HYPERPIGMENTATION…those dreaded discolored skin spots and blotches!
Hyperpigmentation is a problem in the U.S. Caused by excess melanin production that results in dark spots and patchy skin, it is correctable. But stopping it requires diligent use of the right skin care products and clinical treatments. Read on for more info on the causes and treatment options.
THE RISE OF HYPERPIGMENTATION in the US:
BIRTH CONTROL and HORMONE THERAPIES Many doctors see a direct correlation between the use of birth control and hormone replacement therapy to developing hyperpigmentation. The increased usage of both treatments in the US is well documented along with the onset of skin hyperpigmentation for those involved in these medical treatments.
SUNSCREEN NON USAGE Sunscreen should be used all year around but not every American wears sunscreen daily. Tanning is another known contributor to the rise of hyperpigmentation.
CERTAIN DISEASES are proven to affect skin tone. Diabetes in particular among older women often causes skin discoloration, especially on the neck.
POPULATION CHANGES amplify hyperpigmentation since it occurs more often in those ethnic groups with greater numbers of natural genetic pigment producing skin cells.
DEFINITION of HYPERPIGMENTATION:
Brown, red or pink, small or large clustered or diffuse darkening of the skin. Any part of the skin that is darker than the rest is hyperpigmented regardless of where it appears. The importance of using sunscreen daily cannot be overemphasized!
DISCOLORATION TYPES…Melasma, Sunspots (age/liver spots), Freckles, PIH.
To effectively treat it and stop it…recognize each type of hyperpigmentation:
1) MELASMA is light to medium brown; occurs on the cheeks, side of face, upper nose, forehead and above the lip. Look like splotchy patches irregular in shape and size. Caused by a surge in hormones from pregnancy,child birth coupled with excess sun exposure. TREATMENT: Retin-A, acid peels, IPL treatments and others.
2) SUNSPOTS (age/liver spots) – Light to dark brown color; on the face, chest and hands. They are small, flat dark spots caused by the sun. TREATMENT: Retinol + IPL Fractional laser treatments.
3) PIH – Pink, red or brown flat spots on the face caused by inflammatory acne. TREATMENTS: Light salicylic acid chemical peels and red light or blue light treatments.
4) FRECKLES are light to dark brown or red or black spots, small and concentrated on the face, chest and arms. TREATMENTS: Fraxel or Yag laser.
Also understand that pigmentation occurs in cycles. Sometimes discoloration occurs instantly while in other cases it occurs over two to four weeks. Aging affects skin discoloration as the melanin is unevenly distributed. I see patients all the time seeking treatment for their spots. For complete treatment info see “spots” on my website: www.drcovey.com.(Treatments I use include: IPL, Diolite, Fraxel laser, Gentle waves)
MEN and COSMETIC TREATMENTS … Men are just as quick to have cosmetic treatments as are women. For example; Botox for male treatments is called Brotox. Men of all ages and stages are having cosmetic treatments in order to stay competitive in their careers and simply because they want to look good. Some popular men’s options include: Rhinoplasty, Hair Transplant, Laser Hair removal, Blepharoplasty (upper and lower eyelids), Brotox, Injectable facial fillers, microdermabrasion and more. Men want quick fixes, or “in and out” no downtime options. We have these options and our male clientelle is growing weekly! The outdated stigma is gone as proven by the increasing numbers of men who are aging more youthfully!
I offer my patients only the safest, most effective non surgical, anti aging options available today. You can look and feel your absolute best! Let’s talk soon.
Dr. Covey
