Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin conditions. While the condition does not have any effect on our health, it is prominent enough that many people feel conscious about it, and wish to reduce its appearance.
Hyper means more, and pigment means color. The condition leads to some areas of our skin being darker than others. Elbows, knees, finger joints, and underarms are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation than any other body part.
Hormonal hyperpigmentation is also highly prevalent in people of color. Whereas other kinds of hyperpigmentation can be found in people from all backgrounds. Up until a few years ago, there wasn’t any solution to hyperpigmentation other than rigorous and lengthy use of certain products, only to see slight improvements.
However, today, we have proven methods and solutions for those that live with hyperpigmentation. As trained experts on all things permanent makeup, we can help you with any blemishes that you want to get rid of.
Table of Contents
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Let’s first understand what hyperpigmentation is and what causes it.
When specific areas of the skin develop more melanin than the rest, it becomes more pigmented. It often develops due to age spots, melasma, or as a result of acne.
Visibly, hyperpigmentation appears as dark brown, black, red, or pink patches or spots on the skin. Spots of hyperpigmentation are known as liver spots, sun spots, or age spots. These spots can target one area of the body or might appear all over.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
There are different causes behind hyperpigmentation, which leads to different types and different appearances. The most common causes of hyperpigmentation are:
- Sun exposure
One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. It is most likely to occur to those who aren’t very diligent with the application of sunscreen. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused as a result of sun exposure and is referred to as sun spots or age spots. Melanin is a pigment cell that gives our skin its color. However, melanin is also responsible for protecting our skin from sun exposure.
Direct exposure to the sun for long periods results in the overproduction of melanin cells, to protect our skin. The more we expose our skin to the sun, the more melanin is produced until the cells multiply in numbers, clump up in one spot, and we end up with hyperpigmentation.
- Skin inflammation
Our skin inflames as a result of certain conditions such as acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury. The skin cells react to the damage caused by these skin conditions by producing extra melanin. The inflammation goes down but there’s a trade-off, the excessive production of melanin leaves us with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Reactions To Drug Use
Almost all the drugs have some side effects, hyperpigmentation being one of them. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as antimalarials, cytotoxic drugs, tetracyclines, amiodarone, tricyclic antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs are some of the most common medications that result in skin pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation caused by drugs is often grayish in complexion. Various topical treatments also cause dark spots on the area of application.
- Medical Conditions
One of the common causes of widespread hyperpigmentation is certain medical conditions such as cancer, systematic disorders, etc. Conditions like Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis often result in skin pigmentation. The former affects the adrenal glands and can cause dark coloration in folds of skin, elbows, knees, knuckles, toes, lips, and the inside of the cheek.
Hemochromatosis is a medical condition caused as a result of too much iron in the body. Excessive amounts of iron in the body can lead the skin to appear darker than usual, giving it an almost tanned appearance.
How Can We Help with Hyperpigmentation?
At Reflective Beauty Boutique, we offer a variety of treatments for a range of skin conditions. We use proven methods supported by extensive research, to help you achieve the results you want.
All our technicians and artists are trained and certified and we only work with medical-grade skincare products for hyperpigmentation. We talk to and find out your needs, goals, medical history, and expectations before we begin the treatment.
Here’s how we help with hyperpigmentation:
Microneedling – A Great Treatment Option for Hyperpigmentation
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure, categorized under permanent makeup. It involves repeatedly puncturing the skin using a handheld tool with micro-sized needles at its end. This technique inflicts tiny, superficial wounds on the skin, sending it the message that the healing procedure needs to be triggered.
The skin begins the process of cell turnover, replacing old dead skin cells with new ones. Collagen is also released as a result of the wounds, giving the skin more elasticity and a youthful boost. With the new skin cells, the hyperpigmentation also reduces marginally in appearance as it gives way to newer cells.
The procedure is conducted after applying a numbing cream. It is minimally invasive and suitable for all skin types and tones.
People suffering from chronic skin conditions are recommended against microneedling. People suffering from acne can only get the treatment done once their acne is treated and only scars remain. In that case, microneedling not only helps with hyperpigmentation but also the scars left in the wake of years of acne.
Advantages of Microneedling Treatment
Microneedling is one of the most revolutionary skin treatments of the modern century. In addition to hyperpigmentation, it also helps treat several skin ailments. Let’s have a look at the various advantage of microneedling:
- Microneedling strengthens and rejuvenates the skin.
- It treats all types of hyperpigmentation
- It minimizes the appearance of acne scars including ice pick, boxcar, and rolling acne scars.
- It brightens the skin and restores its original tone
- It leads to even skin tone
- It reduces the appearance of large pores and gives the skin a smooth, airbrushed appearance.
- It is suitable for various body parts
Help with Hyperpigmentation in Calgary
Reflective Beauty Boutique in Calgary, AB is a well-reputed beauty salon with special expertise in microneedling.
On the very first appointment, we test your skin and take your medical history to make sure microneedling for hyperpigmentation is the best choice for you. We then explain the treatment plan, the expectations, the healing phases, and the results.
Our aim is not just to make you more comfortable in your skin, but to help you to relax and be free of anxiety before and after the procedure. The results of microneedling are always positive at our salon, and you can always reach out to us to learn more.