Treating hyperpigmentation at Hebe
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that appears when certain areas of the skin produce more melanin. Hyperpigmentation can appear as brown, grey, black or red spots. Although not harmful, hyperpigmentation can leave you feeling self-conscious. At Hebe we have several products and treatments proven to help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Freckles, age spots (liver spots), melasma and PIH are the most common forms of hyperpigmentation.
Know the causes
Sun Exposure
The number one cause of hyperpigmentation is the sun. Oxidative stress brought on by UV light leads to premature aging as well as sunspots. UV light can also enhance pigment caused by other sources. The most common areas of sun damage are the face, neck, décolleté, and hands.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Inflammation is caused by skin trauma such as acne, cuts, scrapes, bug bites or rashes. In response, our skin may produce extra melanin, which can be present even after the skin heals. PIH can last weeks to years without treatment. Deeper skin tones are at an increased risk of PIH.
Melasma
Melasma (pregnancy mask/butterfly mask) is a common skin condition that causes patches of skin to appear darker than your normal skin tone. Melasma will appear evenly on both sides of your face. 90% of patients diagnosed with Melasma are women, and it’s more common in women who are pregnant or on birth control pills.
Best Products for Hyperpigmentation: Gentle brightening routine
Dealing with hyperpigmentation is one of those things that seems to creep back up if we aren’t working to keep it under control. A consistent, gentle home routine is ideal for managing and reducing unwanted pigment. Establishing and maintaining a skincare regimen is important for red hyperpigmentation on the face treatment.
GSR (getting skin ready)- Involves the use of ZO cleanser, toner and exfoliating polish. Regular use creates a healthy base, reducing sensitivity to aggressive ingredients.
Vivier Radiance Serum - A powerful antioxidant serum for skin brightening and anti-aging. 8% Vitamin C works to lighten and correct darkened areas while providing anti-aging benefits. (Do not use at night if using retinol)
Brightalive - A gentle non-hydroquinone, non-retinol skin brightener. Helps to fade the size and intensity of dark spots. This gentle formula utilizes niacinamide to soothe redness and improve overall skin quality. Can be used as a hydrator.
SPF 30+ - Sun protection is key to reducing and preventing hyperpigmentation. Daily use of SPF is essential to maintaining results. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is ideal. Reapply during the day as needed.
ZO Retinol Skin Brightener .25% (optional) - Promotes exfoliation to eliminate uneven skin tone and improve skin smoothness. Supports skin’s resiliency against future discolouration aggressors. Incorporate a lower dose of retinol 1-2 times a week to build up a tolerance to this product. If your skin isn’t sensitive you can build your way up to a .5% - 1% retinol. (Only use at night)
Facials for Hyperpigmentation
Superficial Chemical Peels - At Hebe we offer several light chemical peels. Superficial peels offer increased cell turnover and help improve the appearance of pigment and overall skin tone without any downtime. Coming in for a gentle peel every 2-4 weeks helps keep hyperpigmentation at bay.
Note: If your hyperpigmentation is caused by acne, talk with your provider about acne treatment plans.
Stronger Options for Skin Pigmentation Treatment
Whether you're looking for quicker results, or have been unsuccessfully treating hyperpigmentation at home, you may be looking for something more effective.
The Perfect Derma Peel is an in-office treatment that is a safe, effective medium-depth peel for all skin types & ethnicities. For stubborn hyperpigmentation, we recommend adding the Plus-Plus Booster to your peel. The Plus-Plus Booster contains 4% hydroquinone, a highly effective ingredient in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Expect a few days of downtime with this peel.
Hyperpigmentation Laser Treatment
One of the best treatments for hyperpigmentation we have is laser treatment. Laser therapy uses concentrated beams of light to break up pigment cells. The laser we use has two technologies built in one laser, the Alexandrite and the ND:Yag which allows unsurpassed efficacy and client comfort. It is also one of the fastest ways to treat hyperpigmentation. Most clients see results after a few treatments. It also has the benefit of working on all skin types including dark or tanned skin.
One other Hyperpigmentation Face Treatment
Hydroquinone (HQ) is a skin-lightening agent that reduces the number of melanocytes present in the skin. Melanocytes are the cell responsible for melanin production. At Hebe we offer the ZO Skin Health Multi-Therapy Hydroquinone System. This kit is an all-encompassing system formulated to help treat hyperpigmentation, severe texture damage, sun damage and general skin health restoration, at home. It is an aggressive option when other treatments have failed to deliver results. Consultation is required before purchase to ensure this kit is right for you.
ZO Skin Health Multi-Therapy Hydroquinone System
Includes:
Gentle Cleanser
Pigment Control Crème (2% HQ)
Pigment Control + Blending Crème (2% HQ)
Wrinkle Texture Repair (0.5% Retinol)
Exfoliation Accelerator (10% AHA)
In conclusion
When in doubt, talk with your skincare provider to identify the cause of your hyperpigmentation to develop a tailored treatment plan. We can help find the best hyperpigmentation treatment for you.
No matter what treatment you ultimately choose, it’s important to protect your skin from further sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Sun protection is ultimately the most important step for any routine.
