PIGMENTATION
- Age Spots
- Brown Patches
- Discolouration
- Freckles
- Liver Spots
- Melasma
- Solar Lentegines
- Sun Damage
Pigmentation Treatments
Meet Your New Number 1 Skin Enemy - PIGMENTATION ... Considered More Aging than Wrinkles & Lines
IPL Laser Photorejuvenation
* Optimal Pigmentation Treatment
The use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Lasers for treating pigmentation damaged skin is a treatment breakthrough that can correct many skin conditions without downtime, creating clearer, more vibrant and youthful skin through a process called Photo-Rejuvenation.
IPL can be used effectively on all areas of the body, and has been shown to be an effective treatment for; freckles, sunspots and other hyperpigmented areas; acne (the light energy destroys bacteria colonising your skin); UV sun damage, age spots, discoloured skin areas and/or redness; broken capillaries & rosacea; and lacklustre skin texture.
IPL technology emits multiple wavelengths of light into the skin, which are absorbed by either the blood when treating vascular lesions or the melanin when treating pigmented lesions damaging them. The damaged tissue is then removed by the body’s natural processes or forced to the skin surface appearing as micro crusting which is easily sloughed off when exfoliating. IPL treatments can provide dramatic improvements in the appearance of age spots, sun spots, sun damage, freckles, rosacea and more. With the innovative IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatment, you can gently reverse the signs of skin damage without surgery or needles.
Photorejuvenation treatments stimulate the body’s natural healing process to assist in the removal of treated pigmentation and vessels, while also promoting the natural production of collagen, which leaves skin smoother and more evenly toned, firms the skin and reduces skin pore size, and results in a more youthful-looking skin. The same treatment can also be used effectively on the neck, chest and hands as well as arms and legs.
*IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Laser Skin Rejuvenation – often better known as IPL Photorejuvenation, IPL Laser Photofacial or IPL Foto Facial – is a state of the art technology, and with a trained and skilled skin therapist, can deliver world-class results. IPL Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment performed in-clinic, with a medical-grade Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology system.
Alternate & Supplementary Pigmentation Treatments
Whilst IPL Laser Photorejuvenation is our preferred treatment tool to remove pigmentation, there will be occasions when IPL Laser cannot be used. For example, IPL Laser is unsuitable if you are;-
- pregnant or have very dark skin (Fitzpatrick Type IV and above);
- you have an auto-immune disorder;
- you have taken oral Roaccutane (acne medication or similar) in the past six months;
- you have a history of active infections, severe eczema, and/or seizures;
- you have experienced sunburn recently, have had exposure to the sun in the area to be treated, (you may have to postpone your IPL Photorejuvenation treatment until the burn has subsided).
If any of these circumstances exist, there are alternative treatments to IPL Laser that can be used to reduce and remove pigmentation. These alternatives appear below and include treatments such as chemical peels, (DermaFrac) skin dermal needling and serum infusion, LED Photomodulation, as well as facial treatments, and can be discussed with you after your initial skin consultation.
Skin Analysis and Consultation
A Skin Consultation, as well as a *Patch Test, is necessary before you can undertake your first skin treatment (be that IPL Laser Photorejuvenation; DermaFrac Skin Needling; or Chemical Skin Peel). Each of these treatments has specific contraindications that may prevent you from undertaking the treatment owing to safety concerns or circumstances that would prevent the treatment from being effective. As a Registered Practitioner and Licensed Therapist, we require the consultation to be carried out prior to your first treatment only. After the initial Skin Analysis, you will be entitled to ongoing free skin analysis during your course of treatments which will allow you to monitor your skin treatment progress and for your Skin Specialist to monitor or alter your skincare plan if needed to optimise your skin results.
A comprehensive skin analysis is your first step to achieving luminous, healthy skin for life. Our MoreMe AI Skin and Complexion Analysis System (DJM Medical Instrument Company – Germany) uses patented skin fluorescence and lighting technology, revealing skin problems even in the deeper layers that are difficult to identify by the naked eyes. This multi-spectral imaging technology reveals the true condition of your skin including any damage and signs of pigmentation beneath the surface which is not visible to the human eye. The advanced computer imaging technology allows our Dermal Clinician the scope to evaluate the health and appearance of your skin based on key criteria that affect your complexion. A skin analysis can give a thorough insight into what years of sunlight, pollution and exterior forces have done to your skin.
