Skin pigmentation is a natural phenomenon where certain patches of skin become darker in color than the other regions. This darkening is mainly due to excess melanin deposition. Multiple factors such as genetics, race, environment, occupation, sun exposure, cosmetics, hormone, drug-induced, and post-inflammation are responsible for facial pigmentation. Treating the pigmentary changes includes precise diagnosis and an appropriate line of management in line with the cause of pigmentation.
Common facial pigmentary disorders
- Melasma - It is characterized by brownish black patches over the cheeks, nose and forehead. Most commonly seen in women of childbearing age group, but can be present in both men and women.
- Sunspots - Also known as lentigines, are caused due to excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - This is a result of overproduction of melanin or abnormal melanin deposition in the epidermis or dermis following inflammation.
- Tanning - Tanning is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds where the skin tone in the exposed regions is darker than the non-exposed regions.
- Lichen planus pigmentosus - LPP is characterized by oval or irregularly-shaped brown to gray-brown macules and patches on the skin, especially in exposed regions of the skin.
- Acanthosis Nigricans - Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases.
Treatment options for hyperpigmentation at Skinessence
Topical medications: Creams containing skin lightening agents like glycolic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, licorice, pine bark extract, etc. are suggested to naturally even the skin tone. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will also be prescribed when undergoing pigmentation treatments.
Chemical peels: Chemical peels are designed to remove the outer layers of the skin and speed up the process of pigment removal. Various chemical peels either alone or in combination are used to achieve better results. Chemicals like retinol, kojic acid, vitamin c, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and trichloroacetic acid, are effective at treating skin pigmentation. At Skinessence, we also offer Cosmelan Peel, which is the world’s leading peel for pigmentation removal.
Laser: It is a modern, superior and advanced treatment option for pigmentation. A Q-switched Nd:Yag laser is used to treat the pigmentary conditions of the skin. At Skinessence, we use Tribeam Permiun, the leading US-FDA approved Qs Nd:Yag laser system.
Tattoo Removal
Permanent tattoo removal includes using techniques to completely remove pre-existing tattoos.
Tattoo removal techniques at Skinessence
- Simple Excision - It is preferred for smaller tattoos where the entire tattoo can be cut and the remaining tissue will be sutured. This procedure can leave behind a pencil line mark at the site of the incision.
- Dermabrasion - This procedure involves using an instrument to abrade the outer layers of the skin that contain the tattoo ink. This procedure has a longer healing time. One may have to go for repeated sessions to achieve final results.
- Laser - The Tribeam Premium, a Qs Nd:YAg laser targets the tattoo pigments and clears them off. Multiple sessions are required with a 4-8 weeks gap to achieve final results.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Skinessence, we treat a range of skin pigmentation issues such as melasma, sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, tanning, lichen planus pigmentosus, and acanthosis nigricans. We follow different treatment options depending on the type and extent of pigmentation.
This depends on the size of the tattoo. Smaller tattoos can be removed by simple excisions. Dermabrasion has a longer healing time, while it is effective for larger tattoos. Laser treatment is the best procedure that targets and clears off tattoo pigments.
There are various chemical peels that either alone or in combination are used to achieve even pigmentation. Chemicals like retinol, kojic acid, vitamin c, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and trichloroacetic acid, are effective at treating skin pigmentation. At Skinessence, we also offer Cosmelan Peel, which is the world’s leading peel for pigmentation removal.