A Laser Focus on Skin Pigmentation and Treatment

Acne scarring, freckles, sun spots, age spots, under-eye dark circles and melasma are all common yet undesired forms of skin pigmentation. These scars, indentations and dark-coloured blemishes are often undesirable as they create an uneven and unhealthy-looking appearance. Due to the various reasons that skin pigmentation and hyperpigmentation can occur, the best pigmentation treatment is dependent on your specific concern. It can be difficult reversing pigmentation, but here at Harley Street Injectables, Alice has achieved outstanding results with her patients by creating custom programs. These plans combine in-clinic treatments and home care, tailored to each patient’s specific pigmentation problem. Let’s take a look at the three main types of skin pigmentation, how pigmentation occurs and how to fix skin pigmentation.

Acne Scarring

It’s undoubtedly disheartening having to experience acne little own its repercussions. More commonly known to occur in our teenage years, acne can be active throughout our adult life, too. This is because our hormone levels are constantly fluctuating depending on our age and what we are experiencing physically and mentally. The change in hormones triggers a higher oil production, in which the oil builds up in the hair follicles and consequently appears as various types of pimples on the skin. Picking at your acne can inflame the skin and leave a lasting scar or indentation. If this broken skin is exposed to the sun, it can magnify the damage. The skin then begins its self-healing process by producing abnormal collagen. The result is an uneven skin tone, permanent scars and dents. Light scarring can sometimes fade on its own, but you can treat acne scarring. We know that many of our patients have insecurities due to acne scarring well after the initial active acne treatment, and we know that we can eliminate those insecurities to unleash new confidence and beauty.

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs more often in women as it can be triggered by a change in hormones as well as genetic predisposition. The skin condition can be also be activated or made worse by stress, pregnancy, medication and excessive sun exposure. Melasma appears as different shaded dark patches on the face, often undefined and blotchy. Melasma can fade if hormones are regulated (i.e., post-pregnancy), but it can sometimes last for years or a lifetime. This is when treatments are considered in order to reverse melasma, revealing a new and improved beautiful, bright complexion.

Sun Damage (Solar Lentigines) and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

We can often forget or overlook just how strong the sun and its UV rays can be, particularly when we’re enjoying it poolside on a tropical getaway. As we know, too much sun is harmful to our bodies; not only in terms of skin cancers but when our skin is damaged, it can also result in hyperpigmentation, including freckles, dark sunspots, age spots and patches. This is because sun exposure causes our body to increase melanin (tanning cell) production. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the pigmentation that follows sun damage, acne or burns. It becomes inflamed on a deeper level, creating visibly dark patches on the surface of the skin. Depending on the severity of the sun and PIH damage, there are ways to treat and clear the skin.

*Alice’s patient’s before and after: sun damage and PIH treatment*

How to Treat Skin Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation on the face and body can be healed if treated correctly. Improper treatment can result in PIH. At Harley Street Injectables, the first step Alice takes her patients through is determining whether the patients require oral medication, in-clinic treatment or a combination of both. This can only be evaluated during skin analysis and face-to-face consultation.

The treatments included in acne treatment plans range from oral antibiotics, chemical peels, fractional laser treatment and extractions.

The treatment options available for pigmentation include laser, dermapen, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), medical skin peels and take-home prescription skincare. Alice prescribes highly-acclaimed Z.O Zein Obagi nu derm medical skincare that contains hydroquinone. Alternatively, she will use Mesoestetic skincare which contains Arbutin instead of hydroquinone, following a Cosmelan and Dermamelan chemical peel.

Alice has created the ultimate pigmentation and resurfacing package, which combines three luxury treatments to diminish the most stubborn pigmentation and acne scarring. The course consists of fractional laser, pure hydration facials and prescription skincare to help you continue the treatment journey from home. Alice’s patients have achieved results that leave them feeling beautiful, with new confidence radiating from their fresh skin!

How to Prevent Skin Pigmentation

Treatment plans include guidance on how to look after your skin long after you have had your in-clinic treatments. To control your pigmentation once the treatments have been completed, Alice recommends a maintenance skincare programme which usually includes prescription vitamin C, retinol and/or tretinoin. It is also recommended that you wear an SPF 50 with UVB and UVA. This is a crucial step in your home routine as exposing your treated skin to the sun can result in pigment reoccurring.

Start Your Pigmentation Treatment Journey Today

If you’re ready to reveal a glowing, clear complexion and regain your confidence, get in touch with Alice at Harley Street Injectables to organise your scarring and pigmentation consultation and tailored treatment plan today.