One of the biggest misconceptions about hyperpigmentation, or dark patches of skin, is that it eventually fades on its own. Although that may be true occasionally, the majority of hyperpigmentation cases require either in-office treatments or medical-grade skin care products to achieve any improvement.
Read on as Dr. Brad Mozaffari reveals safe, effective treatment options to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out the tone of the skin.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion involves the gentle removal of the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. During this in-office, non-surgical treatment, a special handheld device sprays microcrystals on the surface of the skin to exfoliate the dead skin cells; the cells are then removed with gentle suction. This process minimizes superficial imperfections (e.g., sun spots, wrinkles, fine lines, clogged pores) and reveals fresh, healthy skin cells.
Microdermabrasion is safe and non-invasive, but it does not penetrate the skin very deeply. Therefore, it is recommended for light sun spots or age spots.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another in-office, non-surgical procedure that can lighten mild to moderate hyperpigmentation. The chemical peel process involves applying certain types of acid to the skin that causes the uppermost layer of dead, dull cells to slough off. By removing the outer layer of skin cells, chemical peels can reveal healthier skin cells and a more even skin tone.
Chemical peels vary in intensity and can be customized to each patient’s needs and goals. Dr. Mozaffari offers the Belladerma® Peel, which is specially formulated with ingredients to minimize age spots, reduce the appearance of melasma and other hyperpigmentation, and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. For a deeper peel, we recommend the Belladerma Diamond peel.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
For serious hyperpigmentation and discoloration, laser skin resurfacing may be the best option. This procedure uses laser light to remove the outer layer of damaged skin cells and reveal healthier, younger-looking skin underneath. The laser makes microinjuries in the deep layers of the skin, leaving healthy skin intact in between the injuries; this pattern stimulates the body’s healing processes and triggers the production of natural collagen and elastin for healthy skin.
Laser skin resurfacing is slightly more invasive than microdermabrasion and chemical peels and requires some recovery downtime.
If you are bothered by areas of hyperpigmentation and want to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Mozaffari, please request an appointment at Belladerma today.
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