Pigment Control
Understanding and treating skin pigment disorders
by Lauren Katz on July 2024
All of our bodies have melanocytes, cells that produce melanin, giving our skin its color. Sometimes, our cells that produce melanin become damaged or unhealthy, affecting our melanin production. This can lead to the overproduction or underproduction of melanin, causing dyschromia. The overproduction of melanin can result in the development of dark spots, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation.
Sun exposure and hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation or “sun spots” on the skin. When we are exposed to sunlight, the production of melanin is stimulated in order to protect our skin from damaging UV rays. (This is why skin darkens in the sun.) However, this leads to uneven areas of melanin in the skin, resulting in the appearance of dark spots.
SPF is a top tool in protecting your skin from UV damage. Using sunscreen adequately prevents the development of new dark spots and the worsening of existing hyperpigmentation.
- Elta MD: This line of SPF products contains zinc oxide- an ingredient that is highly effective in protecting the skin from sun damage and is non irritating for those with sensitive skin. *available in office
There are a variety of pigmentation disorders, most commonly people are affected by post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or melasma.
- PIH is excessive melanin production due to irritation, an inflammatory condition, or trauma to the skin. Often, it is caused by infections, allergies, mechanical injuries, or reactions to medications.
- Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or gray toned patches on the face. It is most commonly seen in darker skin toned women in response to hormonal changes seen during pregnancy. This condition can be chronic, but may fade with time and appropriate treatment.
Treating pigmentation disorders
There are various treatment options to address pigmentation including topical creams and lasers.
Let us help you create a skin care regimen customized to your individual skin concerns in the office today!
Topical options
- This non-hydroquinone and non-retinol skin brightener will fade the appearance of dark spots while delivering hydration and exfoliation to the skin, increasing luminosity and providing a more even complexion. A great product to start out with!
- Retin-A, otherwise known as Tretinoin, increases skin cell production and turnover. This improves complexion by exfoliating the skin and shedding the top layer, which contains excessive pigment. Tretinoin also works by slowing down melanin production and dispersing collections of pigment below the skin surface for a more even skin tone.
ZO Pigment control + Blending cream
- This 4% hydroquinone product lightens the skin over time by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme required for melanin production. Hydroquinone requires a managed regimen with consistent application overseen by us in office for at least 8-12 weeks. Consult us in the office today for product management.
Looking for something more than a topical serum? We have laser treatment options available.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a laser that detects brown and red pigment in the skin. It works by using light energy to heat chromophores (pigment cells) to destroy them, fading dark spots. This treatment has no downtime, but 4-6 treatments are recommended for best results
- Fraxel laser provides a deep resurfacing of the skin. A controlled thermal injury to the skin stimulates the production of new, healthy skin cells, breaks down excess melanin, and reduces the appearance of dark spots for a more even complexion. Various types of Fraxel laser settings are available based on individual skin concerns and goals. This treatment has 2-5 days of downtime based on laser strength options, but is more effective than IPL treatments.