Several factors can lead to patches of darker skin, known as hyperpigmentation, and even more treatment options you can employ to even out your skin tone if you are experiencing this condition. However, unfortunately, just as there is no one cause for hyperpigmentation, there is also no one size fits all approach that works for everyone. Here we will cover several methods that can restore even skin tone for those who experience anything from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (excess melanin produced after an injury or irritation to the skin) to sun spots (excess melanin caused by over-exposure to the sun.)
How to treat hyperpigmentation
1. Chemical peels
Chemical peels can be very effective in the evening out of your skin tone if you have age spots, sun damage, or blotchy skin. There are many different strengths and types of chemical peels, and it’s essential to use the correct one for your specific skin type, so be sure to discuss them with your dermatologist or certified skin care provider before receiving a chemical peel treatment. Peels and sun exposure do not mix well, so this treatment is also not ideal if you can’t stay out of the sun for a while.
2. IPl (Intense Pulsed Light Laser Treatment)
Age spots, brown spots, and sun damage are just a few of the issues IPL can address. IPL, also known as Photo Facial, is a non-ablative laser treatment that encourages increased collagen production in the skin.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling also stimulates the body’s collagen production; it is also known as Collagen Induction Therapy. Sun damage and spots can resolve due to this treatment because the body is encouraged to normalize melanin production as it heals from the micro-injuries.
4. PRX-T33
This treatment is a fantastic treatment for hyperpigmentation for a few reasons, not least because it is non-photosensitizing, meaning that you don’t have to worry about a lot of downtime or living in a sunless cave for weeks. It is effective for hyperpigmentation on several fronts as it includes TCA, a chemical agent used for peeling and treating damaged skin, a hydrogen compound that regulates inflammation and promotes healing, and kojic acid, a depigmenting agent, which inhibits post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can occur in some individuals during more profound types of skin treatments.
If you’re looking for these treatments to solve uneven pigmentation, you’ll be glad to know they include various other benefits, such as tightening, firming, and smoothing. While these treatments and others can be very effective in helping to resolve hyperpigmentation, prevention is best if possible. Where your sunscreen, avoid scratching breakouts or irritations in the skin and use anti-inflammatory products.