All consultations and treatments are conducted in our well-equipped, safe, private, comfortable and stylish clinic where our Skin Specialists are able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. It’s important when coming to us for treatments to address your aging skin, that you meticulously follow the treatment plan we provide, otherwise, your desired results are unlikely to be achieved. Skin disorders and conditions don’t develop overnight and neither should you expect that a single treatment will rectify the disorder or condition. Similar to a physician prescribing you a pharmaceutical product, you will be expected to follow the recommended treatment plan for the prescribed period to repair and rejuvenate your skin.
As soon as we are exposed to UV Light (sun), we begin to see the emergence of freckles and a darkening of the skin (tan). Upon reaching puberty, the average Australian has already experienced a high degree of sun exposure, and from the age of 25 onward, our skin begins to age faster, revealing underlying pigmentation, discolouration and intrinsic aging. Any condition that causes inflammation of the skin (such as acne, boils or burns, the contraceptive pill, some hormonal medications or pregnancy) can also cause overactivity in melanocytes and an increase in pigmentation levels. Treatments for pigmentation must therefore be tailored to the individual and take into account your skin ethnicity, the cause of the pigmentation and your desired outcome.
IPL Pigmentation Treatments for Skin Rejuvenation, when done properly, almost always consists of a series of four (4) to eight (8) treatments, usually one treatment every three (3) to six (6) weeks. The benefits of IPL Photorejuvenation treatments are achieved with little discomfort and minimal risk. IPL Photorejuvenation can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing superior cosmetic results and high satisfaction.
NOTE: For all IPL treatments – exposure to the sun for long periods (10+ mins constant), for a total of four (4) weeks before and four (4) weeks after any IPL treatment must be avoided
*Patch Test: When applying treatment using lasers or IPLs, we need to perform a patch test of the intended treatment on part of the treatment area to assess if any adverse reaction may result from treatment. This simply means performing a first “zap” or treating a very small area. As part of the assessment, a reasonable amount of time needs to be allowed in order to be confident that no adverse reactions will occur. This will give both you and the treatment provider an indication of the effect of treatment on that area. If undesired outcomes occur, the treatment should not go forward as planned.
If your IPL Laser or Skin Clinic is not conducting Patch Tests or Comprehensive Skin Consultations prior to administering treatment…CHANGE to a Clinic that does. These tests and consultations are for your continued SAFETY.
What determines your natural skin colour?
Let’s first look at how your skin gets its pigment.
Your skin colour is determined by the activity of a special type of skin cell called a melanocyte. Melanocytes are present in the epidermis or the topmost layer of your skin. They produce a substance called melanin and transfer it to neighbouring skin cells giving them colour. When all these cells reach the surface of your skin, your skin has colour. This is genetically determined. Lighter skin tones have a different type of melanin than darker skinned individuals. The amount of the two (2) different types of melanin determine your overall complexion.
You get uneven pigmentation when the melanocytes malfunction. Firstly, they can produce excess melanin. Secondly, they may not distribute the melanin evenly. This can be triggered by many factors. External factors like excessive sun exposure, pollution and skin trauma can influence the melanocytes. As well as these, genetic aging and hormonal influences affect your body. Is it worth noting that these factors do not operate in isolation. Instead, they have a combined effect on your skin causing pigmented spots or patches. Consequently, your skin ends up with an overall uneven pigmentation.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation – brown patches, age spots, marks, splotches – all can be caused by excessive sun exposure, hormone imbalances, inflammation and injury to the skin. It most commonly appears on the face, neck and décolletage. It’s also notoriously difficult to treat.
Before you can treat your pigmentation, you need to know what type of pigmentation you have. Our Skin Specialist will identify the type for you during your skin consultation and analysis. Those with fair skin are more prone to sun-induced pigment and people with olive complexions can be more susceptible to post-inflammatory pigment. Women who are pregnant, who take the oral contraceptive pill, or who are on hormone replacement therapy or IVF are more likely to suffer from hormone-induced pigmentation, also known as melasma or chloasma.
