What are the best treatments for pigmentation?

After-summer pigmentation can be more visible – and more so this year as summer 2022 in the UK has been especially hot and long. Pigmentation refers to a change in the natural tone of the skin, and is one of the biggest concerns post-summer going into autumn / winter. Whilst many people don’t worry about an overall tan, developing small patches of darkened skin can cause concern. This type of pigmentation is specifically hyperpigmentation and occurs when melanin (the skin’s natural pigment) is produced in excess. This is more likely to occur during summer when the sun’s energy is stronger and we tend to increase its exposure to our skin.

The face, hands, shoulders, chest and forearms are the most common places for hyperpigmentation to occur, often forming age spots, melasma, freckles or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – PIH (typically found around the jawline). When UV rays penetrate the skin it triggers a response to produce melanin which can help to protect the skin’s cells and prevent the DNA from further damage. If this continues to take place over several years, the buildup of excess pigment will clump together and eventually a dark patch will be visible on the skin’s surface. Pigmentation often appears as adults get older with 1 in 3 women over 40 finding they’re affected, which extends to 90% of women over 50 – statistics that cause many people to associate this concern with ageing. Whilst hyperpigmentation is a slow developing concern, the skin can still be affected by cellular damage. It’s important to know that UV radiation will reach the skin cells quicker than melanin can be produced. This is why we need to ensure a high SPF should be applied to the skin EVERYDAY so that the skin has an extra layer of protection.

Although sun exposure is one of the main contributors, other factors can be involved in the development of hyperpigmentation, such as: medication, scarring, hormones, acne and the contraceptive pill. The natural response for healing and repair (such as with acne, and in the development of scarring) stimulates the melanin forming cells and dark spots can form. However this can have the opposite effect, causing hypopigmentation and a decrease in melanin that leads to lighter patches of skin. Hormones are what controls melanin production as they are responsible for stimulating melanin producing cells (melanocytes). As hormone levels change and fluctuate, so too do the messages for the skin to produce its pigment and dispersal of melanin becomes irregular, leading to lighter or darker areas of skin.

However, thanks to the ever-evolving world of aesthetics, clinics have the right solutions for those who develop pigmentation on the skin. As a reputable laser and skin clinic, we treat pigmentation safely and effectively using the most suitable procedure, including:

Laser/IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Here we use a medical grade machine that has been tested by many medical professionals across the world, sharing the great results the Ellipse Multiflex+ system can offer.  Backed by science it uses Nd:YAG laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) for targeted laser and IPL technology to remove a range of pigmentation issues.

MELINE Depigment Treatment

MELINE are the first and only range of specialised treatments for every different skin of skin pigmentation, skin type and part of the body affected. MELINE treatments are easy to apply, providing fast and effective results, proven through clinical trials. MELINE skin peels and homecare products offer treatments according to:

• the type of pigmentation being treated
• the skin phototype
• the area of the body affected

Chemical Peel

There are many different types of chemical peels, some are specific for helping hyperpigmentation by removing old and damaged skin cells can allow for new healthy cells to form. There are many varieties of acids used to treat pigmentation, the choice of acid depends on the specific needs of the individual and the nature of the pigmentation. Here are some types of acids commonly used in chemical peels for pigmentation:

Glycolic Acid – Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its exfoliating properties. It helps in removing the outer layer of damaged skin cells, improving skin texture, and reducing pigmentation.

Lactic Acid – Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) are lactic acid based which is derived from sour milk or fermented fruits. It is milder than glycolic acid and is suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Lactic acid promotes exfoliation and can help with pigmentation issues.

Salicylic Acid – Beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is oil-soluble and is particularly effective for treating acne-related pigmentation. It penetrates into the pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, and can improve skin tone and texture.

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) – TCA is a medium to deep peeling agent that is effective in treating more significant pigmentation.

Here at RR Skin, Body & Laser Clinic in Dartford, we use a variety of chemical peels brands Juliette Armand Ameson, FILLMED Light & Bright peels, pH Formula MELA, Environ Cool Peel, iS Clinical Prodigy peel, the right peeling system is selected based on what is best for the clients skin.

iS Clinical Prodigy Peel

Pharma-graded skincare brand iS Clinical, have an advanced chemical peel treatment Prodigy Peel P2 & P3, using a combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, and resorcinol to target multiple types of skin concerns ranging from mild to moderate aging, mild acne, and pigmentation. iS Clinical Prodigy Peel gives a powerful booster that enhances the benefits when compared to other superficial chemical peels. Because of its innovative formulation, there is a decreased chance of pigment irregularities meaning it can be used on all skin types, including darker skin.

Microneedling with MELINE ID

Microneedling is controlled trauma to the skin encouraging blood, oxygen, nutrients and collagen to be sent to the affected site which replenishes damaged cells.  MELINE ID is a mesotherapy serum that targets pigmentation and helps keep pigmentation activity down in the skin throughout the year.  MELINE Depigment Microneedling is effective to reduce the melanocyte activity in the skin.

Cryotherapy

An extremely cold treatment to minus 27 degrees is delivered through a small targeted nozzle on the Cryopen direct to the pigmented cells, which are in turned then destroyed and naturally expelled from the skin.  Cryotherapy is a highly effective and safe procedure that is used to freeze, destroy and removing sun spots, pigmentation marks as well as other benign skin lesions and skin tags.

In summary, all of the treatments produce amazing results when used on the face, and other areas of the body. Homecare skin routine is essential to work with all treatments for pigmentation, pigmentation is not a quick fix, it is a journey and you need combine a daily active skincare with in-clinic treatments to get the best results and longer term results.  A melanin inhibitor serum is a must have for pigment treatment, as this targets the activity of the melanin, to help reduce/inhibit tyrosinase activity and prevent further development of pigmentation appearing.

In our opinion, the best time to address pigmentation concerns is autumn and going into winter when you have less exposure to the sun and therefore melanocytes (pigmentation cells) are less active. If you want to know more contact us today to book a consultation.