What is the solution for unwanted pigment?
Hyperpigmentation is characterized by the increased production and accumulation of melanin, which causes a darkened appearance to the skin in small or large areas. Three common types of hyperpigmentation are photo damage, melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Preventing and controlling pigment starts with medical grade sunscreen.
Unwanted pigment can be treated with ZO medical skincare products or laser treatments if the patient is a suitable candidate.
If you are looking to treat unwanted pigment with product, here are three options to consider for home use. Patients that are Fitzpatrick I-III are able to treat pigment with laser as well as product if it is not melasma.
If you are a Fitzpatrick IV-VI, products are the only option to consider since laser is not an ideal solution for higher Fitzpatrick skin type.
1. Combination of 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating and Brightalive morning and evening is a more mild start to prevention and correction. Brightalive is a non-retinol skin brightener that increases luminosity, visibly improves skin clarity and helps fade unwanted pigment.
2. Retinol Skin Brightener is a step up, with retinol properties that deliver active ingredients to target and prevent new pigment from forming. Retinol Skin Brightener strengths range from
0.25% - 1.0% retinol which are ideal for new users or patients that have been conditioned to higher strengths. This effective retinol blend reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone and age spots while providing antioxidant protection for a brighter skin tone.
3. Hydroquinone is the gold standard of skin lightening! It is a highly effective treatment of moderate to severe hyperpigmentation including melasma. Hydroquinone should only be used for a period no longer of 5 months in order to avoid rebound hyperpigmentation and reduced tolerance.
In clinic treatments:
Laser treatments are safe and effective for Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-3 (and light Skin Types 4) who are looking to improve their sun damage on the face and body. Both men and women are candidates, but the treatment can cause minor hair reduction over the treated areas so men may wish to only have areas outside their beard treated.
Pigment removal treatments can make you more photosensitive so the fall or winter may be the best time for treatments depending on your lifestyle. Sun exposure also needs to be avoided prior to treatment for a minimum of 2 weeks. The sunspots will get darker anywhere from 7-10 days after treatment and flake off and reveal a more even skin tone days later.
For best results, ZO medical home care is essential for preventing and correcting unwanted pigmentation.
To learn more about what treatments and medical grade skincare we offer book a complimentary skin analysis online with one of our friendly and knowledgable staff members or give us a call at
604-553-3433 to schedule your consultation over the phone!