Laser hair removal typically provides stunning results for most people, yet hyperpigmentation may occur as a side effect of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Dr. Michele Green specializes in treating melasma and pigmentation disorders at her boutique NYC office.
Preventing Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation after laser treatment requires limiting sun exposure. Patients can also utilize skin lightening creams like Cosmelan or Vi Peels.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Many people experience skin discoloration after laser hair removal. Pigment may darken, lighten, or fade over time; to minimize sun exposure after laser treatment it’s wise to use an SPF 30+ sunscreen ointment or stay out of direct sunlight until your lymphatic system processes the pigment out of your body’s system.
Avoiding sun exposure is the most effective way to combat post-laser hair removal hyperpigmentation. UV rays from sunlight stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin, intensifying existing dark spots if laser treatments have already taken place.
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, it’s recommended to refrain from tanning for two weeks prior to and following treatments. This is because the laser targets pigment in hair follicles; if your skin becomes tanned before receiving laser treatment, the laser might misinterpret this as hair and cause burns or hyperpigmentation instead.
Plumping, waxing, or electrolysis may interfere with your laser’s ability to target the hair follicle effectively. Furthermore, it’s advisable to shave the area where laser treatment will take place using a razor with a sharp blade so that any long hairs won’t get caught in its heat and become caught within its beam.
Hydroquinone-based skin lightening creams can help to prevent post laser hair removal hyperpigmentation, and are readily available at most drugstores. When selecting an ointment without retinoids as these may cause irritation.
Lightening cream should be applied at night after laser hair removal to allow your skin to rest and recover, along with sunscreen application as UV rays from sunlight may exacerbate any pigmentation issues that have resulted from laser hair removal. Use at least 30 SPF protection sunscreen during the day and reapply it frequently, while also avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible and covering yourself up when outdoors with a hat or umbrella.
Apply Hydroquinone-Based Skin Lightening Creams
If you’re experiencing hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal, there are multiple methods you can try to keep it at bay. One effective treatment option is skin lightening cream. Available in various strengths, selecting the ideal formula can help achieve results you desire.
Hydroquinone is one of the most frequently used skin lightening ingredients, working by inhibiting activity of tyrosinase which produces melanin pigment, while also disrupting reproduction of melanocytes which produces dark spots and patches on skin. Regular usage will eventually help improve discolorations and blotchiness over time.
Hydroquinone is a topical treatment designed for use directly on the skin. Available as cream, gel or emulsion forms, hydroquinone should only be prescribed and used under medical supervision – and only by dermatologists or professional skin specialists who understand its uses properly – because incorrect concentration of chemicals could have harmful side-effects. Furthermore, sun protection must also be ensured while using this product.
Other natural ingredients may also help reduce the appearance of blemishes and dark patches, including arbutin and vitamin C. These substances are safer alternatives to hydroquinone because they don’t interfere with cellular processes that produce melanin pigment, and tend to cause less irritation than its application.
Chemical peels can also help treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following laser hair removal, performed by professional at either a clinic or spa. While there are various kinds of chemical peels available, low-strength peels should be chosen because strong peels may induce too much inflammation and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) to return.
If you are experiencing post-treatment hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal, it is wise to visit an experienced cosmetic dermatologist. He or she can recommend effective skin care products and treatments to address blemishes and hyperpigmentation; additionally they can suggest techniques for avoiding further post-treatment hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Green of MGSKINLABS in NYC is an internationally acclaimed cosmetic dermatologist and an expert in treating melasma and hyperpigmentation, offering her signature treatments and Cosmelan product lines to lighten facial, chest, and other parts of your body.
Schedule an Appointment with a Cosmetic Dermatologist
When considering laser hair removal, it’s essential to choose a clinic with the appropriate technology and staff. A reputable clinic will have a dermatologist available for consultation regarding your skin type and concerns before matching you up with lasers that suit them, along with pre- and post-treatment instructions that help avoid side effects like hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur for many different reasons. Sun damage is one of the leading contributors, while others such as skin injury, acne breakouts, fluctuating hormones or medical conditions are also factors. People with darker skin tones are especially prone to this form of hyperpigmentation than lighter tones.
Laser treatments for hyperpigmentation come with various results depending on what kind of hyperpigmentation treatment you require, from age spots and freckles caused by sun exposure, to treating hormonal changes that triggered stress-induced melanomas melasmas; additionally lasers may even improve appearances associated with psoriasis, rosacea or eczema.
Cosmetic dermatologists offer more than laser treatments; they can recommend various ways to enhance your skin’s appearance such as lightening creams, retinoids, microdermabrasion and chemical peels among many others. A good dermatologist will take the time to learn your individual needs before helping create an individualized treatment plan that’s tailor-made to you and your skin type.
As with any laser treatment, sun exposure must be avoided prior to scheduling a session. If you already have a tan, wait until it fades before scheduling an appointment and avoid using any sunless tanners before your appointment. Furthermore, other forms of hair removal such as plucking, waxing and electrolysis should also be avoided prior to laser treatments; and blood-thinning products could adversely impact how effectively they work.
If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal treatments, contact us immediately to arrange an appointment with a cosmetic dermatologist. An experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist can help restore beautiful, radiant skin without unsightly dark patches marring its beauty or your sense of confidence.
Consider Lumibright
Laser hair removal uses light to target and destroy melanin in hair follicles, effectively disabling them to grow new hairs. For optimal results, ensure your laser treatment is calibrated correctly and follow all aftercare recommendations given by your technician; otherwise you could experience pigmentation after laser hair removal.
Pigmentation can occur during laser hair removal, though it typically only lasts briefly and minimally. Since hair follicles and skin don’t share an identical hue, only specific areas will be affected at one time.
Darkening of skin may occur as your body responds to laser hair removal’s damage, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. People with darker skin tones often experience this side effect from laser hair removal; usually it will resolve itself within one or two months.
Reduce PIH by wearing sunscreen daily and limiting sun exposure. Furthermore, exfoliants (physical or chemical) may help eliminate dead skin cells that block pores and contribute to dark spots. In addition, consider using a vitamin C serum that targets their cause to help stop future flare-ups of dark spots from returning.
Many clients love the results of laser hair removal, yet some may experience hyperpigmentation as a side effect following treatment. Hyperpigmentation refers to an irregular darkening of skin pigment that may be caused by fluctuating hormones, skin injury, acne or inflammation as well as certain medications like birth control pills.
If you’re experiencing any side effects from laser hair removal in Burleson, TX that are less-than-desirable, turn to Med Spa At Seena One for help. Our experts offer advice and treatments to keep your skin glowing even after laser hair removal! Don’t delay–contact us now to set up a complimentary consultation where we will determine the appropriate plan of care as well as frequency.
