Freckles, age spots, solar lentigines and post-inflammatory discolouration following an acne breakout, all come under the umbrella term of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can refer to any darkening of the skin and can be instigated by numerous factors. Sun exposure is a leading cause for many pigmentation concerns, however hormonal influences are the key driver for melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation that is in a class of its own.
Melasma typically develops during pregnancy, whilst taking the oral contraceptive pill, or during hormonal therapy. Melasma is identified by blotchy, hyperpigmented areas on the face, typically appearing on the upper lip, nose, cheeks, jawline and forehead and can develop symmetrically on both sides of the face. Melasma is exacerbated by heat and sun exposure and is more common for those with darker skin tones.
If you choose to treat your pigmentation, it’s important to know the difference between typical hyperpigmentation and melasma as the treatment strategy, or rather management strategy for melasma needs a tailored approach. The hormonal influences that trigger melasma are what distinguishes it from standard pigmentation and are what makes it much harder to treat. At Eden Laser Clinic, we offer a complimentary skin analysis consultation with an experienced and qualified skin therapist.
HOW TO TREAT HYPERPIGMENTATION & MELASMA
The number one “must-do” for pigmentation concerns is avoid sun exposure. Cover up and wear a good-quality sunscreen. Pigmented skin that has been repeatedly exposed to harmful UV rays without appropriate protection will be harder to treat than discolouration leftover from a breakout that you’ve taken care to shield from the sun, for example.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
- GentleMax Pro Laser Treatment – suitable for lighter skin types
GentleMax Pro offers a cost effective solution for those with lighter skin tones. Results from clinical studies show very high patient satisfaction, less downtime, diminished pain and fewer side effects than when compared to Q-switched laser treatment.
*Before and after GentleMax Pro pigmentation removal treatment. Results will vary from patient to patient. We recommend you speak to a qualified skin therapist to have your skin analysed and discuss what treatment would be best for your particular skin condition and the result you want to achieve.
- PicoWay Laser Treatment – suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones
Darker skin types are at an increased risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) with standard lasers. The PicoWay is the latest generation picosecond laser, allowing Eden Laser Clinics to safely treat skin pigmentation on all skin types in the shortest time possible.
*Before and after PicoWay pigmentation removal treatment. Results will vary from patient to patient.
MELASMA
To ensure you know that you have melasma, we recommend you first consult a qualified skin therapist for a correct diagnosis. Identifying any underlying hormonal causes is the second step. Did you notice the discolouration after switching birth control pills? Have you recently undergone hormonal therapy? We refer to melasma treatment as melasma management as reoccurance is not uncommon. From the point of hormonal influences, it can be hard to remove the instigating factors.
- Resolve Laser Treatment – the most appropriate treatment, suitable for all skin types
The PicoWay is the latest generation Picosecond laser and the most appropriate treatment for melasma. The unique picosecond speed of the laser creates photo-acoustic energy to shatter the pigment, avoiding the production of heat during treatment.
Resolve laser treatment removes skin pigmentation by delivering ultra-fast pulses of energy, creating a shockwave that fragments the pigment and allows the body’s immune system eliminate the dispersed pigment. Typically, 3 to 4 treatments are required with maintenance treatments to help manage recurrence. The clinicians at Eden Laser Clinics are responsible for explaining the management process thoroughly during your free consultation. Each expertly trained and accredited clinician will assess your skin type and adjust the laser to provide the optimum setting to deliver the results you expect with minimum discomfort.
- Cosmelan Professional Peel – essential for severe melasma and follow up with Resolve
Cosmelan is a professional, two-phase depigmentation peel system. The first part of the treatment is to remove current pigmentation, the second is to prevent reoccurrence. This is a tyrosinase inhibitor, which works by sedating the production of excess melanin. Cosmelan will eject the surface melanin and the Resolve laser treatment will break up the deeper melanin.
*Before and after Cosmelan Professional Depigmentation treatment. Results will vary from patient to patient.
NEXT STEPS
Come in and see the skin experts at Eden Laser Clinic for a free consultation. We offer personalised skin care strategies to treat your skin concerns. During your free consultation we will discuss with you how many treatments are needed, a written quote with cost and specific information you will need to follow before, during and after your treatment.
