Treating Hyperpigmentation In Women Of Color
For women of color, Hyperpigmentation can be a real and frustrating problem. If you have it, don’t worry. You are not alone.
Hyperpigmentation is characterized by patches of skin that become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. Getting rid of Hyperpigmentation can take a lot of time and effort, and while it is generally harmless, it can become a cosmetic concern for the person who has it.
WHAT IS IT?
Hyperpigmentation refers to dark spots, age spots, uneven skin tone caused by the over-production of melanin (the color-producing pigment) in the skin. Women of color have naturally melanin-rich skin, which with age, exposure to sun, injuries, hormonal changes, etc. causes dark spots and discoloration.
Hyperpigmentation is also an umbrella term that covers both post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), a medical term for swelling.
Darker skin tones display more PIH due to the increased number of melanocytes present. That’s because, once disrupted, their pigment-making cells start to make a surplus of pigment, resulting in darkened areas both large and small.
Of course, Hyperpigmentation is not limited to women of color. It can occur on any skin type and age group. However,it remains one of the top skincare concerns of people of color.
HOW DO YOU GET IT?
Hyperpigmentation typically forms after skin trauma or inflammation occurs. It can be triggered by different things – harsh chemical treatments, burns, acne, sun exposure, or hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or with birth control.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION?
PIH
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs due to a skin injury, acne or inflammation caused by procedures like chemical peels, laser therapy, dermabrasion, waxing, etc. PIH is usually temporary pigmentation and most cases resolve within 2-6 months.
Solar lentigines
These are age spots or liver spots that usually manifest on parts of the skin exposed to sun. Harmful UVA or UVB rays trigger melanin production as a defence mechanism. They are commonly seen on the face, chest, and hands and associated with increasing age.
In older people, age spots are usually the result of photo aging or sun damage that accelerates skin aging.
Melasma
This occurs due to hormonal changes in pregnant women – sometimes referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy’. It can also be caused by hormonal changes due to use of oral contraceptives.
It shows up as irregular dark patches on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of nose, upper lip and chin.
COSMETIC PROCEDURES TO TREAT HYPERPIGMENTATION
Cosmetic procedures are usually performed by certified dermatologists in their office or a med spa, using professional equipment.
Some of these include:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels chemicals like glycolic acid or lactic acid to remove the top layers of the skin. This peels away dark patches and allows fresh skin cells to come up to the surface.
Laser therapy
For deeper Hyperpigmentation, laser resurfacing treatment is a good option. Light beams targeted at the skin remove the epidermal layers.
Microdermabrasion
This is a dermatologic treatment that uses a hand-held machine attached with an abrasive. When the machine is rolled over the skin, it removes the top layer and associated pigmentation. Several sittings are required for best results.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling is a medical grade treatment that stimulates production of collagen in the skin. This not only improves the skin’s appearance, but can also be used to treat hyper-pigmentation, stretch marks, acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles.
HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT AT SANCTUARY
Sanctuary is the best hair salon & med spa in Windermere offering expert and customized services for skincare. They customize a plan to lighten and brighten your skin effectively and comfortably in their luxury spa in Orlando.
Sanctuary’s team of experienced and certified skincare professionals who analyze your skin, understand your lifestyle and then recommend the most appropriate treatment. Sanctuary also has extensive experience treating skin of color.
Sanctuary’s Laser Skin Pigmentation Treatments work on the neck, decollete and are ideal for the face, hands and other parts of the body.
They use Candela’s GentleMax Photo Rejuvenation Treatment which offers a fast, non-invasive and reliable solution to hyperpigmented skin, fading skin imperfections and uneven skin tones.
Sanctuary also offers Medical Microdermabrasion, a non-surgical method of rejuvenating skin. Chosen by top Hollywood celebs, this skin peeling treatment combats blemishes and also promotes anti-aging, softens fine lines and helps muscle tone. Sanctuary’s ‘Smartpeel’ skin exfoliation improves vascular circulation which creates healthier, smoother skin.
Sanctuary’s Micro-needling treatment also helps to treat hyperpigmentation and improve the overall appearance of the skin. They use the revolutionary RejuvepenTM micro-needling therapy system which is a medical grade, state-of-the-art Micro Fractional Collagen Stimulation System™ available through skincare professionals only.
Sanctuary’s medical skin care treatments also include Dermaplaning which gently exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, and Revitalight Photo Pulsation – advanced LED light technology to help diminish age spots, wrinkles and lines on the face, neck and hands. This gentle and painless treatment promotes collagen firmness.
Last but not least, Sanctuary offers a variety of Chemical Peels. First, Sanctuary conducts state-of-the-art VISIA complexion analysis which evaluates the skin in-depth for UV spots, pore size, tone variations, bacterial content and skin texture. This helps Sanctuary customize the facial treatment and at-home regime. Some of the Peels offered include VI Peel, Anti-aging Peel, Lightening & Brightening Peel, Acne Healing Peel, and ‘Forever 21’ for hands. Call today to schedule a free consultation at the Award Winning Hair Salon and Spa in Orlando.
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