Hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence among individuals. This can be identified by certain areas of skin that appear darker than a person’s natural skin tone. Several factors can cause pigmentation to develop in the skin, such as exposure to the sun, genetics, hormonal changes or imbalances, and other health conditions. While pigmentation problems are usually harmless, they can make the skin look unattractive. Hence, a lot of people seek pigmentation removal treatments in Singapore (https://www.bayclinic.sg/concern/pigmentation-removal-singapore/).
If you have been getting treatments to remove pesky spots from your skin, but are not seeing any improvement despite repeat sessions, then you may want to consider consulting with another clinic to check your skin’s condition. Checkout the reasons below to know some reasons as to why your pigmentation removal treatment is not working.
Reason #1 – Wrong diagnosis
There are many kinds of skin pigmentation problems and some may look similar to each other. Your skin may have a combination of various pigmentation and although almost all are generally caused by sun exposure and damage, the best treatment for each may differ. To avoid misdiagnosis, it is important that your doctor is an expert in treating hyperpigmentation. It would also be helpful for you to know some information about the various types of hyperpigmentation.
The most common types of hyperpigmentation are:
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Age spots. These are skin discolorations that appear as small and dark spots on the skin. They are caused by the sun’s UV rays and are typically found in areas of the face, hands, arms, and shoulders that are often exposed to the sun without proper protection.
Age spots can be identified through these characteristics:
- Darker than the natural skin tone, usually tan to dark brown in color
- Flat and oval in shape
- May develop in groups
- Measures about 13mm or ½ inch across
Age spots are common among adults over 50 years old, but they can also develop among younger people that spend a lot of time basking under the sun. Liver spots, solar lentigines, and sunspots are other names used to call this type of hyperpigmentation.
Melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation appears as wide and dark patches that usually covers a large area of the face and sometimes on other parts of the upper body that are excessively exposed to the sun. Melasma is more prevalent among women than men.
Melasma can be identified through these characteristics:
- Appears as blotchy patches of dark skin, usually brown or tan in color
- Occurs on the face, particularly the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose bridge, upper lip
- May also develop in the forearms, neck, and shoulders
The root cause of melasma is still unknown to doctors, but aside from sun exposure, this hyperpigmentation problem may also be triggered by hormonal changes, pregnancy, or use of birth control pills.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This hyperpigmentation usually occurs when the body produces excess melanin following a damage or an injury to an area of skin. It can develop on anyone and anywhere in the body. Sun exposure can cause this skin discoloration to darken and be more obvious. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in people with darker skin tone.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be identified through these characteristics:
- Can be blue-gray, brown, dark brown or tan spots or patches on the skin
- Caused by damage, inflammation, or injury to the skin, including allergic reactions, burns, eczema, infections, insect bites, psoriasis, rashes, or razor bumps
Reason #2 – Wrong pigmentation removal treatment given
One important fact that you should know about pigmentation removal: Laser is NOT your only option. We cannot deny the fact that laser treatments can do wonders to the skin. It can treat a variety of skin problems, but when it comes to hyperpigmentation, there are times when lasers may not be the perfect course to get the job done.
Here are pigmentation removal treatments that work:
- Chemical peel
- Laser therapy
- Light therapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Topical medication
Chemical peels. Strong concentrated acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are applied to the area of the skin where hyperpigmentation is present. This pigmentation removal treatment works by peeling the topmost or middle layer of the skin to resurface the fresh skin underneath. Chemical peels are best for fairer skin tones to remove age spots and melasma.
Laser therapy. This pigmentation removal uses energy-charged laser beams to target the discoloration in the skin, break them down, and trigger the production of collagen to peel and improve the surface of the skin. Laser therapy works well on different kinds of hyperpigmentation and is best for fair skin.
Light therapy. Intense pulse light is an example of light therapy that is also used for most pigmentation concerns. This procedure delivers pulses of light waves which are absorbed by the excess melanin in the skin, which causes them to break into fragments and be removed naturally from the body. Flat spots respond well to this type of pigmentation removal.
Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses special equipment that has a handheld device with a diamond tip which is used against the skin to exfoliate its surface. When used on heavily pigmented areas, this treatment removes the top layer of the skin to expose the fresh and lighter skin underneath. Age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma respond well to this treatment.
Topical medication. Topical creams, lotions, or gels that contain active and strong ingredients like azelaic acid, corticosteroids, hydroquinone, kojic acid, or tretinoin also work effectively to lighten darker areas of the skin.
Reason #3 – Wrong administration or handling of laser equipment
For many people and doctors, lasers are their go-to procedure when treating pigmentation. There are many kinds of laser equipment that can be used for pigmentation removal. Each type of laser equipment has a specific standard and setting when used for treating pigmentation issues. A doctor’s knowledge and expertise in handling the laser equipment is crucial to be able to effectively remove pigmentations in the skin. Without proper training in the administration of laser procedures, your pigmentation removal treatment will surely be ineffective.
Conclusion
There are many ways to successfully banish pigmentation. However, a wrong diagnosis, treatment plan, or equipment handling can yield botched results, as well as waste of your time and money. To remove pigmentation effectively, you must consult with a doctor that is highly knowledgeable and trained in the different types of pigmentation problems, treatments, and equipment.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa
B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard,
Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore 018984
+65 8428 7811
+65 6509 1966