Pigmentation will often appear as we become older as our melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) increase in size as we age. Younger skin can be at risk of pigment from sun damage – that cute spray of freckles across the nose and cheeks can become denser, causing uneven tone and darkness to the face, and melasma caused by the pill is very common in younger women.
If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. The darker spots or patches are known as PIGMENTATION.
Pigmentation is a condition where patches of skin become darker in colour than normal, healthy skin.
- Special cells in the skin called “melanocytes” produce melanin.
- Skin colour comes from melanin and this colouring is referred to as Pigment.
- When melanocyte cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production.
- Melanin disorders result in the formation of excessive, unwanted skin discolouration, which affects the colour of your skin and we refer to this as Pigmentation.
- Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin, others affect your entire body.
- Pigmentation is a condition that affects all skin colours and both sexes.
- Pigmentation can be the result of melanocyte damage (overproduction of melanin) caused by UV exposure (sun damage – tanning), hormones, heat, trauma (injury) or medication.
- UV exposure (sun damage) is the most common cause of Pigmentation.
- Most pigmentation can be eliminated to provide unblemished skin.
What Causes Pigmentation?
Pigmentation or Hyperpigmentation (yes, they are the same thing) – appears as brown patches, age spots, marks, splotches – all can be caused by excessive UV sun exposure, hormone imbalances, inflammation and injury to the skin. It most commonly appears on the face, neck and décolletage.
Pigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin – the pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes its natural colour – in patches of the skin. This overproduction is triggered by a variety of factors, but the main ones can be linked back to sun exposure, genetic factors, age, hormonal influences, and skin injuries or inflammation.
Photodamage causes unevenly pigmented skin
Pigmentation is a common skin ailment, where some areas or patches of skin turn darker in colour. Almost everyone has a few brown pigment spots on their face from sun exposure (particularly here in Australia with our harsh sun and high UV) and whilst brown pigment spots are not usually harmful to the skin’s health, they detract from an even, luminous complexion and can be cosmetically displeasing. It is a condition that affects all skin colours and both sexes.
As we previously noted, in Australia, most pigmentation issues stem from too much sun.
When exposed to UV radiation in sunlight, the melanocytes produce more melanin. The melanin absorbs the radiation acting as your natural sunscreen. This is how the skin defends and protects your DNA in the deeper skin layers.
An increase in the level of melanin makes the skin darker. Over time, as damaged cells are shed at the surface, you revert back to your natural complexion. If you have a lighter skin tone you don’t produce sufficient melanin to protect from UV radiation and hence tan easily. Unfortunately, you are also more susceptible to sun damage earlier in your life.
If the UV exposure is constant or there are other triggers, the skin continues to produce excess melanin without switching off. But instead of creating a uniform pigment, irregular melanin secretion occurs contributing to unevenly pigmented skin.
There are a number of reasons why aging combined with UV radiation causes age spots. As you age, there are background changes genetically programmed causing cellular DNA damage and death. DNA is also damaged by free radicals created by UV radiation as well as pollution in the environment. The defence and repair mechanism in the skin becomes inefficient with advanced aging. The number of melanocytes and their function reduces with age.
Skin pigmentation due to aging or sun exposure tends to be uneven and may appear as freckles. Freckles later join up over time to make spots that eventually form patches. Sunspots are more pronounced in paler skin types due to the lack of melanin.
The success of treatment depends on when treatment is initiated, the earlier the better.
Pigmentation will often appear as we become older as our melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) increase in size as we age. Younger skin can be at risk of pigment from sun damage – that cute spray of freckles across the nose and cheeks can become denser, causing uneven tone and darkness to the face, and melasma caused by the contraceptive pill is very common in younger women.
