Top Causes and Best Treatments of Hyper-pigmentation in Melbourne
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is among the most common skin conditions in Melbourne, but many people have a faulty understanding of what it is and how to treat it effectively. To put it simply, hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin. When this happens, individuals begin to notice uneven skin tone on their face and other parts of their body.
There are a number of skin conditions that fall under the category of hyperpigmentation. Sunspots, melasma, freckles and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are just some examples. Each of these forms of hyperpigmentation requires a bespoke pigmentation removal procedure, so it’s vital to look for a skin care professional with extensive experience treating a wide range of skin conditions in a safe and effective manner.
Sunspots and melasma in particular are common forms of pigmentation Melbourne residents regularly seek treatment for. Sunspots, or actinic keratoses, are rough patches of skin that form due to extended exposure to UV radiation. Melasma, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that causes brown patches on the skin. While melasma cannot be cured completely, it can be managed through effective treatment.
It’s also crucial to remember that hyperpigmentation affects all ethnic groups, but manifests differently depending on skin tone. For example, those with fairer skin are more likely to experience freckles and premature aging, while those of East Asian, Latin and Mediterranean descent, and most women, are prone to melasma, skin sensitivity and sunspots. Meanwhile, those with a darker skin tone typically experience an uneven skin tone and hyperpigmented acne scars.
Why is Hyperpigmentation so Common in Melbourne?
Those living in Melbourne are at a particular risk of sunspots and other forms of hyperpigmentation due to several factors. One major reason is that the ozone layer is thinner in Melbourne than elsewhere in the world, which means that the UV index here is incredibly high. UV radiation is a major cause of hyperpigmentation and other conditions such as skin cancer, so prevention and early treatment are vital.
There are also cultural reasons that explain the prevalence of hyperpigmentation in Melbourne. For one thing, sunscreen has only recently seen widespread adoption in the country. There are still many who haven’t added an effective sunscreen to their daily routine. Even those that do use sunscreen often don’t apply it often enough or don’t use a sufficient amount of it.
Melbourne residents also spend much of their time outdoors, especially in the summer, which contributes massively to the prevalence of hyperpigmentation in the country. Popular activities like barbecues, hiking and picnics are all a big part of the Aussie lifestyle. The amount of time locals spend in direct sunlight combined with the fact that not everyone uses a sufficient amount of sunscreen is a major reason why hyperpigmentation is one of the most common complaints that local skin clinics see.
A big reason why hyperpigmentation treatments can be complicated in Melbourne is ethnic diversity. Melbourne is a city with a massive immigrant population, and as discussed previously, pigmentation removal treatment needs to be tailored to the specific skin type of the patient.
Unfortunately, many of the more traditional clinics in Melbourne only know how to remove pigmentation in caucasians. There have even been cases of clinics turning would-be patients away due to their having darker skin tones. When choosing a skin clinic, make sure to choose one that specialises in performing skin treatments for every skin tone and has access to top-notch equipment like pico lasers and microneedling devices.
Reasons to Seek Hyperpigmentation Treatment Immediately
As soon as you notice the signs of hyperpigmentation, it’s important to get treatment right away. Hyperpigmentation causes an uneven skin tone which typically worsens once it starts. What’s more, hyperpigmentation usually presents itself in extremely visible parts of the body such as the face and hands. This can hamper self-esteem and self-confidence.
Hyperpigmentation also tends to get worse as time goes on, so it’s vital to receive the necessary treatment as soon as you notice the first signs. Moreover, the longer you wait before receiving pigmentation removal treatment, the more difficult and expensive effective treatment becomes. Receiving hyperpigmentation treatment promptly keeps you looking and feeling your best, and also increases the chances of a successful post-treatment outcome.
While many people seek hyperpigmentation treatment for aesthetic reasons, there are also cases where hyperpigmentation is a symptom of a more serious issue. Sunspots in particular can be an early warning sign of skin cancer, so make sure to see a skin specialist right away as soon as the problem surfaces.
How to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation
Many who experience hyperpigmentation are confused as to how best to treat it. A quick Google search for hyperpigmentation treatments will reveal countless options, including chemical peels, over-the-counter creams and various types of laser treatment.
For effective, long-lasting pigmentation removal, it’s essential to find a clinic that uses only the finest hyperpigmentation treatment technology. Today, the best pigmentation removal devices on the market include Korean-made tools such as the Pico Star Laser and the SYNA+ Needle-Free Injector.
You will achieve the best results by picking a skin clinic that tailors their hyperpigmentation treatment plan to each customer and doesn't simply apply a one-size-fits-all solution to everyone. Make sure that your clinic of choice offers an exploratory facial assessment before commencing hyperpigmentation treatment and has experience helping individuals with a wide range of skin tones.
Post-treatment care is crucial in ensuring that hyperpigmentation doesn’t recur once it’s treated. Avoid direct sunlight wherever possible, especially during the summer months. When you do have to go out in the sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Moreover, before taking any medication, do some research on whether hyperpigmentation is a potential side effect. As soon as you see the first signs of hyperpigmentation recurring, seeking immediate treatment will stop it from spreading.
Many patients are hesitant about receiving the proper care for hyperpigmentation due to cost. This is why Skin Xclusive regularly runs promotions for pigmentation removal and other facial treatments These include a free comprehensive facial assessment. We also use best-in-class technology: our Pico Star Laser device is a safe, effective and affordable solution for hyperpigmentation.
What are you waiting for? Make a booking for hyperpigmentation removal with Skin Xclusive today.