What is Skin Pigmentation?
Pigmentation can refer to sun spots and freckles, as well as the more difficult to treat hormonal pigmentation (melasma) and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The best treatment for pigmentation depends on the type of pigmentation, the background colour of the skin and, of course, the budget and recovery time available. There are a range of pigmentation treatments available, from lasers and IPL, to prescription skin care. To find out what is the best treatment for you, come in for a free consultation with one of our Registered Nurses.
As a guide, here’s a quick overview of our laser skin treatment options.
Condition: Pigmentation
Treatments: IPL Rejuvenation
Condition: Pigmentation
Treatments: Fraxel Laser Treatment
Condition: Pigmentation
Treatments: Revlite Laser
Treatments for Pigmentation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)Â
For superficial pigmentation, such as freckles and sun spots, medical-strength IPL gives great results. IPL Rejuvenation is great for:
- Superficial pigmentation on light skin.
- Where there is redness and broken capillaries as well as pigmentation (IPL will treat both).
- If you’re looking for a very affordable and effective treatment option for the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.
You can expect a significant improvement after one treatment, but for best results we recommend three treatments done six weeks apart. The cooler months are a great time to get this done as it’s important to reduce sun exposure after the treatment (it’s best if you can before the treatment too). Read more about IPL Rejuvenation.
IPL Rejuvenation is not recommended for hormonal pigmentation, or for darker or tanned skins. In these cases, we would recommend Fraxel or Revlite Laser.
Fraxel Laser
The Fraxel Dual 1927 laser is an excellent treatment for pigmentation, and also dramatically improves the tone and texture of your skin. Fraxel is great for:
- Pigmentation on tanned or darker skin colours
- Hormonal pigmentation (melasma or chloasma)
- A more intensive rejuvenation
Fraxel laser targets pigment which IPL cannot, so is great for all forms of pigmentation, including sun spots, freckles and hormonal pigmentation. Around 3 – 4 days after a Fraxel treatment, the top layer of your skin sheds leaving your skin looking and feeling smooth, fresh and clear. Fraxel Laser is safe on all skin types, and great results are usually seen after a single treatment.
Fraxel is less commonly used for spot treatment where we would often recommend Revlite or erbium laser.Â
Revlite Laser
The Revlite laser is our premium pigment laser and is great for treating resistant pigmentation or for treating selected spots on a larger area. Revlite laser is great for:
- Resistant pigmentation, such as very light freckles or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Individual pigmented spot treatment
- Birthmarks
- Tattoos
The Revlite laser emits light in very short flashes of light called pulses. Each pulse feels like the snap of an elastic band. After the treatment, the area will feel similar to a slight sunburn. A mild crust will form but this will flake off after 5 – 7 days. Freckles and sunspots will usually respond to one or two treatments. Some forms of pigmentation such as post-inflammatory pigmentation, or iron staining require a course of 4 – 6 treatments.
Erbium Laser
The Erbium laser is our strongest laser and can be used to treat individual spots or to do a laser resurfacing on a larger area. Erbium Laser is great for:
- Raised or resistant pigmented spots, such as seborrhoeic keratoses or skin tags
- Intense rejuvenation and resurfacing – reducing lines and winkles as well as pigmentation
- Treating acne scarring and pigmentation.
The Erbium Laser is an ablative laser, meaning it gently removes the layers of skin one at a time. After the treatment, there will be some crusting which will take 5 to 10 days to heal.Â
Other information about Pigmentation
Pigmentation in Darker Skin Types
Darker skin types may be classified by the Fitzpatrick Scale from very white skin which always burns (type 1) and never tans to very dark brown or black (type 6). Skin which tans readily is also more prone to problematic pigmentation. This is particularly relevant to treatment of darker skin types with laser and IPL as inflammation from the treatment can cause pigmentation to arise some weeks later. This is called post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH). It is almost always a temporary condition. If your skin tans easily when you go in the sun you may be at risk of this after skin treatments. Come and talk to our experienced practitioners if you have this skin type and are considering treatment.
Skin Care
- Sunscreen is essential when it comes to treating pigmentation. Prevention is better than a cure, and a good SPF 30+ worn every day is the best form of protection. For those out in the sun a lot, or with an underlying pigmentation concern, we recommend Actinica SPF 50+, which is an all-day sunscreen. For those who like a sunscreen with a lighter feel, but still want the confidence of an SPF 50+, Aspect Envirostat is a popular choice.
- Pigment Fading Creams such as Complete Pigment Serum and Lytera can both be effective at gently fading pigmentation when IPL or laser is not an option. Where a stronger approach is required, our Doctors may prescribe a Pigment Fading Gel, which is very effective but not suitable for long term use.
