Acne scars, sun damage or hormonal changes can result in patches in different areas of your body, including the face, arms and legs. This can really mess with your confidence and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Also, as you age, your skin can start developing age spots or uneven pigmentation, making you look older than you feel.
Here, skin whitening can help even out your complexion and give you a more youthful appearance.
This guide will mainly focus on hyperpigmentation, its causes and symptoms and treatment options. We will also shed some light on skin-whitening treatments that can help treat dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
What is hyperpigmentation?
If you are noticing dark spots that show up on your skin that just won’t go away, it’s called hyperpigmentation, where parts of your skin get darker than the rest.
It happens when your skin makes extra melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, by forming deposits in the skin.
What are the different types of hyperpigmentation?
| Type | Common symptoms | Who gets affected? |
| Age spots | Brown or black spots that appear on the skin due to sun overexposure. | They commonly appear on the face and hands or on sun-exposed areas of older adults or those who get high sun exposure. |
| Melasma or “the mask of pregnancy” | Large patches on the forehead, facial region, and abdominal area | It affects the forehead, face, and stomach of pregnant women, those who take birth control pills, and those with medium to darker skin |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Spots or patches of darkened skin appears after an inflammatory skin condition like acne or eczema | It occurs anywhere on the body for people who have had inflammation or an injury to the skin |
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Wondering what caused hyperpigmentation? Well, you can blame a lot of things, including:
- Too much sun exposure triggers melanin production, which is a natural way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Hormone levels in the body caused by pregnancy can affect melanin production.
- Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation; in fact, some chemotherapy drugs can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
- In some cases, skin injuries like cuts, burns, or even acne can result in dark spots as the skin heals.
- Addison’s disease, a rare endocrine disorder, can cause hyperpigmentation that’s most noticeable in sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands, as well as in areas subject to friction, such as the elbows and knees.
How is hyperpigmentation diagnosed?
To diagnose hyperpigmentation, your dermatologist or cosmetician may enquire about your medical history, what medications you are taking and give a quick examination of the affected areas.
They may use a device called a Wood’s lamp, which emits ultraviolet light, to get a better look at the pigmentation changes. In some cases, a skin biopsy might be performed to rule out other skin conditions.
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Skin whitening treatment in Melbourne
Skin whitening treatments are about lightening up your skin tone, getting rid of those dark spots, uneven patches, or hyperpigmentation and making your skin look smooth and flawless.
This cosmetic procedure mainly involves lightening the complexion of your body, where chemicals are applied to the skin to reduce melanin levels. This results in a lighter or more evenly coloured, appearance. There are various substances used to effectively lighten the skin through this method. Plus, moles and other hyperpigmented areas can be either removed or lightened to match the surrounding skin tone.
Some recommend treatments to treat dark spots,hyperpigmentation are
Topical treatments
Many individuals use topical treatments to treat it.
They use creams that contain active ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or vitamin C.
- Hydroquinone lightens dark spots by reducing melanin production.
- Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, are small molecular structures that penetrate deep into the skin and treat the layers below your epidermis. This helps the pigmentation fade faster.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin and reduces melanin production.
Chemical peels
There are three types of chemical peels, including light, medium and deep, which are classified based on how deeply they penetrate and remove the skin. They use acids such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid to exfoliate the top layer of skin.
By removing the outer layer, chemical peels promote the growth of new skin that is more evenly pigmented.
Laser therapy
Lasers are used to target and break down melanin deposits in your skin. Post the laser therapy, your skin naturally eliminates these fragments, leading to a more even skin tone over time. There are various types of lasers available, and the ideal type is selected based on the depth and intensity of the pigmentation being treated.
Microdermabrasion
This procedure involves a device that can gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and stimulating new skin growth. This can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve overall skin texture.
Sun protection
Using sunscreen daily is crucial because it prevents existing dark spots from getting darker and new spots from forming. This way, sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays that can further trigger hyperpigmentation.
So, there are treatment options for hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tones. Each of these treatments works in different ways to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Book an appointment with Yukihouse if you are looking for hyperpigmentation treatment in Melbourne from professional hands.
Who are the good candidates for skin lightening treatments?
If you are someone who has hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or uneven skin tone and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the skin-whitening treatment, with no history of medical issues with regards to the skin, and have gotten a yes from your dermatologist to assess their skin type and condition, you can get skin lightening treatment.
Remember, after getting your skin treated, you must follow the prescribed skincare regimen as suggested by the comestician.
Tips to maintain your skin’s health during the treatment
- Avoid or at least minimise your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours, as it can reduce the treatment’s impact.
- Keep your skin hydrated and luminous by drinking plenty of water.
- Use a gentle, hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin barrier intact and prevent dryness or irritation.
- Be cautious with other skincare products you use alongside your whitening treatments. Harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrances can further irritate your skin. So avoid it.
- Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Closing Notes
Skin whitening treatments should be used responsibly and with the understanding that all skin tones are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated. But again, if it is your personal choice to get your skin treated this way, Especially if hyperpigmentation and dark spots are too exposed and evident on your skin, it’s best to get them treated.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness and safety of these methods can vary, and some may carry risks or side effects. It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist before starting any skin-whitening procedure to ensure it’s suitable for your skin type and condition.
Looking to freshen up your skin? Yukihouse’s beauty and cosmetic services in Australia offer top-notch treatments for skin whitening and hyperpigmentation. If you are ready to glow, schedule your appointment now!
FAQs about Skin Whitening Treatment
How do I use skin-lightening creams?
If your doctor advises you to use a skin-lightening cream, make sure you follow these steps:
- Use a cotton bud to apply the cream. If you are using your hands, ensure they are clean.
- Use the minimum amount of cream, once or twice a day, only on the darkened area of the skin.
- Avoid applying the cream to the surrounding skin or near your eyes, mouth and nose.
- It’s highly recommended to use sun cream to safeguard your skin from sun damage.
- Strictly avoid touching the treated area against another person’s skin for a few hours after the application of the cream.
Does skin whitening treatment entail any side effects?
Chemical peels, especially deep chemical peels, and laser treatments carry a risk of causing chemical burns or thermal injury if not performed correctly or if the skin is not adequately prepped.
People with dark spots and those who have a history of heart-related disorders or recurring fever should not undergo deep chemical peel treatment.
Improper use of skin whitening products or procedures can sometimes lead to uneven skin tone or paradoxical hyperpigmentation, where the treated areas become darker instead of lighter.
In some cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients or procedures used in skin-whitening treatments.
Many skin whitening ingredients and treatments can cause irritation, redness, or itching, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. So, it’s best to go with the treatment that your dermatologist or cosmetician suggests.
