The unwanted darkening of your skin’s tone, otherwise known as Hyperpigmentation, can cause embarrassment, insecurity, and loss of self-confidence. There are many types of hyperpigmentation, and it can occur anywhere on the body. For many sufferers, hyperpigmentation impacts their social and professional lives and can cause a great deal of emotional distress. Dr. Zenovia at ZENA Medical believes you shouldn’t suffer from hyperpigmentation’s effects and has several treatment options to help.
While hyperpigmentation is simply the excess production of melanin, its effects are anything but simple. The three most common types are sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Acne is a common cause of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma is believed to be the result of hormonal changes. Patches can develop anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, hands, and stomach. Medications, pregnancy, excessive sun exposure, and even injury can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Fortunately, ZENA Medical has a plethora of potential hyperpigmentation treatments. We begin with a thorough assessment of your skin’s condition to determine the best treatment for you, including if you suffer from specialty dermatological disorders.
Accutane® treatment involves a low dose of an oral retinoic acid medication, one of the most effective available for acne treatment to prevent follicles from clogging while shrinking sebaceous glands and decreasing oil production. By reducing acne breakouts you are reducing your chances of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing focuses on both sun damage and acne scars, which often manifests as hyperpigmentation. Multiple laser beams create tiny micro-injuries around sun spots and brown patches, prompting your skin to heal the wounds with the creation of new, healthy skin cells.
eCO2 Skin Resurfacing is another laser resurfacing option using fractionated ablation to break apart pigmented lesions. By targeting only a fraction of the skin’s surface with micro-wounds, the healing response generates new skin growth for the wounds and the bridges between them. Sun damage, age spots, and brown or red lesions are broken up to be absorbed by the skin.
