If there is one thing we don’t want on our welcome list for 2024, let it be stubborn hyperpigmentation & discoloration. Although hyperpigmentation isn’t necessarily harmful, it can affect one’s self-confidence and how they show up for themselves daily.
The great news is that we have a wide range of different customized solutions for you when it comes to removing dark spots and promoting a brighter, more even skin tone. Let’s dive in!
So, what is hyperpigmentation?
In short, hyperpigmentation is when a concentrated area of skin becomes darker than your natural, surrounding skin due to excess production of melanin, which is what gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
The most common cause is from sunlight overexposure. Hormones, genetics, acne, allergic reactions and injury may also contribute to excess pigment production.
Most Common Types of hyperpigmentation:
- Melasma
- Solar Lentigo (sunspots)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Melasma
Sun Spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Meet our #GMAskinexpert’s approved Advanced treatments for hyperpigmentation:
There are many ways to treat hyperpigmentation depending on your skin type, forms of hyperpigmentation you are dealing with, medical history, and other underlying skin concerns. While certain topical active ingredients such as retinol can help fade some superficial dark spots, Advanced Lasers are more potent and can directly target and break up melanin in the deeper layers of the skin for an overall brighter, more even complexion.
Why Laser Treatments
Laser Treatments aim to target and break up unwanted pigment within the skin. Once pigmented skin cells are disrupted, our body’s natural processes come into play to eliminate the fragmented pigment particles. Let’s take a look at the top 2 laser treatments at GMA for hyperpigmentation concerns: Picosure Pro Facial and Yellowbeam Laser
PicoSure Pro Laser
PicoSure Pro is a powerful laser that delivers 755nm energy in picoseconds for treatment of pigmentation and skin revitalization. As the latest revolution in pico-second technology, it removes unwanted pigment, wrinkles, acne scars, pores and tattoos with a much higher success rate compared to traditional lasers.
The delivery of energy is so rapid that it spares the skin from high thermal damage, leading to a safer and more effective treatment with minimal to no downtime.
What can Picosure Pro treat?
- Treats various forms of benign pigmented lesions including sun spots, melasma, nevus of Ota, Hori’s nevus and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Improves fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces acne scars and pore sizes
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Removes tattoos
- Improves overall skin tone and texture; providing patients with a healthier and more radiant complexion
Why we love it:
- Minimal to almost zero downtime
- Treats a variety of unwanted pigments while giving your skin an overall skin rejuvenating benefit.
- Uses photomechanical action instead of heat to break up pigment which also means it is safer with less tissue damage and discomfort compared to traditional lasers.
- Can generate amazing results when combined strategically with other advanced treatments such as Clear + Brilliant, Yellowbeam Laser and Cosmelan Peel System or Mandelic Acid Brightening Peel
Yellowbeam Laser
Yellowbeam Laser utilizes a unique 577 nm wavelength to effectively target both vascular lesions and superficial to moderate level pigmentation. The laser reduces inflammation and facial redness, enhancing the overall success rate of integrated hyperpigmentation treatments, such as Picosure Pro.
What can Yellowbeam treat?
Melasma/brown spots
Lentigines/sun spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Rosacea (diffuse facial redness)
Couperosis/telangiectasias (fine broken capillaries)
Fractionated rejuvenation/antiaging
Benign moles
Hemangioma
Poikiloderma of Civatte
Port wine stains (vascular birthmarks)
Acne
Post-acne erythema
Pyogenic granuloma
Cherry angioma (red spots)
Why we love it:
- Can safely treat both light and dark skin types (up to skin type IV)
- Addresses vascular concerns such as broken capillaries and rosacea (which are skin concerns that cannot be addressed with Picosure Pro Facial)
- Minimal risks of side effects and little to no downtime
- Can create tremendous results when combined with other treatments such as Picosure Pro, Clear + Brilliant or Cosmelan Peel System
In conclusion:
As we learn about the benefits & effects of these advanced laser treatments, it is important to emphasize that treating hyperpigmentation is not a one-size-fits-all. At GMA, our unique custom approach has helped many patients achieve their desired skin results and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. A consultation with our #GMAskinexperts will help determine the most effective the best treatment for your skin type and concern.
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