We have a love-hate relationship with pigmentation. Some of us love our freckles, and those who do not have them, want them. But if pigmentation is in any other shape or form than freckles, it is not desired by any of us, as it creates uneven skin tone and can be very tricky to treat. Luckily, with all the high-tech treatments and highly effective products available to us, treating pigmentation and keeping it at bay has become much easier.

What is hyperpigmentation?

It is a very common and usually harmless condition where patches of skin progressively become darker than the surrounding skin. This happens when melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms excess deposits in the skin. It can be seen in people from all races and ages.

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors, including years of over exposure to the sun, hormonal imbalances, stress, medications, pregnancy and menopause.

3 most common types of hyperpigmentation

1) Sun-induced pigmentation

WHAT IS IT?

Our skin’s response to UVA and UVB damage is influenced by our genetic make-up, but the way we have treated our skin over the years also has a great impact. Excessive sunbathing or sunbed-use can have a dramatic effect on the way we age. This is called extrinsic ageing.

Age spots or liver spots are a form of hyperpigmentation. They usually occur as a result of damage to the skin from the sun’s rays. An increased number of pigment-producing cells develop, together with excess pigment in a specific area. The dark spots are generally found on the hands and face, however they may occur on any area exposed to the sun.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT:

IPL/OPL (laser) treatments, such as our Max G or YS treatments are effective in treating this type of pigmentation. Peels may also assist in lightening the pigment spots and in some cases a combination of peels and laser may be suggested. Products generally contain ingredients such as vitamin A and tyrosinase inhibitors or pigment blockers. Daily sun care is essential.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

Heliocare’s Neoretin range
Lamelle’s Luminesce range or Brighter Concentrate serum
SkinCeuticals pigment corrector
Phloretin CF serum

2) Melasma

WHAT IS IT?

Melasma is a skin condition that looks like solid, sometimes symmetrical brown patches on the face of adults. It is most commonly found on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead and upper lip. Melasma predominantly occurs in women. Your chances may increase if you take birth control pills or suffer from hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or menopause.

Treatment can be complicated and unfortunately, this stubborn condition tends to reoccur. However, it can be gradually improved with regular treatments and a home care routine. The gold standard of treatment worldwide leans towards the use of non-ablative laser in combination with hydroquinone.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT:

Our melasma sufferers have benefitted from our 1540 laser handpiece with slow, but good results. TCA peels (full epidermal peels) may also assist to lift the melanin load in the epidermis and can further improve the appearance of this pigment. As with freckled epidermal pigmentation, we recommend the use of a pigment-blocking range and stringent sun protection. Lamelle’s Ovelle D3 supplements have also proven very useful to reduce melasma by up to 33% over a period of three months.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Lamelle Ovelle D3 supplements

3) Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

WHAT IS IT?

This type of pigmentation usually appears after some type of injury to the skin. It commonly occurs after acne spots or other skin lesions. On darker skin types, it often appears after traumatic skin treatments, such as inappropriate or overly aggressive laser. It can even occur after overuse of certain skin products.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT:

Although this type of pigmentation can slowly improve on its own, the use of regular light superficial chemical peels – such as Lamelle’s Beta peels or Skintech’s Easy Phytic peel – can help to further improve its appearance. Product recommendations include a good sunscreen and products that are non-inflammatory with the ability to slow down pigment production within the skin.

YOUR JOURNEY TO BETTER SKIN STARTS HERE

My MASC loyalty programme

To successfully treat pigmentation, you need a dedicated maintenance plan. And that is one of the reasons we started our MY MASC loyalty programme. When you join MY MASC, you will start your journey to better skin with a Visia scan. This will scientifically determine your skin condition or problem areas. You will then receive a 12-month skin regimen tailor-made for you, PLUS many more benefits.

This article was written by Masc Laser Clinic.

More about MASC Laser Clinic situated in Somerset Surgery

Experts in Medical Aesthetic Skin Care

MASC Laser Clinic provides scientifically proven skincare treatments by expert skincare therapists in a spa-like environment. The use of the latest technology keeps MASC Laser Clinic at the forefront of developments in the medical aesthetics industry.

Website: www.somersetsurgery.co.za

Phone: 021 851 3400

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SomersetSurgery

Address: Situated in the Somerset Surgery Practice – Arun Place, Building 6, Suite E, Sir Lowry’s Pass Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town

SOMERSET SURGERY | Laser & Skin Care | Day Hospital | Surgeons | Recovery Retreat

Somerset Aesthetic Surgery was created to offer our cosmetic surgery patients an optimal surgical experience in every respect. Our facility is registered with the Department of Health and is equipped and specified to the highest possible level.

With patient safety as our first priority, the air-quality in our theatres exceeds that required by law, and our electrical systems are “triple-protected” being trip-proof, individually monitored, and “backed-up” by both a UPS system and a generator. Our sterilisation department employs first world technology to eliminate any risk of infection or cross contamination.

For additional safety and serviceability our “state of the art” medical gas and medical waste containment systems are uniquely housed a floor below our theatres. Medical Waste is managed by a reputable company that complies with the current legislation.

Confidentiality, privacy and discretion are key aspects of an excellent aesthetic surgery service. Our patients enjoy all this and more in a facility designed with their specific needs in mind – independent from the major hospital groups. Post operative day case patients have the luxury of a dedicated elevator to a Private Patient-collection lobby to ensure their absolute anonymity.

Rochelle Friedman

Aesthetic Appointment | Website

Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.