Before you can treat your pigmentation, you need to know what type of pigmentation you have. Our Skin Specialist will identify the type for you during your skin consultation and analysis. Those with fair skin are more prone to sun-induced pigment and people with olive complexions can be more susceptible to post-inflammatory pigment. Women who are pregnant, who take the oral contraceptive pill, or who are on hormone replacement therapy or IVF are more likely to suffer from hormone-induced pigmentation, also known as melasma or chloasma.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) creates unevenly pigmented skin
Trauma to the skin causing uneven pigmentation is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When your skin is injured, the melanocytes get stimulated to produce more melanin. Unlike other types of pigmentation, this pigmentation is confined to the site of trauma to the skin. Due to this, the skin can appear to have dark spots.
This type of pigmentation is much more common in darker skin tones where melanocytes are easily triggered. You can get this if your skin is not adequately prepared and primed before invasive treatments. these include micro-needling (DermaFrac or SkinPen), IPL laser treatment, or Skin Peels. It can also occur following skin injuries like previous acne, chickenpox, laser hair removal, or surgical scars.
In theory, this type of pigmentation is more straightforward to treat. Stopping further trauma to the skin will prevent further pigmentation.
Melasma can cause unevenly pigmented skin
Melasma is a complex, chronic skin disorder where sun exposure causes patches of pigmentation in the presence of other factors. These factors include hormones, medical conditions, pregnancy, or medication. During pregnancy, melasma is referred to as the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. unfortunately, it may remain after birth. Melasma may start with hormonal contraceptives but not reversed once discontinued. The exact mechanism of what causes melasma is yet unknown.
The pattern of pigment is often larger patches in a symmetrical distribution. Common areas are the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, chin, and bridge of the nose.
Melasma is very resistant to treatment due to multiple factors contributing to it. Many patients have an ongoing battle with unevenly pigmented skin often worsening in the summer months.
Care must be taken not to confuse pigmentation skin spots with those that are actually skin cancers
Pigmentation can sit unseen below the epidermis (top layer of the skin) but becomes visible when there is too much pigment (melanin) near and on the surface of the skin.
Pigmentation displays itself in different forms such as brown discoloured patches of skin, freckles, sun spots, liver spots, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or even melasma.
Many skin changes are harmless. Some causes for discoloured skin patches are fairly minor conditions that need only simple treatment. Other causes may be more severe and require ongoing treatment.
Skin cancer is very serious, but it can be treated successfully when it is detected early.
It is important to speak with your doctor if you notice rapid or bothersome changes in your skin.
Do I Have Pigmentation?
If you’re serious about clearing up your pigmentation, I recommend the following;–
- For sun-induced pigment I favour IPL Photorejuvenation
- For hormonal pigment there’s no cure as such, however it can be managed with a good skin care regime and in-clinic treatments such as Pico laser (Pico is not available at Nascent Skin Clinic) or depigmentation chemical skin peels such as our Aspect Pigment Punch Peel, Cosmedix Timeless Retinol Peel or the Cosmedix Elite Timeless RX Peel
- For early onset or minimal pigment, I like to combine low level, gentle Chemical Skin Peels with LED Light Phototherapy to gradually break down the pigment, brighten the complexion and unify skin tone
However
Unless you want to end up right back where you started…
…treatments are wasted if you continue to SKIP the SPF sunscreen
Diligent sun protection is vital in managing all types of pigmentation,
as sun damage is where it inevitably starts!
If you have any areas on your skin that are darker in colour than the rest of your body then it’s likely that you have pigmentation. These areas can range from the very small to the very large, so everything from freckles to sunspots is classed as pigmentation.
As stated previously, pigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin – the pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes its natural colour – in patches of the skin. This overproduction is triggered by a variety of factors, but the main ones can be linked back to sun exposure, genetic factors, age, hormonal influences, and skin injuries or inflammation.
Pigmentation is a common skin ailment, where some areas or patches of skin turn darker in colour. Almost everyone has a few brown pigment spots on their face from sun exposure (particularly here in Australia with our harsh sun and high UV) and whilst brown pigment spots are not usually harmful to the skin’s health, they detract from an even, luminous complexion and can be cosmetically displeasing. It is a condition that affects all skin colours and both sexes.
