Do you suffer with hyperpigmentation? With searches for the condition up by a whopping +140% during lockdown, we decided to sit down with our team of experts to shed some light on the topic.
We’re consulting with InMode Ambassador Nilam Holmes – (internationally renowned celebrity skin & beauty specialist, and founder of HD Brows), Dr Dev Patel(leading Aesthetic Doctor with over 17 years of clinical experience) and Dr David Jack; highly sought after Harley Street Aesthetic Doctor.
First things first, what is hyperpigmentation?
“Hyperpigmentation is the general term used to describe patches and spots of darkened skin,” explains InMode Ambassador Nilam Holmes. “These spots and patches result from hyper/excess melanin production. There are different types of hyperpigmentation which mainly fall into two common categories: hyperpigmentation and melasma. Both present themselves in a similar way but the two are very different.”
Nilam reveals that hyperpigmentation can be found anywhere on the face or body and body; and that it usually presents itself as freckle-like spots of different sizes – or clusters of spots that form patches of pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation affects men and women.
Hyperpigmentation or Melasma – what’s the difference?
“Hyperpigmentation is usually found nearer to the surface of the skin anywhere on the face and body,” Nilam tells us. “It’s predominantly caused by external factors such as sun exposure, skin inflammation and acne; and affects men and women equally.”
“Melasma however,” she continues, “is a form of hyperpigmentation that is predominantly caused by internal factors such as hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and use of contraceptive medication.”
“It normally presents itself in patches on the face and sometimes the stomach. These patches are mostly seen on the cheeks, upper lip and forehead in a symmetrical pattern and are often referred to as butterfly pigmentation.
“When there is an increase in the production of the female hormone oestrogen melanin production goes into overdrive which leads to dark and patches of skin most commonly on the face and sometimes on the stomach. Because of this, melasma only affects women.”
We also treat hyperpigmentation and melanoma in different ways; as hyperpigmentation is found close to the surface of the skin, whereas melasma is caused by internal factors … meaning you need to treat the root cause.
How can we prevent hyperpigmentation, freckles and sun spots?
Simple – “By following ‘sun-safe’ advice,” says Dr Dev Patel, InMode KOL and leading Aesthetic Doctor.
“We all know what this is by now… wearing a broad-spectrum SPF daily (even when it’s cloudy), seeking shade when possible, avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 11am – 3pm etc. The biggest problem I find is that people have many misconceptions about sunscreens.”
Dr Dev continues, “Your product should always have a good quantity of minerals like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. If the percentage is not shown on the bottle, do not buy it! Aim for at least 5%. AlumierMD have a good range – and 2021 will see a new company Cellderma, launching the best sunscreens I have encountered to date.”
Are there treatments we can do at home to help treat / reduce the visibility of hyperpigmentation?
Dr Dev advises, “There are a number of good skin brightening products on the market that work really well on superficial pigmentation. Liquorice, alpha-arbutin, kojic acid and many other natural ingredients can be effective – BUT the right molecular delivery technology must be part of the formulation; to ensure you’re getting those ingredients to the cells you’re targeting. This is why so many products on the market will be pretty useless.”
“We offer a range of effective products in clinic, but these are prescribed based on each patients’ assessment findings. As mentioned above, Cellderma are due to launch a very powerful pigmentation range in early 2021; I have trialled these in clinic and seen highly impressive results.”
What are the best in-clinic treatments we can book after lockdown to treat hyperpigmentation?
“Most hyperpigmentation requires clinical treatment,” explains Dr Dev Patel. “Patients deserve customised treatment protocols; so we usually combine modalities to achieve the best pigmentation clearance as possible.”
“However, my favourite treatment to banish hyperpigmentation has to be Lumecca by InMode. This is considered by many, to be the most powerful and effective IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) system in the world… yet has surprisingly little or no downtime for most patients!”
“Just a few sessions of Lumecca can take 5-20 years of sun damage away! Our patients are literally blown away by the results!” Dr Dev reveals.
Nilam is also a fan. She tells us, “Hyperpigmentation can be treated very easily and quickly in clinic. Treatments such as IPL, skin peels and micro-needling are all very effective in reducing hyperpigmentation.
I have found I can clear hyperpigmentation by at least 90% within just two treatments using the Lumecca system from InMode. Results can be permanent too, if clients protect themselves from future sun damage.
It is more difficult to treat hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones that produce much more melanin. Because treatments tend to cause heat and inflammation there is a higher risk of increasing hyperpigmentation in these skin types. I tend to use treatments such as skin peels or microneedling with Morpheus8 to treat pigmentation in much darker skin tones that can’t be treated with Lumecca.”
So, what is Lumecca?
“Lumecca removes pigmentation and thread veins in just one or two quick sessions,” Dr David Jack – leading Aesthetic Doctor and InMode KOL tells us.
It’s the most powerful IPL (Intended Pulsed Light) device on the market – with its laser delivering wavelengths of light into the affected area(s) of skin; which interact with brown & red pigment found there. These unwanted pigments absorb this light & are destroyed (commonly in one session) leaving you with beautiful, clear skin.
This innovative treatment has a high specificity and selectivity for pigmentation – and redness created by sun damage, making it one of the most effective treatments to treat hyperpigmentation, freckles and age spots.
How is it different to other, existing IPL treatments?
In short, Lumecca is simply way more powerful than any other pre-existing IPL treatment on the market (as we’ve discussed.) Making it much more effective – in terms of performance & cost.
Dr David Jack agrees, adding, “That’s why Lumecca can achieve complete photorejuvenation in as little as 1 or 2 treatments – versus the 4-6 you’d expect with standard IPL’”
When will I see results?
Reduced levels of sun damage and a clearer complexion results will apparent just a few days after your first session. Results will continue to improve over time; with the most visible results noticeable after 1-2 weeks. For treatments targeting thread veins, results are often visible immediately.
You may see a darkening of pigmented spots over the first 24-48 hours following your treatment – but over the course of the following week the treated pigmentation will flake off; leaving you with a more even skin tone.
The treatment itself is pretty speedy – many patient pop in on their lunch hour to blast away their blemishes, birthmarks and thread veins
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is minimal-none with Lumecca – most patients experience pretty much no downtime whatsoever. A little skin redness & a slight warmth to the skin (similar to the feeling of sunburn) are normal straight after your treatment; but this normally subsides within a few hours. Final results are usually evident by day 10-14.
Anything else we should know?
Yes – as well as treating the conditions listed above, Lumecca can also be used to combat rosacea, acne and poor, dull skin texture. It promotes collagen growth; leaving your skin glowing, rejuvenated & plump. A treatment everyone can benefit from! Book us in now!
