Skin - Hyperpigmentation
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to darkened areas of the skin caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. These patches can vary in size, location, and intensity. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) in the skin become overactive, often in response to triggers such as inflammation, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. This leads to uneven melanin production, resulting in dark spots or patches on the skin.
Causes of hyperpigmentation:
-
Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, leading to tanning, sunspots, or other pigment irregularities.
-
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormonal imbalances (e.g. melasma) can trigger excess melanin production.
-
Skin injuries or inflammation: Conditions like acne, eczema, or cuts can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
-
Aging: Age-related changes can cause 'liver spots' or age spots.
-
Genetics: Some pigmentation disorders, like freckles, have a genetic basis.
-
Medication and Chemicals: Certain drugs, like chemotherapy agents, can increase melanin production.
-
Underlying Medical Conditions: Addison's disease or other endocrine disorders.
Types of hyperpigmentation:
-
Freckles (Ephelides): Small, flat, and light-brown spots caused by sun exposure and genetic predisposition. It is common in lighter skin types.
-
Melasma (Chloasma): Brown or grayish-brown patches, usually on the face, caused by hormonal changes and UV exposure. It is common during pregnancy or with contraceptive use.
-
Sunspots (Solar Lentigines): Flat brown or black spots that develop from prolonged sun exposure. It often appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and shoulders.
-
Age Spots: Larger dark patches associated with aging and cumulative sun exposure. It is found on areas frequently exposed to the sun.
-
Acquired Dermal Melanocytosis (ADM): Grayish-brown pigmentation typically on the cheeks or temples. It is caused by increased dermal melanocytes and can worsen with UV exposure.​
-
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots or patches that appear after skin trauma, such as acne, burns, or eczema. It is more common in darker skin types.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options:
Option 1: Chemical Peels (BioRePeel) is a bi-phasic medical grade medium depth peel that penetrates the top five layers of the epidermis and the upper layers of the dermis. It removes the outer layers of skin (exfoliation), stimulating cell renewal and reducing hyperpigmentation. It contains 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), amino acids and vitamins. Unlike other chemical peels that work from the outside in, BioRePeel works from the inside out, addressing the origin of skin conditions.
​
Benefits:
-
Brightens the skin and evens tone.
-
Improves the appearance of sunspots, melasma, and PIH.
-
Stimulates collagen production, which can help rejuvenate the skin.
Option 2: Microneedling (Dermapen 4) is 100% Australian made, the world's first fully digitalised, automated and fastest device of its type, with up to 1920 puncture channels per second with 33G needles, giving comfortable patient experience and safety with its Anti-Contamination Management system. Dermapen 4 uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and cell turnover.
When combined with serums, the microchannels enhance serum absorption, targeting pigmentation at a deeper level. It breaks down melanin clusters, reduces PIH, melasma, and sunspots. It improves skin texture and tone. It is suitable for all skin types and customizable based on the serum used.
Option 3: Home care topical system is essential to maintain the optimum results after treating pigmentation. Obagi Nu-Derm System is a medical-grade skincare system designed to reduce hyperpigmentation by normalizing melanin production. It inhibits melanin synthesis, promotes cell turnover and reduces existing pigmentation, giving antioxidants and moisturizers effects to support overall skin health.
Obagi Nu-Derm System can effectively treats melasma, sunspots, and PIH. It provides a comprehensive approach to improving skin tone and texture. It gives gradual and long-lasting results when used consistently.
Our medical director Tim has used the Obagi Nu-Derm System on himself and it gives significant difference for the freckles and sunspots after 2 weeks and undoubtedly better skin tone after 5 weeks.
The first image was a patient using Nu-Derm System for 4 weeks and the second image was a patient using Nu-Derm System for 6 weeks.