want help with skin Pigmentation?

Pigmentation is when the skin becomes more intense in colour and often this can occur in an uneven pattern. It can often be quite difficult to treat, but there is help.

Pigmentation can be caused by contraceptive hormones, pregnancy, some medications, solar damage and also post-inflammation. The post-inflammation pigmentation can occur after trauma or other things such as acne, dermatitis and infections. Pigmentation following inflammation is especially a problem with darker skin types.

MELASMA

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by dark, discoloured patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip. It is most commonly found in women, especially those with darker skin tones. The condition is caused by an increase in the production of pigment (melanin) in the skin, which can be triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and certain medications. Women are more likely to develop melasma, particularly during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills.

How Can Melasma be Treated?

Melasma can be treated with a combination of topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy, but it can be a difficult condition to fully resolve. A Q-switched laser is ideal for the treatment of melasma. Don’t forget that sun protection is essential in preventing the condition from recurring.

Topical Treatment of Pigmentation

6 Topical Treatment Options for Skin Pigmentation

Retinol and tretinoin

Gycolic acid

Hydroquinone

Azelaic acid

Kojic acid

Niacinamide

Botanicals

What is Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent used for the treatment of pigmentation such as melasma (chloasma), freckles, age spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It inhibits an enzyme in the skin involved in pigmentation production (tyrosinase). It can be purchased over the counter at strengths of 2% in Australia. Higher strengths though, are often required for treatment success and these concentrations require a prescription.

How Long Does Hydroquinone Take To Work?

Hydroquinone can take about 4 weeks for you to start to see any change in pigmentation. It is usually used for a minimum of 3 months.

Are There Any Side Effects With Hydroquinone?

There are side effects with all medicines. Generally hydroquinone is well tolerated. Some of the more common side effects are skin irritation and dermatitis.

Are There Natural Skin Lightening (Depigmenting) Agents?

Yes. There is an increasing interest in more natural alternatives for treating pigmentation of the skin. These include products containing kojic acid, licorice, niacinamide (Vitamin B), Vitamin C, fruit acids and soy extracts.

Pigmentation prevention

Remember the most important first step is to prevent skin pigmentation from occurring in the first place. To do this try to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen.

Pigment Reduction Laser

There are many ways to treat pigmentation. One method is to use a Pigment Reduction Laser.

At Northern Sydney Dermatology, a Candela GentleMax® (755nm) laser is used to treat freckles and age spots. This laser targets the melanin (pigment) in the skin. It has a dynamic cooling device that delivers a cooling mist when the laser pulse is emitted. This helps with comfort during treatment. A few treatments are generally needed.

Another laser that can help with pigmentation is the non-ablative Fraxel® Laser. This is also available at Northern Sydney Dermatology and is great for facial rejuvenation as well.

Maslasma is especially responsive to the Q-switched laser.

We also have a fractionated radiofrequency device (Venus Viva) which is a great option for darker skin types, as the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is low.