ask your physician or med spa professional for advice.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
