Hello Fall, Goodbye Summer Hyperpigmentation

Fall is here. How is your skin feeling and looking? Now that the hot summer days are over, you are probably left with a little more sun damage than you'd like. Most likely you are sporting some defused hyperpigmentation, sun spots or both. Your skin is craving some serious recuperation and deep hydration! Here are some options for how to get rid of  pigmentation.

Cosmelan Peel

Two-step depigmentation process that, unlike hydroquinone and retinol which can be harsh, uses azalaic and kojic acid, which are great inhibitors of melanin in the skin. The process is fairly simple; it takes about a week or so. After your skin is thoroughly cleansed, an aesthetician will apply a mask on your skin that you will have to leave for about four hours before removing it. Depending on your skin type, the mask might need to be left on longer, but never more than eight hours. You will be required to do some homework as well, by applying addition masks to reinforce the peeling process. This peel can reduce visible discoloration and improves the overall look and feel of your skin.

IPL Laser, more commonly known as Photo Facial

This laser generates intense pulse light, which is a safe and noninvasive form of light energy. You will need two to three treatments for pigmentation or sun damage and five to six treatments in order to reduce redness in your face or blood vessels. Treatments are usually scheduled every four weeks. This is a great laser for depigmentation and occasionally can help with the reduction of large pores. Your skin will be smoother and more even in appearance and texture. The face is the most common area treated, yet this laser is also great for arms, hand, chest and neck area. There will be a down time of anywhere from 7–14 days.

Picosure

Picosure is a new-generation laser that has zero downtime and stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, which are two components in more youthful looking skin. Using highly-targeted energy, PicoSure disrupts the particles responsible for a range of pigment conditions like freckles, sun spots and other discoloration. A minimum of three treatments are necessary, two weeks apart.

Microdermabrasion

Smoothing away dull, uneven tone and texture with zero down time, microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and hyper-pigmentation Clients experiencing this less-invasive alternative to open dermabrasion begin to see results after a minimum of three to six treatments. This number of consecutive treatments is necessary to achieve a complete turnover of the skin. Treatments in the initial package must be no more than two weeks apart to achieve optimum results. After the initial round of treatments is completed, a maintenance treatment should be done every two to three months.

Keeping It Going

Once you get discoloration and uneven skin under control, regular maintenance and home care is a must. Include mild to moderate peels on a weekly basis in your skin care routine — such as the Red Carpet Facial or Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads. Alphahydroxy serums — such as the Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum — that can be layered under your moisturizers or mixed with other serums can also be very helpful tools in maintaining your skin's even and youthful appearance.

Happy Fall!

—Olga