How to Treat Hyperpigmentation with Photofacials
Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin caused by a localized increase in melanin, a black pigment. It is common in older skin and also may be caused by sun damage or skin conditions such as melasma. An Intense Pulsed Light photofacial can be used on a specific area to cause the melanin-containing skin to be sloughed off. The following steps will show how to treat hyperpigmentation with photofacials. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Have your skin condition evaluated. The best candidates for Intense Pulsed Light treatment of hyperpigmentation will have a Fitzpatrick Skin Type of one to four. The areas of dark pigmentation ideally will be distinct and isolated to allow the Intense Pulsed Light device to more easily target the melanin-containing areas.
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Receive an average of five Intense Pulsed Light sessions for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. The skin should be allowed to slough off between sessions which usually requires at least three to four weeks.
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Keep the treated areas out of the sun until the redness subsides. Thereafter, you should limit your exposure to the sun to 30 minutes and apply sunscreen.
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Expect the hyperpigmented areas to become even darker dry patches in the week following treatment as the melanin is pulled to the surface. The areas should become somewhat crusty as they slough off and reveal the improved complexion underneath.
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Return once or twice per year thereafter for maintenance treatments. The skin color should continue to improve with each treatment. The texture of the skin may improve over a period of months because the Intense Pulsed Light treatment also may promote new collagen growth.
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