What Are the Best Methods to Reduce Uneven Pigmentation?
Discolored patches on the skin are a common condition that may occur because of several possible causes, such as illness, injury, inflammatory problems, or a difference in levels of melanin—the substance that provides color to your skin and gives it some protection against sunlight. The most effective way of treating these discolored areas on the skin depends on their underlying cause, so you should a see a dermatologist if you’re noticing any such lasting changes and want to do something about them. If your overall skin tone is uneven and you’re discovering irregular dark spots, IPL from our Little Rock-based team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas can help you get a more even, uniform skin texture, as can some other techniques.
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may sometimes cause dark patches called melasma on both sides of the face. In other cases, darkened blotches on the skin called age spots or sunspots may occur on sun-exposed areas. Acne sufferers can discover marks left on their skin due to inflammation. These dark marks are collectively referred to as hyperpigmentation. As mentioned previously, your skin produces pigment called melanin as a natural way of protecting you from damage caused by sun exposure. Excessive ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation because it disrupts the melanin production process.
Here are some ways to reduce unwanted discolorations:
IPL
IPL is a light-based procedure that gives off multiple flashes of broad bands of light—as opposed to lasers, which produce beams in one focused wavelength. The light energy IPL gives off is absorbed by both melanin and hemoglobin in the skin without harming the surrounding areas. The discolored spots eventually flake away.
Over-the-Counter Products
Several common skincare ingredients can help with pigmentation, including vitamin C, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are ideal for lightening unwanted pigment on the surface of the skin. A chemical solution is applied, then penetrates into deeper layers depending on its strength. This removes the damaged, older skin on the surface. With this exfoliation, newer, healthier, and clearer skin is revealed. This treatment promotes skin cell renewal.
Want a clearer complexion? Learn more about the benefits of IPL and more from Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.
What Should You Know About Juvederm® Aftercare?
When it comes to reducing wrinkles that result from muscle activity in the face (which are referred to as dynamic wrinkles), neuromodulators like BOTOX® are the gold standard. However, for wrinkles that deepen in the face because of collagen deficiency, loss of moisture, or the breakdown of skin cells due to exposure to other environmental aggressors, facial fillers are best. These gels are injected beneath the skin, acting as a temporary replacement for the collagen, fat, or other volume-providing substances the skin is lacking. Hyaluronic acid facial fillers such as Juvederm® injections from our Little Rock-based practice are one of the best ways of restoring volume to areas where it is diminished in the skin or adding more definition to facial contours.
Since it’s a non-surgical procedure, one of the major advantages of this treatment is that there is very little recovery time and few limitations on activities after, meaning patients will be able to resume their usual routine right away for the most part. Nevertheless, there are still some side effects that may occur after having any type of injectable, and it’s helpful to know what to expect during recovery.
Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Your Skin
When it comes to fillers, it’s wise to remember that you can look as much as you want, but try not to touch your face too frequently. If you massage or poke at your face too much, the activity could undo the work that has been done by the injector. Try to avoid deep facials, sleeping in positions that put too much pressure on your skin (such as the side or stomach), or wearing heavy glasses.
Apply Ice
To decrease some of the redness and swelling, try icing the treatment area right after the injections. Don’t leave ice on for too long, though. Try a few minutes on, then give your skin a break to avoid damaging it with cold.
Avoid Certain Activities
Rest up, avoid stress, and keep your heart rate down after getting fillers. Some activities or environments could increase your heart rate and blood flow to the facial area, which can make swelling and bruising worse. Avoid sun exposure, blood thinners such as NSAIDs, smoking, and exercise for the first 24 hours at least. You should also stay out of spas and saunas for about a day.
For more advice about facial fillers, contact Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.