Pigmentation investigation can baffle even the most experienced clinical aesthetician. Despite performing a thorough analysis, sometimes the most seemingly innocent factor can be responsible for pigmentation. For example, scented body lotions or fragrances sprayed on or applied in areas that come in contact with ultraviolet light may penetrate stubborn or suspicious pigmentary discolourations to the jaw, neck, décolleté, arm or leg.
I can’t begin to count the number of times a client exhibiting pigmentation morbidity had the misimpression that you can magically make it disappear with a treatment or two or one product? Whilst today’s IPL Phototherapy and LED Phototherapy treatments are extremely effective at treating pigmentation, we must remember pigmentation is an injury of the skin and requires the ongoing due diligence and continued compliance of both the aesthetician and client for the rest of their lives.
These disorders do not fade or go away overnight and must be managed daily. Clinical treatments, the continuance of skin lighteners and daily protection of SPF must become a lifestyle routine to manage these challenging pigmentation conditions.
Treatments and Prevention
Protect The Skin
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 should be worn all year round for two reasons if you have unevenly pigmented skin. One is to prevent further damage to the skin from UVA radiation causing overactivity of the melanocytes. The second reason is due to the treatment itself. The treatment serums can sensitise the skin to UV radiation therefore the skin needs to be protected. As harmful UV radiation is present in daylight, sunscreens should be worn daily all year round regardless of the weather.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant at 10-15% and can protect the skin from free radical damage. It will potentiate the benefit of sunscreen while preventing further damage if applied prior to the sunscreen.
Inhibit Melanocyte Activity
Reversing damage to the skin can improve unevenly pigmented skin.
- Ingredients such as hydroquinone is a powerful agent capable of stopping the production of melanin and is often called a ‘bleaching’ agent. It does have its limitations, risks and serious side effects so it is not suitable for everyone. It is a prescription-only medicine in Australia and must only be used under the guidance of a doctor.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) decreases melanin production while reducing cellular inflammation and stimulating collagen synthesis.
- Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids and retinol) reduce melanin production while increasing cell shedding.
- Other pigment suppressants include arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and resorcinol which are available without a prescription.
- Ingredients such as niacinamide (vitamin B3) are often incorporated into serums as they block the transfer of melanin to the skin cells.
Increase Cellular Turnover
By increasing the cellular turnover, melanin present on the skin surface can be exfoliated away so that new healthier cells can take their place. This is one of the modalities of treating unevenly pigmented skin.
The skin has a unique ability to speed up its rate of cell division when the surface layers are removed by exfoliation. The most commonly used ingredients are alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and vitamin A derivatives (retinoids and retinol). Lower percentages are available over the counter whereas higher percentages can be found in the cosmeceutical skincare products from our clinic or alternatively have to be prescribed. Common examples of alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid and citric acid. They break the connections holding superficial skin cells to the skin and cause ‘chemical’ exfoliation. With continued use, they also stimulate collagen stimulation. Vitamin A derivatives increase cell turnover by speeding up new healthy skin cell production.
Other Treatments
Some treatments should never be the first treatment if you already have or are at risk of unevenly pigmented skin. Your skin must be adequately prepared with medical skincare to ‘suppress’ the melanocytes. This will avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in susceptible individuals.
Targeted Chemical Skin Peels
These work by chemically exfoliating the skin and speeding up skin cell production while removing superficial uneven pigmentation. You can achieve faster results by combining clinic skin peels with home skincare treatment to reveal radiant new skin.
Medical Micro-needling, IPL Lasers and other devices
This treatment helps to dislodge existing uneven pigmentation and encourages the skin’s natural healing so that new skin is formed.
Types of Pigmentation
Pigmentation disorders are among the most common complaints of clients seeking skin care. Pigmentation is a condition that requires the expertise and understanding of an Aesthetician (Skin Specialist). It affects many Caucasians, African-Americans, Indigenous, Hispanics and Asians.
Pigmentation types include Solar Lentigines, Age Spots, Liver Spots, Melasma, Chloasma, Mask of Pregnancy, Freckles, Ephelides, Passive Pigmentation and Post Inflammatory Pigmentation (PIH)
Solar Lentigines | Age Spots | Liver Spots
Solar Lentigines, sometimes called age spots or liver spots, are a form of pigmentation. They usually occur as a result of damage to the skin from the sun’s rays. The small, dark spots are generally found on the hands and face, but any area exposed to the sun can be affected.
