Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that causes spots and patches to appear darker than the surrounding skin. Depending on skin tone, it can range in color from pale red to dark brown patches. Most individuals experience hyperpigmentation at some time in their lives.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation refers to the changes in the pigment of the skin and the natural tone of the skin. There are different types of pigmentation based on the level of melanin production. These are called hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. There are several factors that affect the skin’s natural color. Some of the leading causes are excessive usage of harsh skincare products, changes in hormonal levels, exposure to UV rays, medical treatments, the absence of SPF, etc.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a result of excessive melanin in specific parts of the skin. They can occur due to the presence of extra melanocytes or the abnormal functioning of the melanocytes. Melanin is a natural pigment in the skin that is responsible for giving it its color. It can be of two types, i.e. eumelanin (black or brown pigment) and pheomelanin (red or yellow pigment). Sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin injury, or skin concerns such as acne or pigmentation can trigger excess melanin production. Some medications, such as antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, chemotherapy drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or medical conditions such as Addison's disease, can also be the leading causes for hyperpigmentation.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation?
Whatever the reason behind these dark patches, several cosmetic procedures are available to treat pigmentation. These include:
1. Carbon Laser Peel: A thin layer of carbon lotion is spread on the skin during this procedure. Once it gets dry, the ND YAG laser is passed over the skin to heat the carbon and the dermis to boost the production of carbon. This heating step can be avoided when treating melasma. Afterwards, the laser is used in high-energy settings to break the liquid carbon into smaller particles. This effectively treats melasma, photoaging, and acne pigmentation.
2. MNRF (Microneedling Radiofrequency): During this procedure, a micropen, whose tip delivers radio frequency energy, moves tiny micro-needles across the skin’s surface. It simultaneously releases radiofrequency waves through the wounds to heat the dermis and stimulate carbon production.
3. Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light): This is a simple and effective light-based procedure to treat sun spots, sun-damaged skin, rosacea, etc. In this procedure, a handpiece that delivers light in short pulses is moved over the skin to be treated. The heat generated from the light breaks down the extra melanin in the skin and eliminates it through the exfoliation process.
4. Laser Resurfacing: Lasers have been the best approach to treat pigmentation concerns. Ablative lasers eliminate the top affected skin layer, whereas non-ablative lasers heat the skin dermis to boost collagen production. With laser resurfacing, the skin is exposed to short pulses of laser light beam, which breaks down the melanin into particles that are later flushed out of the skin via the lymphatic system. The layers stimulate the growth of new skin cells and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
To avail the benefits of these treatments or to know pigmentation treatment cost in Hyderabad, book a consultation with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic.
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