If you’re confused about why your skin is suddenly afflicted with hyperpigmentation, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are more alternatives than ever for treating all types of dark spots so that your complexion may return to an even and glowing condition. As of late, many people have been turning towards laser treatments to remove pigmentation. However, remember that, like with any skin disease, it’s critical to see your doctor so that they can correctly diagnose you.
What are the most common types of hyperpigmentation treatment?
Pigmentation is a very complicated and wide-ranging skin disorder that can be caused by various factors, including:
- chronic and/or cumulative sun damage
- environmental exposures
- drugs
- hormones
- inflammation
- trauma
- heredity
- benign growths
- skin cancer
When you contact your dermatologist and make a diagnosis, you and your dermatologist can devise a strategy for safely and efficiently treating the brown spots.
Are lasers always the most effective way to permanently remove these black spots?
In general, treating all hyperpigmentation the same way is a bad idea since diverse causes and circumstances require different approaches. Sunspots can grow over time, even if you are attentive with applying sunscreen. Although it is possible to cure brown spots with lasers and chemical peels, upkeep is essential.
Lasers are not usually the most efficient at removing hyperpigmentation, although they are helpful in some cases. Broad-band light (BBL), Q-switched lasers, pico lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers are examples of light and laser-based treatments. It also depends on whether you treat a single brown spot or an entire field of brown spots. It all boils down to finding the appropriate doctor and therapy.
What are the differences between these laser treatments for darker and lighter skin tones?
Brown spots are already challenging to remedy, but treating brown spots on darker skin tones is even more difficult. Darker skin types have more melanin in the backdrop of their skin, which ‘obstructs’ the laser practitioner’s ability to cure the actual brown area. As a result, seeing a board-certified dermatologist who is acquainted with treating darker skin types to offer various treatment choices for darker skin types is critical. Treatments are often more cautious and delicate to reduce the chance of problems and need more sessions.
Which form of hyperpigmentation is the most difficult to treat?
Melasma is a very aggravating disease for both patients and dermatologists. Melasma is a chronic pigmentary condition caused by various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and hormones from birth control or pregnancy. Still, it recurs easily, whether caused by the sun, heat, or hormonal changes.
Treatment options may include:
- sun and heat protection with sunscreen
- sun avoidance
- antioxidants
- over-the-counter brightening topicals such as hydroquinone, vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and retinoids
- oral medications, specifically Tranexamic acid
- a series of in-office procedures such as chemical peels and light laser treatments.