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Lasers · Skin

Hyper­pigmentation

Both locations

A woman's face lit evenly from the front, one hand at her cheek, the skin a single unbroken tone

What is hyperpigmentation and how is it treated?

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of patches of skin caused by an increase in melanin, and it can be diffuse or focal, affecting the face, neck, chest and backs of the hands. Sun damage, inflammation and acne scarring are the likely leading culprits. The most common laser treatment is a photofacial: ROXSpa uses the Harmony XL Pro by Alma Lasers, a non-invasive photo-rejuvenation method that treats sun damage, removes sun spots and most benign brown pigments, and addresses redness from broken capillaries — with no downtime, and 80% to 90% clearance over an appropriate course of treatment.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin patches caused by an increase in melanin. Hyperpigmentation can be diffuse or focal, affecting areas such as the face, neck, chest, and the back of the hands. Melanin is produced by melanocytes at the lower layer of the epidermis. Melanin is responsible for producing color in the body in places such as the skin and hair. As skin ages, melanocyte distribution becomes less diffuse and its regulation less controlled by the body. Sun damage, inflammation, and acne scarring are likely leading culprits of hyperpigmentation, although other diseases can also be to blame. However, this can be reversed to produce clear, evenly toned skin.

What can I do to treat Hyperpigmentation?

A photofacial is the most common laser treatment used to treat hyperpigmentation. At ROXSpa, we utilize the Harmony XL Advanced Fluorescent Technology (AFT)™ by Alma Lasers to treat hyperpigmentation. AFT is a non-invasive method of photo-rejuvenation that treats sun damage, removes sun spots, most benign brown pigments, and redness caused by broken capillaries. A photofacial helps restore a more youthful appearance, leaving skin clearer and healthy looking without any downtime.

Want more?

For more dramatic results layer your photofacial treatments with the Pixel™ laser. Mix it up with a chemical peel, such as Cosmelan™, topical skin lightener creams, such as hydroquinone or Vivite Vibrance Therapy, and a few microdermabrasion sessions. For that extra bit of oomph, add the correct at-home maintenance program and you’ve got the winning recipe to combat hyperpigmentation.

Reasons to consider this hyperpigmentation treatment:

Non-invasive, simple procedure

Zero side effects

No downtime

Achieve 80%-90% clearance with appropriate amount of treatment

Your esthetician will discuss with you a customized treatment cycle to achieve optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the lower layer of the epidermis and is responsible for colour in the skin and hair. As skin ages, melanocyte distribution becomes less diffuse and its regulation less controlled by the body. Sun damage, inflammation and acne scarring are the likely leading culprits, although other conditions can also be responsible.

Yes. Hyperpigmentation can be reversed to produce clearer, more evenly toned skin, and your esthetician will discuss a customised treatment cycle with you to achieve the best result.

A photofacial is a non-invasive method of photo-rejuvenation that treats sun damage, removes sun spots and most benign brown pigments, and addresses redness caused by broken capillaries. It helps restore a more youthful appearance, leaving the skin clearer and healthier looking without downtime.

Yes, and for more dramatic results we often do. Photofacial treatments can be layered with the Pixel laser, and combined with a chemical peel, a topical skin lightener, and a few microdermabrasion sessions. Adding the right at-home maintenance program rounds out the plan.

With an appropriate number of treatments, patients achieve 80% to 90% clearance. The procedure is non-invasive and requires no downtime.