Brighten Your Complexion and Lighten Discolouration with Microneedling
Hyperpigmentation goes by many names: sun spots, age spots, melasma and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). One thing they all have in common is the complexity of the condition, and more importantly, that each case is unique, requiring a customized treatment plan.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when your melanocytes become overactive and produce too much melanin, the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes their colour. This can happen due to UV exposure, inflammation and/or hormonal influences. To learn more about what causes darkened skin and where it tends to develop read our blog Understanding Hyperpigmentation.
How Microneedling Fades Pigmented Lesions
Microneedling involves using an automated device that deploys microscopic needles deep into the dermal layers. This creates tiny injuries that trigger your skin’s wound-healing response. As the skin heals and recovers, healthy new unpigmented cells make their way to the surface. Over time, dark spots become lighter and in some cases fade away altogether.
Another positive change that occurs in the skin due to Microneedling is the downregulation of melanocytes – meaning they are less likely to respond to the stimuli that trigger melanin production, such as UV exposure and hormones.
Active Ingredients Play an Important Role in Fighting Pigment
Most clinicians treating pigmentation issues will incorporate skin-lightening creams and serums as part of the microneedling protocol. This amplifies the skin brightening effects even more because the tiny ports created by the needles allow the medicated ingredients to funnel much deeper. Post treatment products containing the same active ingredients are then recommended for home care.
The following skin-brightening agents help to fade hyperpigmentation:
Hydroquinone – chemical-based skin brightening agent
Arbutin – natural ingredient derived from Bearberry fruit
Kojic Acid – natural skin brightener recommended for melasma
Vitamin C – naturally-occurring vitamin with skin-brightening properties
Tranexamic Acid – helps correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation
Phenylethyl Resorcinol – balances melanin to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide & Tetrapeptide-30 – prevents the appearance of spots while improving skin tone
Marine Extract Blend – corrects and prevents hyperpigmentation while supporting a healthy skin barrier
Phytic Acid – enhances skin texture and promotes even-looking skin
Why an Integrated Approach to Hyperpigmentation is Most Effective
Hyperpigmentation can be very stubborn and difficult to eradicate completely. That’s because there may be underlying health issues, hormonal fluctuations and other causes of why it keeps coming back. For this reason we always recommend a multi-disciplinary and targeted approach, based on each individual’s unique history.
A typical treatment protocol may involve a round of Microneedling in combination with IPL (intense pulsed light) and skin peels. Using several different modalities is highly recommended because pigmented lesions often reside in multiple layers of skin. Each procedure or products is designed to penetrate and target melanin at different depths, producing better results much faster.
Give us a call at 613-342-0220 to find out more about Hyperpigmentation treatments, and to learn of any special offers here at the Brockville MediSpa. We invite you to book a personalized consultation with Dr. Steyn. Look better without looking different!
