Uneven Skin Pigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, refers to any area of your skin (commonly the facial skin and decolletage), where an area of your skin is darker than the skin around it. Hypopigmentation refers to an area of skin that is lighter than the surrounding skin. For our purposes today, we are not referring to skin disorders such as vitiligo where the uneven pigmentation is harder to treat.
What Causes Uneven Skin Pigmentation?
There are several things that can cause uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation. These include:
- Hormones
- Age
- Injury
- Some medications
Sun Damage
Repeated sun exposure without using sunscreen can cause sun damage, which most commonly appears as darker spots on your skin. These are most common on your face, neck, and arms. While you may have started out with a tan, these darker spots can form years later. They are also referred to as age spots. Using tanning beds can also cause age spots.
Acne
Acne blemishes and acne scarring can leave dark spots as well.
Rosacea
Rosacea more commonly presents as a reddened face. You may also experience broken capillaries, which appear as tiny red or blue veins on your nose and cheeks.
Eczema/Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis can cause both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
Hormones
Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause melasma, most commonly appearing as flat, dark patches on the face and under the eyes.
Injury
Injury to your skin from a cut, surgical wound, or puncture can also cause discoloration of your skin.
Medications
Some medications can factor into uneven skin pigmentation. Some birth control pills can have melasma as a side effect. NSAIDs and tetracyclines are also known to cause hyperpigmentation in some patients. Nicotine can also cause hyperpigmentation.
Treatment for Uneven Pigmentation with Aesthetics at Cima Health
The good news is that hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone associated with all of the factors above can be treated. Our Palm Beach Gardens aestheticians will evaluate your skin, talk with you about your lifestyle, skincare products you currently use, medications you take, and more. We will also discuss any medical diagnoses you may have as they pertain to your skin.
Based on that evaluation, we’ll tailor a treatment plan to you and your goals. Some of those treatments include:
IPL/Photofacial
The IPL photofacial is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulsed light to target areas of hyperpigmentation. It is a proven and effective treatment to reduce the appearance of sun damage, age spots, rosacea, melasma, and more.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny needles to penetrate your skin, promoting collagen production. That’s why it’s also known as collagen induction therapy. It’s a proven treatment to reverse hyperpigmentation including sun spots or age spots.
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis heats the dermis (the layer under your skin, promoting collagen production and evening out skin tone. It is especially effective for hyperpigmentation from acne, sun damage, rosacea, and melasma.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels for hyperpigmentation are very effective. A chemical peel is exfoliation taken to a new level. The peel essentially causes the top layer of skin, most of which is dead skin cells, to peel off, revealing younger-looking, healthier skin. Peels with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other ingredients can help even out skin tone.
DMK Enzyme Therapy
DMK enzyme therapy rejuvenates your skin. This treatment can be customized to address areas of hyperpigmentation to help you achieve the even skin tone you crave.
Bespoke Facial
The bespoke facial can be customized to many skin conditions, including dry skin. Using advanced technology and proven products, this facial treatment is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can become part of your regular skincare regimen. Once a month is good timing for most people.
Which treatments you receive will be based on your skin condition and your goals. And remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin health.
