What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin.
This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin. Age or ‘liver’ spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They occur due to sun damage and these small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun. Hyperpigmentation is also evident in melasma (also known as ‘the mask of pregnancy’) or chloasma spots, which are larger patches of darker skin that usually occur as a result of hormonal changes (during pregnancy, for example).
Freckles are an inherited example of hyperpigmentation, while acne scars and other injuries to the skin are examples of external causes.
The benefits of skin treatments for hyperpigmentation
The Obagi Skin Peels give amazing results because of a transformation at a deeper cellular level of the skin. Obagi can peel, rejuvenate and de-pigment any type of skin safely, which means that it is even effective for darker skin types.
By using the Obagi Nu-Derm skin products at home for at least six weeks, followed by the Obagi Blue Peel, you can expect to see the following results: a more even skin tone; diminished fine facial lines and wrinkles; the reduction of age spots and hyperpigmentation; improvement in elasticity; normal oil production and skin that is more able to hold moisture; blemish correction; improvement in active acne and the correction of acne scars. Your skin should also have a better defence against external factors.
Chemical skin peels, such as the Obagi Blue Skin Peel, work at a much deeper level than cosmeceutical products brought over the counter at your local pharmacy. Over-the-counter products usually only work on the top layer of dead skin, masking the damaged skin without addressing its causes. Professional skin care products transform the health of your skin at a much deeper level.
The Genuine Dermaroller is a single-use medical device available only from medically trained practitioners. This treatment employs advanced medical micro-needling, a procedure which stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally, thereby creating smoother, tighter, healthier and clear younger-looking skin.
Your practitioner will use a Genuine Dermaroller medical device to produce thousands of micro-medical needle-columns in the skin. Each column will penetrate into the dermis of the skin and will be approximately 0.1mm in width. The column will close rapidly enabling the skin to recover quickly - often in the same day. Your practitioner will use a topical anaesthetic to numb the skin making the procedure comfortable; it will normally take up to 30 minutes for the topical anaesthetic to work and 20 - 30 minutes for the Dermaroller Therapy procedure.
After a Dermaroller Therapy procedure your body will start to naturally regenerate and repair the skin, working below the surface in the dermis. This takes time as new collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and blood supply is enhanced. It can take up to 6 weeks before visible signs of regeneration and repair are seen and the process will continue over the following months, providing you with a natural and long lasting enhancement.
Your practitioner will normally recommend that your Dermaroller Therapy consists of a series of three Dermaroller procedures with approximately 6 weeks between them.
Types of skin peel treatments
The Obagi Blue Peel can significantly enhance the health and appearance of your skin, making you look rejuvenated and giving your complexion a healthy glow. The peel is applied by one of our qualified doctors based on the level of skin damage.
You will need to use the Obagi Nu-Derm skin products you are given prior to your treatment as these are an essential part of the Obagi skin care system. When used together, the products complement each other to balance the pH level of your skin, so that the active ingredients in the chemical peel can do their job and penetrate the area of skin needing treatment.
Hyperpigmentation treatments FAQs
Can hyperpigmentation be prevented?
Yes, by limiting exposure to sun light and using sun protection at all times including under make up.
Can hyperpigmentation be treated?
There are various treatments for hyperpigmentation. These usually involve a skin care regime such as the Obagi Nu-Derm range followed by an Obagi Blue Peel.
Sequential use of Dermaroller procedures is also very effective in selected cases.
A thorough consultation will allow you to pick a treatment regime that is most suited to your lifestyle and to the problem at hand.
Will the hyperpigmentation return if I stop using the treatments?
As the skin is a very dynamic organ that is constantly exposed to the elements, once any treatment is stopped, there is a tendency for the original problem to recur. However, the treatments mentioned above are also used for skin rejuvenation and maintaining healthy skin, so most patients continue to use them as their routine skin care.