Hyperpigmentation Treatments

Hyperpigmentation treatment is designed to restore a more even-toned skin complexion without age spots or other darkened patches of skin. Cases of hyperpigmentation occur as a result of the overproduction of the skin pigment called melanin. Sun damage, a combination of health and hormonal factors, or inflammation, like the presence of acne, can worsen hyperpigmentation, leading to the need for effective treatments to combat the issue.

Whether your goal is simply to get rid of freckles or treat long-term conditions like melasma, finding the right hyperpigmentation treatment can be a challenge. Triggering cellular regeneration is key to attaining skin you can feel confident in. Research finds that following a clinical skincare routine unique to your needs, intense pulsed light (IPL), and chemical peels are all treatments that can revitalize your skin from within. 

To find your long-lasting treatment for hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns, book a consultation at Beleza Plastic Surgery & Medispa, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anna Wooten. During your time at our practice, we will take time to understand the history of your hyperpigmentation and what you have tried so far. They will take into consideration your own skin’s sensitivity, type, and your goals for treatment. 

To get in touch today, call our Sewickley, PA location at (724) 759-7777 or our Pittsburgh office at (412) 877-9388, and we will be happy to schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. You can also inquire about our services online, and a staff member will respond as soon as possible. 

About Hyperpigmentation 

Hyperpigmentation refers to any area of the skin that appears abnormally darkened in comparison to the rest of your skin. It can develop for a variety of health and environmental reasons, but it is ultimately due to damage to the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and determine skin color. Melanocytes are located in the deepest part of the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis, so pigmentation issues can arise rather easily. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Sun damage: When exposed to UV rays, the skin produces melanin as a protective mechanism. In some people, melanocytes are less active; in others, they are overactive, creating dark spots. 
• Hormone changes: Periods of significant hormonal fluctuations, like pregnancy, can affect the functioning of the melanocytes. Specifically during this time, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), estrogen, and progesterone increase. ⁽¹⁾  The same fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can trigger melasma (a.k.a. “The Pregnancy Mask”), a condition characterized by the development of abnormal patches of darkened skin.
• Genetics: Some people are simply prone to developing freckles and age spots when exposed to the sun. These individuals usually have lighter skin tones, making their hyperpigmentation more noticeable. 
• Injury: Inflammation from old injuries to the skin, such as acne, a cut, or a burn, can cause the melanocytes to remain overactive.
• Medications: Estrogen and progestin in birth control pills and certain light-sensitive medications can contribute to the worsening of melasma. 

Other less common reasons include adrenal disorders, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiencies (specifically vitamin B12 and folic acid). In these cases, hyperpigmentation may be a result of a more serious health issue that requires more comprehensive care. 

How Can I Treat Hyperpigmentation?

At Beleza Plastic Surgery, we provide full-service options when it comes to treating various forms of hyperpigmentation: 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) 

IPL devices emit a range of light wavelengths to target redness from broken capillaries and darkened liver spots, but they can also reduce the appearance of non-pigmentation cosmetic issues like wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne scars. Your skincare specialist will begin by applying a numbing cream and a protective gel to leave the rest of the skin unaffected by the device’s light pulses. During treatment, the abnormal pigment experiences thermocoagulation, a process in which the targeted melanin breaks down and is removed and metabolized due to thermal energy. ⁽²⁾   

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels such as TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels, light micropeels, and AlphaRet peels from Skinbetter® can provide a gentler treatment that removes the topmost layers of skin, triggering healthier skin regeneration as a response to this controlled injury. A TCA concentration of 30 to 50% for medium peel treatments reaches the dermis and papillary dermis, the deeper areas of the second layer of the skin. With these customizable medium-depth peels, patients can attain greater skin elasticity and hydration in addition to a reduction in hyperpigmentation. At the dermal level, they can erase fine lines and redness associated with sun damage. ⁽³⁾ 

Light micropeels, on the other hand, will not provide such comprehensive results, but they can offer patients a chance to try out chemical peels without the burden of downtime and excessive peeling. They are effective at resolving dullness and superficial pigmentation issues, resulting in smoother and more radiant skin with minimal side effects. The AlphaRet peel treatment by Skinbetter® is a research-backed combination of five rejuvenating chemicals: glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in addition to a retinoid, a vitamin A-based compound. The peel’s retinoid component separates the AlphaRet peel from the rest; retinoids can efficiently strengthen and promote a stronger epidermis, maintain moisture within the dermis, and protect against collagen degradation. ⁽⁴⁾ 

DiamondGlow®

Beleza offers DiamondGlow facials which feature serum infusions from the SkinMedica product line, each with varying properties that contribute to daily skin health. For example, the DiamondGlow facial done with the Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Pro-infusion Serum helps to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and the Vitamin C Pro-infusion Serum is packed with antioxidants to rejuvenate and protect the skin from further damage. Regular DiamondGlow treatments paired with an at-home clinical skincare regimen yield excellent results for most skin types and for many concerns.

Skinbetter®  

Skinbetter is another reputable brand of skincare products that Beleza recommends to patients looking to handle their hyperpigmentation problems. Aside from their AlphaRet chemical peel, they have an impressive selection of products for targeting various types of cosmetic issues: 

• Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum eliminates redness and improves skin brightness.
• The Solo Hydrating Defense Men serum treats male signs of aging and improves texture and redness. Solo is the only clinical-grade skincare product designed specifically to address men’s skincare needs. 
• The Alto Defense Serum treats dullness, wrinkles, and skin discolorations that result from free radical damage and other environmental factors. 
• The Even Tone Correcting Serum is designed to target brown patches and uneven skin tone.

ZO® Skin Health 

Beleza’s ZO® Skin Health line has retinol-based products and other serum/creams for the transformative effects you are looking for, including: 

• The Retinol Skin Brightener .25%, 0.5%, and 1% for all skin types 
• The Brightalive serum for dark spot correction and an overall more even complexion 
• The 10% Vitamin C Self Activating cream to promote overall brightness 
• The Eye Brightening Creme for fine lines and dark circles 

Personal Consultation

At the time of your consultation at Beleza, we will examine the problem areas of your skin and take into consideration any related health conditions, the treatments you have tried, and your overall goal for skin rejuvenation. We will provide you with a treatment plan to address your concerns. In some instances, we may recommend a supplemental skincare product to support skin rejuvenation.

To get started with booking an appointment, call our office in Sewickley, PA at (724) 759-7777 or our location in Pittsburgh at (412) 877-9388. Alternatively, you can contact us online, and a member of Beleza will get back to your inquiry shortly.  

Cost of Hyperpigmentation Treatments in Pittsburgh 

The cost of your hyperpigmentation treatment will depend on your unique treatment plan and the number of sessions you will need to resolve your condition. During your consultation, your Beleza skin care specialist will give you a total cost estimate according to your needs. Beleza offers a range of financing options for those interested in making affordable payments to cover the costs. To learn more about our other medispa and surgical options available, visit our blog. 

FAQ 

References

1. Vora, RitaV, et al. “Pregnancy and Skin.” Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, vol. 3, no. 4, 2014, p. 318, https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.148099. 
2. Gade A, Vasile GF, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/  
3. S. Sitohang IB, Legiawati L, Suseno LS, Safira FD. Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling for Treating Photoaging: A Systematic Review. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2021;2021:e3085670. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/3085670 
4. Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2019.87443