Exposure to the sun’s rays and a daily onslaught of environmental elements, such as air pollution and the toxins in our food, all wreak havoc on our skin. These aggressors damage cell walls and connective tissues, resulting in the visible signs of aging we all see in our skin. Skin can look dull and lack lustre, pigmentation and age spots start to appear and wrinkles become more prevalent.
The way our skin responds to UVA and UVB damage is partly due to our genetic make up but is also greatly influenced by the way we have treated our skin over the years. Excessive sunbathing or sunbed use can have a dramatic effect on the way we age. Luckily, with the recent advances in aesthetic medicine, most types of sun damage are treatable, helping to greatly improve the visible signs of aging.
We have a number of different treatments for sun-damaged skin. Each case of pigmentation is treated individually, so your different treatment options would be discussed during your consultation to ensure you get the best results.
Melasma | Chloasma | Mask of Pregnancy
Melasma and Chloasma are common forms of pigmentation that can be caused by either sun damage or hormonal changes.
These conditions can be recognised as large, brown patches, most commonly on the cheeks, upper lip, the bridge of the nose and the forehead. The patches tend to darken over the summer months or during periods of high sun exposure.
Melasma can be triggered by higher levels of Oestrogen at certain times during the menstrual cycle, or as a result of sun exposure. It can also be associated with a change in contraceptive pill, IUD or hormone patch. Melasma most commonly affects women, with only 10% of cases being male.
Chloasma, often referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’ is usually related to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and can develop on the face and other areas of the body.
Freckles | Ephelides
Freckles are very common and are usually a hereditary skin blemish. Though freckles are often thought of as attractive, some people do seek out treatment to reduce their appearance.
Ephelides (Freckles) are tanned macules found on the skin that can be classed as a form of hyperpigmentation. They are usually found in multiple numbers rather than stand alone blemishes. They often become more apparent in the summer months and are less noticeable throughout winter. Although freckles are predominantly benign, they may be seen in association with systemic disease.
Ephelides are more commonly found in fair-skinned races with red or blonde hair and less commonly in individuals of other races.
Passive Pigmentation
Despite caring for your skin and being diligent with your daily application of sunscreen, pigmentation still appears.
Passive pigmentation occurs when an internal imbalance encourages the melanin-stimulating hormone. These imbalances can be caused by a number of things, but generally only occur in women. It tends to happen when women go through hormonal changes in their life such as puberty, pregnancy, taking the contraceptive pill, and menopause.
It is not unusual for this type of pigmentation to disappear on its own once pregnancy is over or you stop taking the contraceptive pill.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is usually a result of the skin going through some type of trauma. When our skin feels under attack, our melanocyte cell sends melanin to the skin’s surface to protect itself.
PIH can be caused by:
- Misuse of skin care
- Burns, cuts or grazes
- Clinical treatments such as laser or IPL
All skin types can suffer from post inflammatory pigmentation but darker skin tones are more prone to this condition.
HYPOPIGMENTATION
If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter (referred to as HYPOPIGMENTATION – not to be confused with the term Hyperpigmentation).
Three (3) common types of PIGMENTATION and pigment loss are trauma, vitiligo and albinism.
1. Trauma – If you’ve had a skin infection, blister, burn, or other trauma to your skin, you might have a loss of pigmentation in the affected area. The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it’s frequently of a temporary nature, but it may take some time to re-pigment. This type of hypopigmentation to IPL treatment.
2. Vitiligo – causes smooth, white patches on the skin. In some people, these patches can appear all over the body. It is an auto-immune disorder in which the pigment-producing cells are damaged. There is no cure for vitiligo, and IPL and laser treatments assist – no matter what anybody else might tell you.
3. Albinism – is an inherited disorder caused by the absence of melanin. This results in a complete lack of pigmentation in skin, hair or eyes. People with albinism have an abnormal gene that restricts the body from producing melanin. There is no cure for albinism. People with albinism should use sunscreen at all times because they are much more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer. Albinism can occur in any race but is most common among Caucasians. IPL and laser treat Albinism.
