Treating Hyperpigmentation: Combination Therapy for a Bright and Even Complexion
Hyperpigmentation is a stubborn condition that affects not only the appearance of your skin but also your self-esteem and skin-confidence. Fortunately, hyperpigmentation doesn’t have to be a permanent concern. The key to effectively fading pigmentation is to break up the pigmented skin cells and stimulate new, healthy cells, essentially rebuilding the skin. This can be done through a combination of treatments and targeted skincare. With commitment to a treatment plan and a little patience, you can say goodbye to hyperpigmentation and enjoy a bright, even, and radiant complexion just in time for summer.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is simply areas or spots on the skin that are darker than your natural skin tone due to an overproduction of melanin or post-inflammatory scarring. Common types of hyperpigmentation include:
Sunspots (also known as age spots or liver spots): Small brown patches from excess sun exposure, most commonly found on mature skin types
Melasma: Brown or grayish patches of skin with defined borders. Melasma is largely hormonal, commonly arising during pregnancy or from the use of birth control. Sun exposure and heat can worsen the appearance of melasma
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Dark brown, red, or purple spots as a result of acne or injury like cuts
Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
At NINA Aesthetics, we take a combination approach to treating hyperpigmentation with 4 key modalities that work together in speeding up cell turnover, improving tone and texture, and promoting an overall brighter complexion:
Microneedling
Microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that creates controlled micro-injury to the skin using fine needles. This breaks up pigmentation and stimulates the body’s natural healing response. As the skin heals, pigmented areas are gradually replaced by healthy and uniform skin cells. Microneedling also addresses textural concerns, pitted acne scarring, and fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about microneedling at NINA Aesthetics
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by gently exfoliating away the top layer of skin (the epidermis) to gradually fade dark spots and promote accelerated cell turnover and collagen and elastin production. Chemical peels are one of the most effective ways to treat pigmentation and improve skin texture. When it comes to pigmentation, the right ingredients, like glycolic and lactic acid blended with gentle enzymes, are highly effective at safely exfoliating the top layer of skin and working to promote rejuvenation from the inside out. Learn more about chemical peels at NINA Aesthetics
Aerolase Neo Elite Laser
Aerolase Neo Elite laser utilizes controlled heat (energy) to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. This is an especially effective treatment for melasma and sunspots. The high energy breaks up and begins to fade surface pigmentation with each treatment, while pigment below the skin is prevented from surfacing. Aerolase is a top-rated and fully customizable laser, making it a safe option for all skin types and tones. Learn more about Aerolase at NINA Aesthetics
Targeted Skincare
At-home skincare is crucial for not only maintaining your in-clinic results but also protecting your skin from future pigmentation. A consistent at-home skincare routine can help accelerate the skin’s renewal process from your professional treatments.
When it comes to skincare for hyperpigmentation, it’s all about the ingredients. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most powerful brightening and lightening agents are derived from the earth’s floor:
Kojic Acid: A well-known skin brightener derived from fungi
White Shiitake Mushroom: A natural skin lightener derived from an edible mushroom
Licorice Root Extract: Antioxidant-rich licorice that brightens the skin and protects against free radical damage
Hydroquinone is another common skin lightener used to target sun-damaged skin and brown spots, but it must be used with care as this is a powerful lightening agent that requires controlled usage.
Retinol is another powerhouse option to promote ongoing cell renewal and gradually improve uneven tone, texture, hydration, and lines and wrinkles.
We can’t discuss targeted skincare without giving appropriate recognition to SPF. Without daily sun protection, any improvement in hyperpigmentation from in-clinic treatments will be temporary. A broad-spectrum mineral SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is a daily necessity to protect your skin against the harshest environmental stressor, the sun. Learn more about targeted skincare for pigmentation and discolouration
Combination Therapy for Hyperpigmentation
Your skin is unique to you, and while each treatment discussed can be done on its own, true skin rejuvenation comes from combining treatments to create a uniquely tailored treatment plan for your skin. This is why at NINA Aesthetics, we have developed Skin Collective Programs. These are customizable treatment plans and tailored skincare kits for common concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, and anti-aging to give you lasting results. Schedule a consultation to discuss our Brightening Program and say goodbye to pigmentation this summer!
