Hyperpigmentation
The colour of your skin, hair and eyes is determined by a pigment called melanin. This pigment is produced by pigment-cells called melanocytes. Healthy melanocytes will evenly distribute pigment throughout the skin, giving a smooth and even complexion. Unhealthy, inflamed or damaged melanocytes can either over-produce clumps of pigment leading to hyperpigmentation (dark spots), or stop producing pigment altogether leading to hypopigmentation (white spots).
Melanocytes are sensitive to their surrounding environment. Inflammation (e.g. acne, trauma, aggressive peels or lasers), hormones, sun exposure, medication and medical conditions can cause melanocytes to either over- or under-produce melanin pigment. The treatment of hyperpigmentation focuses on stabilising melanocyte activity to prevent the over-production of pigment and speeding up the shedding of existing pigmentation.
It is important to consult one of our expert skin practitioners who can assess the underlying cause of your pigmentation and advise on the best treatment options for you.
Treatment Options
Topical skincare plays an important role in successfully treating pigmentation. As sun exposure is a major factor in the development of pigmentation, sun avoidance and strict use of high-factor SPF will be required in the treatment of pigmentation. Topical ingredients such as hydroquinone, glycolic acid and vitamin A and C, are often used to treat and prevent pigmentation. Following a thorough consultation, your practitioner will recommend a tailored topical skin programme.
Fruit and other natural acids can be used to blend pigmentation, improve skin texture, and promote regeneration. The treatment involves a non-toxic chemical (usually from fruit acids) applied to the skin to naturally exfoliate and remove pigmentation. Peels range from mild and refreshing to more intense and resurfacing. We offer a full range of Dr Tatiana’s own blend of chemical peels. Dr Tatiana has combined natural acids with anti-inflammatory ingredients to achieve optimal results, with minimal down-time.
Unlike traditional lasers, which use nanosecond pulses, picosecond lasers deliver laser energy in extremely short picosecond pulses. This ultra-short pulse duration allows precise targeting of pigment particles with a photo-acoustic effect, working to shatter pigment particles with minimal heat and damage to the surrounding skin. This reduced heat generation helps minimise the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding skin and lowers the chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a potential side effect of laser treatments in individuals with darker skin types.Â
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser can be used to effectively treat stubborn pigmentation or melasma. The laser targets the superficial and deep layers of the skin to create tiny wounds and stimulate a wound-healing response. This treatment can be used in combination to first destroy abnormal pigment cells (melanocytes) with the CO2 laser and then selectively eliminate the pigment (melanin) using the Alexandrite laser.
Cosmelan and Dermamelan peels are industry-leading treatments for all types of pigmentation, including melasma. The peels work to deeply resurface, blend and remove unwanted pigment whilst also improving skin texture, luminosity and health. The treatment programme includes skin preparation, two targeted peels and a 12-month supply of skin products – to ensure that we help you maintain the outstanding results of your treatment.
This dynamic, non-ablative treatment, pairs RF microneedling with an erbium glass laser. The RF microneedles deliver heat to the deeper layers of the skin via precise needles, whilst the laser gently delivers powerful beams to the skin in microcolumns, creating bulk heating. This works to effectively target common signs of ageing and skin concerns in any skin type, with almost no downtime and an instant glass-like glow to the skin.
