Skin hyperpigmentation can occur in people of different skin colour, skin type and skin texture. At Dr Haus Dermatology, we know how to treat hyperpigmentation successfully to give you the clear complexion and healthy-looking skin you’re seeking.
If you’re concerned about brown patches on the skin, age spots or dark spots, please get in touch with us to find out more about hyperpigmentation treatment at our skin clinic in London.
You can email appointments@drhausdermatology.com, or use the enquiry form on our website.
Hyperpigmentation could be defined as a darkening of the skin from its regular colour. It can occur either as dark spots or dark patches, or as diffuse hyperpigmentation, where there is generalised darkening of the skin tone.
A sun tan is an example of generalised hyperpigmentation. However, the same mechanism which produces a healthy-looking change of colour as a response to sun exposure is also involved in producing unwanted localised hyperpigmentation – such as blemishes, freckles and other skin imperfections.
The causes of hyperpigmentation are, in essence, the sun, along with some other predisposing factors. Melanin is the skin’s pigment (brown in colour), which is normally produced in response to the sun’s UV rays to protect against sun damage.
In the case of hyperpigmentation, melanin production goes into overdrive and is deposited irregularly in the skin, giving the appearance of brown patches or dark spots.
This excess melanin production can be triggered by existing sun damage, acne or other skin scarring, or inflammation carried over from a past flare-up of eczema or psoriasis (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
If dark spots appear on the skin from out of nowhere, it is almost certainly hyperpigmentation caused by melanin and previous excessive sun exposure.
Melasma is a particular category of hyperpigmentation that is linked to hormonal changes rather than sun exposure. It is relatively common and affects mainly women, especially during pregnancy. Melasma typically presents on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and upper lip.
Hyperpigmentation can also sometimes also be caused by minor leakage from weak blood vessels, usually seen on the lower limbs. These lesions are known as pigmented purpuric dermatoses.
At Dr Haus Dermatology, we offer a number of professional treatments to get rid of hyperpigmentation. So if you’re wondering how to treat hyperpigmentation, read on to find out more about the cosmetic treatments we offer that can effectively reduce hyperpigmentation.
Most skin pigmentation issues can be resolved in a fast and effective way, and this includes sun exposed skin that has darkened skin spots and patches as a result of sun exposure and harmful UV rays.
The one exception is melasma which, though classified as a chronic condition, can be effectively managed over time. Melasma triggered by pregnancy often disappears soon afterwards.
One of the baseline recommendations made by most dermatologists would be to apply sun protection daily on affected areas – a broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
Topical treatment options, such as hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, azelaic acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may also be prescribed. These can vary from topical creams to oral medications.
We also offer a full range of chemical peel treatments, which all differ in their strength, peeling activity and downtime.
Take a look at the chemical peels we offer at our clinic here. The peeling activity removes dead skin cells and results in renewal and new skin cells in the treated area.
Hyperpigmentation laser treatment is very often deployed to treat hyperpigmentation, with reliably good results. Laser therapy can be used to reduce hyperpigmentation for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
Dr Haus Dermatology in Harley Street was the first practice in the UK to offer patients ‘elos’ technology, a state-of-the-art platform that delivers laser, light and radio frequencies to treat hyperpigmentation. Other laser treatments include the Erbium and Fraxel modalities.
Microneedling and drug delivery, with the application of special serum, is another powerful tool in the Dr Haus Dermatology kit that we use to treat unwanted pigmentation.
Normally, your dermatologist will cast an experienced eye over the affected area in a consultation and ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle that may be relevant to the excess pigmentation.
If you’ve suffered from medical conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the past, it may be that your dark spots or areas of darker skin are due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than sun exposure.
A hand-held microscope, known as a dermascope (or dermatoscope), might be used. Other sophisticated diagnostic techniques include digital imaging platforms, which provide an instant, pain-free and non-invasive view beneath the skin’s surface. This gives the dermatologist a very accurate ‘behind the scenes’ picture of the darker skin to help them understand the causes of the pigmentation in a fast and effective way.
Dr Haus, our clinic founder, is a skin specialist with over 20 years of experience in treating hyperpigmentation conditions. Trained in Brazil, where there are many different skin tones and skin types, as well as plenty of sun exposure, he has what might be considered the ideal professional pedigree for hyperpigmentation treatment.
However, all of the dermatologists at our clinic are experienced in diagnosing and treating skin pigmentation and hyperpigmentation conditions including age spots, freckles and dark patches. So rest assured, you will always be in good hands.
If you, or someone you know, are troubled by the appearance of a new blemish, lingering post-inflammatory skin discolouration, new darker patches or any kind of unusual skin pigmentation symptoms, book a consultation with skin experts Dr Haus Dermatology in London today.
It is always good practice to have skin changes checked to exclude more serious conditions, such as skin cancer, especially if you have a history of over-exposure to the sun.
Whether you are an existing patient or have found your way to this article because you have a pigmentation problem that is causing concern, we will be happy to hear from you at appointments@drhausdermatology.com. Or use the enquiry form on our website:
CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT
We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic for a consultation about pigmentation concerns or any skin needs. We will formulate a treatment plan for you that will significantly improve your skin health and skin condition, and reduce any worries you may have about pigmentation.
Recommended Treatments for treating Hyperpigmentation:
Dr Haus 7D Face Refresh, Laser Skin Treatment and Skin Peels London
