Skip to main content

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Advice from a Dermatologist

According to Mario Bedescu Skin Care Inc, hyperpigmentation is characterized by darkening of the skin caused by the overproduction of the skin pigment, melanin. While hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, it can be a blow to your self-confidence, especially if you're a woman who has otherwise healthy and well-maintained skin. The condition can affect any part of the body including the face, hands and neck--and it's most prevalent in people of color, who naturally have more melanin.

Dr. Julia Tzu
What are some common causes hyperpigmentation?

  • Heredity
  • Overexposure to the sun
  • Inflammation and skin injuries
  • Hormonal changes due to pregnancy (called melasma) or menopause
  • Medications such as antibiotics, hormone treatments and anti-seizure drugs

Treatment options

Dr. Julia Tzu, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York City says her recommended course of treatment for hyperpigmentation depends on the cause.

"Common reasons for hyperpigmentation include melasma (patches of brown on the cheeks and forehead), sun spots, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigmentation that is left after a bout of skin inflammation, such as a rash or acne)," Dr. Tzu explains. 

"For these common types of hyperpigmentation, there are two main options: topical lightening agents or lasers.  Topical lightening agents include products that contain hydroquinone (bleaching cream), azaleic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C.  These need to be applied for a duration of time before any noticeable improvement occurs.  Chemical peels can also produce some improvement in hyperpigmentation."

The double board-certified dermatologist says, however, "lasers are a much more effective way to selectively target only the darker areas of skin."

Dr. Tzu uses Q switched lasers to eliminate cells with excess pigment. "One treatment produces immediate lightening (in one week) in exactly the desired areas, although multiple treatments may be required depending on the level of hyper pigmentation," she says.

For African-American clients, whose skin can be extremely sensitive to laser treatment, Dr. Tzu still uses Q switched lasers, but "at the right wavelength and different parameters." 

Stay tuned for Everything She Wants' top product picks for skin brightening and 
hyperpigmentation, including the highly-effective Dr. Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, which contains hydroquinone. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Win a $50 Gift Card for Fall Fashion Trends on Amazon.com!

Tweens and teens aren't the only ones who need new clothes for fall.  We also need new tops, frocks, and trousers for work and play.  Fortunately, Amazon.com has launched the new Amazon Contemporary Shop to suit our grown-up fashion needs. Me (r) and a model (l) wearing a MINKPINK maxi skirt from Amazon.com. The online boutique is stocked with trendy clothing, shoes and accessories for women and men by designer brands like Halston Heritage, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, Rock & Republic, BCBGeneration and more. I even picked up a great pair of Heidi Klum for New Balance (HKNB) sneakers for under $55! So, are you ready to shop?  Everything She Wants will help one lucky reader jazz up her fall wardrobe with a $50 gift card to use online in the Amazon Contemporary Shop. Here's how to win: Retweet this post (if you don't have a Twitter account it's easy to sign up on Twitter.com) Subscribe to Everything She Wants via Google Connect, email or R...

Giveaway: Thank Your Friends with Merci Chocolates!

National Friendship Day was August 4, 2013, but Everything She Wants has decided to continue the celebration with a giveaway from merci fine European chocolates . While some friendships are for a season or a reason, other friendships are built to last a lifetime.  I’m fortunate to have two best friends: Cindy, whom I’ve known since junior high school and Deanna, who started out as my amusing intern.  Besides my mother and my husband, these girlfriends are my greatest confidants.  They’re like the sisters I never had and we’ve supported each other through personal trials and triumphs. So what better way to say ‘thank you’ to your friends than with merci chocolates?  One lucky reader will win a ‘Friendship Kit’  that you can either keep to reward yourself for being such a great friend or share with a deserving comrade. The kit includes: $25 Target gift card (yay!) 7 ounce box of merci chocolates A picture frame to display a photo of you a...

Enter to Win the Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste Regimen Giveaway!

Jessica Simpson may not brush her teeth.  But we all know that white teeth and fresh breath are as essential as adding a floral pattern to your wardrobe this spring.   Crest wants the readers of Everything She Wants to have pretty pearly whites.  So the brand is offering three lucky readers the chance to win a tube of the new Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield toothpaste, plus a Crest toothbrush and floss! The toothpaste  offers sensitivity protection with no trade-offs by also protecting the seven areas dentists check most: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, tartar, sensitivity, whitening and fresh breath – all in one package!  If you have sensitive teeth, you no longer have to spend your time and money using more than one toothpaste to get comprehensive oral health protection for their teeth and gums. To enter the giveaway, follow these three easy steps: 1) Respond to this post with your first name and email address and tell me your favorite toothpas...