Skin Analysis & Consultation
Still not sure if you have Pigmentation or if it can be treated?
Book a Skin Consultation with our Skin Specialist to discuss.
Pigmentation - Care & Advice
PRE Treatment
Following these Pre-treatment instructions closely will optimise your treatment results with the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
- Use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 daily. Skin that is suffering sunburn cannot be treated until the sunburn has subsided.
- Avoid any irritants to your face, such as any products containing hydroquinone, bleaching creams, Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents or chemical peels for at least two (2) weeks.
- If you have a history of hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) with IPL, laser treatments or other trauma, please inform our Skin Specialist, so we may prescribe a lightening agent prior to the procedure to reduce this reaction.
- Do not use self-tanning agents for at least two (2) weeks prior to treatment. If you have used these products, thoroughly cleanse the area with abrasive / exfoliating scrub to remove all product two (2) weeks prior to any treatment and do not apply any further products.
- Shave the area to be treated one (1) day prior to your appointment if necessary – ie back, chest, arms etc (do not shave if you are having an IPL Permanent Hair Reduction treatment)
- Please do not wear any makeup, perfume, or lotions in the treatment area on the day of your treatment. This includes antiperspirants and deodorants
- Before each treatment, please inform us if you are taking any new antibiotics or medications since your consultation, as they may make your skin sensitive to light treatments, and therefore, we may not be able to treat you for one (1) or two (2) weeks after completion of the antibiotic. This applies to both Skin and Hair IPL treatments.
POST Treatment
Following these Post-treatment instructions closely will optimise your treatment results with the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
- Immediately after the Intense Pulsed Light treatment, there may be redness and bumps at the treatment site, which will last from two (2) hours up to a few days. It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You may use a cold compress, aloe vera gel, or 1% hydrocortisone if needed. If treating the face, please continue using sun protectant with SPF 30+ daily for the entire treatment period.
- Do not pick, as scabbing could lead to scarring.
- Make-up may be used after the treatment if there is no extended redness, blistering, or scabbing. Make sure that you have moisturiser on under your makeup; use moisturiser or an aloe vera gel frequently on the treated area.
- Avoid sun exposure for four (4) to six (6) weeks after the treatment to reduce the chance of dark and light spots. Use sun protectant SPF 30 or greater with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at all times throughout the course of treatment. Even waterproof sun block is good for only 80 minutes, so re-apply hourly.
- Do not use any other forms of hair removal methods (tweezing, waxing, depilatories) or products on the treated area during the course of the laser treatment, as it will prevent you from achieving your best results. You may shave the area if needed.
- Until initial skin irritation subsides, avoid hot water and anything irritating to the skin. Advil or Ibuprofins can be helpful.
- Avoid any irritants to your face, such as any products containing Retin-A (tretinoin), retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic / salicylic acids, astringents or chemical peels for at least two(2) days.
- Do not wear tight, constricting clothing in the treated area as irritation can occur and skin cannot cool properly.
- Do not exercise, receive any body treatments, take hot showers, or use saunas or hot tubs until skin is back to normal (2-3 days).
- Hypopigmentation (lightening) or hyperpigmentation may occur with any IPL treatments, and usually resolves within four (4) to six (6) weeks.
Pregnancy or Lactating
- IPL is NOT recommended during pregnancy.
- Please advise our Skin Specialist if you are pregnant, attempting to conceive or lactating / breast feeding.
*DISCLAIMER: Results may vary from person to person. Whilst we have seen amazing results from IPL for a range of skin concerns, please know that results from IPL vary and we cannot make guarantees. We recommend speaking to our Skin Specialist for an in-depth consultation. They will discuss in detail how IPL works, whether it will be right for your skin type and the expected results in line with your skin and beauty goals.
Some of our Favourite Pigment Fighting Skincare
Vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients for treating pigmentation, along with other signs of aging. Vitamin C brightens the skin and is good for exfoliation. Look for brightening serums that feature ingredients such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), bearberry or liquorice extracts, and azelaic acid.
