How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Do you have a blotchy skin tone, age spots, or other pigmentation problems? Hyperpigmentation can develop for many reasons, including aging and sun damage. Prevention is the best strategy for hyperpigmentation, but if you already have it, your Essential Med Aesthetics team has the tools to help you treat it. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and works with your lifestyle. 

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a general description of areas of excessive melanin production. These areas may be small, such as sun spots or freckles. They can also cover larger areas of the skin, like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin cells called melanocytes produce melanin, and many factors can cause an increase in their activity, including:

• Pregnancy or hormonal changes
• Inflammation resulting from acne, infections, or other skin conditions
• Aging
• Sun damage
• Medical conditions
• Injuries to the skin
• Medications or conditions that make you sun-sensitive

Sun damage is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation for men and women. Hormonal changes cause many women to experience pigmented areas called melasma. People with severe inflammatory acne are at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Individuals with darker skin are at increased risk of developing hyperpigmentation in response to skin inflammation or injury. 

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation

You can take several steps to prevent yourself from developing hyperpigmentation. Limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen is the most important way to protect yourself. While applying sunscreen as directed can be an annoyance, unprotected sun exposure will inevitably cause skin damage and hyperpigmentation. 

You can also prevent hyperpigmentation by working with a skincare expert to manage conditions like acne that can cause inflammation and skin damage. Inflammatory acne is challenging to treat at home, so we recommend AviClear™. This in-office treatment can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of your breakouts. 

Avoid touching or picking at your skin if you have acne or other skin conditions, even an insect bite. Your fingers can injure the skin and introduce bacteria that cause inflammation. Keeping your skin clean with a dermatologist-recommended cleanser and keeping yourself from touching it are good ways to prevent hyperpigmentation. 

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Unfortunately, not all hyperpigmentation can be prevented. Your Essential Med Aesthetics team has several options to help you treat your hyperpigmentation. 

At-Home Treatments

Mild hyperpigmentation may respond to treatments you can use daily at home, including:

• Retinol
• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Mild acids (glycolic acid, kojic acid
• Arbutin

At-home treatments are not usually strong enough to affect significant hyperpigmentation. We recommend scheduling a consultation if you have tried these methods without success. Our powerful treatments will provide dramatic results you cannot achieve with at-home products. 

Cutera xeo® and excel HR Skin Rejuvenation

These skin rejuvenation lasers trigger new collagen production. They use energy that travels through the outer layers of skin and heats the dermal layer, stimulating cells there to make more collagen. As a result, your skin looks healthier and more even-toned. Repeated treatments increase the rejuvenating power and improve your skin tone. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a customizable way to target hyperpigmentation. They also work for many other skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and tones, chemical peels exfoliate away damaged layers of skin, removing hyperpigmented cells to reveal fresh, undamaged ones. With many chemical peels to choose from, this treatment works for almost anyone. 

Microneedling

Microneedling uses needles to create channels in the skin that trigger a healing response. Along with causing collagen production in the dermis, this treatment signals healthy new skin cells to arrive and heal the areas of damage, leaving skin clearer and brighter. Microneedling is a popular, effective way to achieve skin that looks refreshed and even. 

IPL Photofacial

An IPL Photofacial is one of the most effective ways to treat hyperpigmentation. It can also treat redness, broken capillaries, and other reddish pigmentation problems. It uses broadband light that breaks up pigments to erase melasma, sun damage, and other types of hyperpigmentation. This treatment also reverses signs of aging so that skin looks younger and more even. 

Is There Any Downtime After Hyperpigmentation Treatment?

Most hyperpigmentation treatments have minimal downtime. After any of these treatments, you can usually expect some redness and sensitivity that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. More intensive chemical peels may result in a few days of flaking skin as the damaged layers are shed. We will customize your treatment plan to fit your schedule and lifestyle. 

Wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure after treatment. Lasers and IPL treatments make your skin more sun-sensitive, and UV light will also damage your newly developing collagen and fresh skin cells. If you plan to treat your hyperpigmentation, we will help you develop a plan to protect your skin and keep it from returning. 

How Many Hyperpigmentation Treatments Will I Need?

The number of hyperpigmentation treatments you need depends on several factors, including the type of treatment and the severity of your pigmentation concerns. More intensive treatments may require more downtime but can often produce results more quickly. Less intensive treatments will require several treatments to achieve your goals. Most people usually benefit from three to six sessions to treat their hyperpigmentation. 

What Results Will I See From Hyperpigmentation Treatment?

You may need more than one treatment before seeing improvements. However, some people may see results immediately. You will also notice that your skin looks smoother and brighter overall. How long your results last depends on several factors, including the underlying causes of your pigmentation concerns. Excessive sun exposure will result in the reappearance of sun damage and hyperpigmentation, so use sun protection. We can also help you develop a skincare routine that fights pigmentation issues. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Hyperpigmentation Treatment?

With so many options available, Essential Med Aesthetics has an option that will work for you. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and no major skin health issues. Some medical conditions may limit the type of treatments you can receive. Do not have hyperpigmentation treatment if you have an injury or infection in the treatment area. Only a consultation can determine which type of hyperpigmentation treatment will provide your desired results. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about treating hyperpigmentation, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.