Hyperpigmentation is a complex process in the skin. Dermatologists are well-versed in all types of pigments in the skin, including birthmarks, melasma, scars, sun spots, moles, and hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation.
Hyperpigmentation of the face can be broken down into two main categories. The first is sunspots and sun damage that we accumulate throughout our lives in the form of freckles, brown spots, melasma, and overall dyschromia (blotchiness).
The second cause of hyperpigmentation in the face is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This occurs due to an inflammatory process in the face, whether a laser procedure, a traumatic wound, or something that injured the skin and left it with a hyperpigmented area.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common in those with olive-toned skin or Fitzpatrick types III and above. When the skin is inflamed for whatever reason (i.e., a laser or trauma), patients who have olive-toned skin and pigment in their hair, eyes, and skin tend to deposit melanin in areas of trauma. Once the redness and pink areas go away and resolve, what’s left behind is brown, tan pigment. This pigmentation resolves slowly with time, especially if you avoid the sun. However, it can be permanent if the inflammation is extreme.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated first by avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen every day. An SPF of 30 or higher and a physical blocker such as zinc or titanium are recommended over chemical blockers.
Also, dermatologists understand that the pigmentation cycle in the skin can be inhibited and reversed with several known key ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients are vitamin C, hydroquinone, retinol, glycolic acids, or other alpha hydroxy acids. Using these daily can improve all types of pigmentation in the skin.
In addition, procedures can improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, this can be tricky because if you cause additional inflammation, one could achieve more hyperpigmentation. Gentle and short-pulsed lasers like the Spectra laser or Pico lasers are acoustic energy lasers that do not deliver intense thermal energy to the tissue, thereby eradicating pigment by not heating it, which can lead to more pigmentation.
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Lorraine Grassmann
OFFICE Manager
Lorraine Grassmann
OFFICE Manager
949-200-8222
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