Are you dealing with sun spots, age spots, pigmentation, and/or uneven skin tone in general? Are you tired of covering your face with several layers of topical oil and ointments with the hopes it will disappear?
Then brace yourself because we are here to tell you that there is an easier, faster, virtually painless and non-surgical way to wave pigmentation goodbye! Join us we spill the beans.
Possible Causes Of Pigmentation
Before you book a pigmentation treatment, it is important to understand what causes pigmentation. So, in a nutshell, pigmentation happens when melanin (the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their colour) becomes uneven. This can be caused by excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, ageing, or inflammation.
Melasma (a type of hyperpigmentation) affects between 1.5% and 33% of people worldwide, especially those with darker skin tones. In the UK, it’s more common in women, particularly those with Asian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean backgrounds. Around 15% to 30% of women of reproductive age are thought to be affected.
Sun exposure is a major culprit when it comes to pigmentation. Studies show that more than 80% of pigmentation issues (like sunspots) are directly linked to UV rays. The British Skin Foundation reports that around 80% of people over 50 have sunspots (solar lentigines) due to years of sun exposure.
And as the years go by, pigmentation becomes even more common. In fact, about 90% of people over 60 develop some form of age spots or liver spots.
Effective Treatments For Skin Pigmentation
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are extremely popular and very effective in pigmentation removal. They use focused light energy to break down melanin (remember, that is the pigment in your skin), allowing your body to clear it away naturally. Highly sought-after lasers include the Fractional Laser (Fraxel) and Q-Switched Laser.
The Fractional Laser is known for going deeper than any other laser to treat stubborn pigmentation like melasma. It works by creating tiny, controlled injuries that trigger the skin’s natural healing process. Studies have also shown that fractional lasers can improve pigmentation by up to 75% to 90%!
Whereas the Q-Switched Laser’s claim to fame is combatting sunspots and age spots head on. It uses powerful pulses of light to target and break down pigmentation. According to a recent study, about 53% of patients experienced excellent clearance of pigmented lesions, while 30% saw good to moderate improvement.
Bear in mind that most laser treatments need a few sessions to see the best results, but when paired with good sun protection, the effects can last for a very long time.
Chemical Peels
A skin pigmentation treatment that is almost as old as time itself. Chemical peels have been used for decades to treat various skin issues and they are loved by many. Of course, the solutions and methods used when applying the peel have improved dramatically since its inception in 1871.
Today, these peels can drastically improve uneven skin tone. They typically use acids to exfoliate the top layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and reducing pigmentation. Popular peels include the Glycolic Acid Peel and the TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid). Of course, do not just take our word for it. Studies have shown that chemical peels can improve pigmentation by up to 80% in patients with conditions like melasma, sunspots, and age spots. With patient satisfaction clocking in at around 70 to 80%!
Microneedling With Radiofrequency (RF)
Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and break up pigmentation. When combined with radiofrequency, it penetrates the skin even deeper, dramatically improving your overall skin texture and tone.
Remember, collagen is a very important protein in charge of keeping your skin supple, and as our bodies age, we produce less of this critical protein. Therefore, this type of treatment is particularly effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as it kicks your collagen production back into action.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation and reduce redness. While technically not a laser, IPL is effective for reducing the appearance of sunspots and age spots. It has been reported that IPL can improve pigmentation by 60 to 80%, depending on the severity of the pigmentation and the number of sessions. It is also best suited for lighter skin tones and can improve overall skin clarity with minimal downtime. Not to mention, with proper sun protection and maintenance, your IPL results can last for 6 months to a year!
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
The best facial for pigmentation entirely depends on factors like your skin type, the type of pigmentation you are struggling with, and your lifestyle. Usually, IPL or chemical peels are recommended for sun-induced pigmentation.
And microneedling with RF energy can help you cope with melasma. However, only an experienced and highly qualified skincare specialist will be able to recommend the best treatment for your skin type and pigmentation needs.
To Sum It Up
Pigmentation treatments have evolved significantly over the years, offering many dealing with uneven skin tone a safe and effective way to send skin discolouration packing. From advanced laser therapies to targeted chemical peels, there is a non-invasive solution to suit pretty much everyone.
If you are unsure where to start, book a consultation with a skincare expert to explore your options and find the best pigmentation treatment for your skin’s needs.
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