What is the difference between melasma and blotchy pigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common term indicating the uneven distribution of pigment and appears as dark spots and blotchy brown patches of pigment.
And while blotchy patches of pigmentation are not harmful, they can be a source of concern when they show up on the face, neck and chest.
Tackling pigmentation can become confusing if the type of pigmentation is not correctly diagnosed.
Do you have trouble treating pigmentation?
Pigmentation is triggered by long-term sun exposure or, in the case of melasma, can be triggered by hormonal interactions within the body.
Melasma is a form of pigmentation requiring an entirely different treatment and home care protocol compared to sun-induced pigmentation.
Melasma also differs in its appearance and will often show up as a mask of pigment on the face, unlike sun-induced pigmentation, which looks blotchy and random in its appearance.
Once we’ve analysed your skin using our Observ Diagnostic System, we can determine the type of pigmentation you have and how best to resolve it.
Regardless of which type of pigmentation you have, both conditions will benefit from commencing with targeted home care and a course of chemical peels; this is a way to wash the walls, so to speak and prepare the skin for other treatments.
The skincare essentials
Without the proper active skincare and broad-spectrum sun protection, you’ll find your results will be slow, and pigmentation can become a recurring problem. There are certain active skincare ingredients that we consider non-negotiable when it comes to tackling the visible signs of both melasma and sun-induced pigmentation.
We love Synergie Skin for its clean science and highly effective, easy-to-use formulations that penetrate at a cellular level for optimal results. Synergie Skin includes vitamin A, B & C in their homecare treatment for pigmentation.
Synergie Skin Ultimate A – Essential Vitamin A Serum
A powerful, essential night serum designed to assist in regulating skin processes.
Ultimate A’s key ingredient, vitamin A, is active, gentle and penetrative, addressing skin concerns without irritation.
Synergie Skin Vitamin B3 – Essential Niacinamide Serum
An essential serum for all skin types, vitamin B3, is vital in treating hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide or B3 protects the lipid barrier while reducing the heat response in the skin and inhibiting melanin transfer within the skin.
Synergie Skin Effica C – Essential Vitamin C Serum
The biocompatible formula provides gentle and targeted penetration for maximum results.
Vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 work in tandem to deliver a potent dose of antioxidants, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone, reduce the appearance of age spots, and protect against UV and environmental damage.
How do we treat sun-induced pigmentation in the clinic?
Once the skin has been prepared with skincare that targets sun-induced hyperpigmentation, we can then begin to treat the skin with our Lumenis M22 IPL Laser.
Optimal Pulse Technology: Lumenis M22
IPL Laser using Lumenis M22 enables us to treat various skin conditions with a single, versatile handpiece.
The results we can achieve for clearing away unwanted pigmentation and vascular redness with Lumenis M22 are nothing short of transformational.
If you’re troubled by these signs of blotchy pigmentation, then we encourage you to consider the Lumenis M22 IPL Laser to reverse pigmentation with this remarkable device.
Usually, two treatments are recommended to see optimal results.
How do we treat melasma?
As melasma is triggered by hormonal changes such as contraceptives, pregnancy and hormonal replacement therapy, and is exacerbated by heat of any kind, we’ll avoid any laser treatment that generates heat in the skin.
Depending on the location and severity of melasma, we recommend you speak with your doctor about a low concentration of hydroquinone to fade surface pigment.
Cosmedix Deep Sea Peel
In the clinic, we recommend our Cosmedix Deep Sea Peel followed by a series of vitamin infusion treatments to enhance the penetration of the necessary nutrients that inhibit the activation of melanin deep within the skin.
The Cosmedix Deep Sea Herbal Peel lifts the epidermis to promote shedding and removal of old, damaged skin cells.
The combined action of friction and marine silicates causes micro-trauma to the skin, activating the natural rejuvenation process.
The skin naturally replenishes its moisture levels, renews collagen synthesis and improves overall epidermal structure.
Blotchy patches of epidermal pigmentation are gradually removed to reveal a more even skin tone.
If you’d like to find more about Synergie Skin, Lumenis M22 IPL Laser, or the Cosmedix Deep Sea Peel, you can contact us on 8034 2140. We're happy to chat, or you can book your Observe Skin Consultation today by clicking on the link below.
See you soon.
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