Hyperpigmentation
Solutions
Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of certain areas of the skin caused by an excess production of melanin.
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Treat Uneven Skin Tone and More in Albuquerque
Uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation, results from an over-production of melanin. You’ve heard of melanin before: It gives your hair its color and helps protect your skin against the sun’s damaging UV rays. When too much melanin is produced by your body (which can result from excessive exposure to the sun, scarring, or hormonal imbalances), the imbalance can create hyperpigmentation, which gives your skin everything from isolated spots to a blotchy, uneven overall tone. With this in mind, Western Dermatology Consultants provides effective solutions to treat hyperpigmentation for Albuquerque patients.
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The team at Western Dermatology Consultants offers solutions for hyperpigmentation and more. Call us in Albuquerque at 505-855-9267 or schedule a free consult.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that involves patches of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. This occurs because of excess production of melanin in the pigment-producing cells.
Patients may choose to lighten hyperpigmentation because they don’t like the way it looks. Though the hyperpigmentation itself isn’t harmful, it may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that could require attention.
Hyperpigmentation may occur in small patches, cover large areas of skin, or affect the entire body. There are several different types, including melasma caused by hormonal fluctuations, sunspots (which are also called brown spots or liver spots), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from injury or inflammation.
Dealing with hyperpigmentation? Albuquerque’s Western Dermatology Consultants team will help you determine the cause of your spots, redness, and more before recommending specific treatment plans to get a more even tone.
Brown Spots
Brown spots, commonly known as age spots, are small brown macules or yellowish-brownish pigmented areas on the skin, most commonly caused by repeated exposure to the sun or weather. These brown spots are associated with older skin and most often make their appearance after the age of 40. They occur most commonly on backs of the hands, the forearms, shoulder, face, and forehead.
Rosacea
Rosacea is an often-misunderstood skin condition, even though it is common, especially among middle-aged women. The chronic condition causes skin discoloration. When it begins, people may mistake it for a healthy, rosy glow. However, as it progresses, it can become a less attractive feature. When it starts, rosacea is typically located in the center of the face on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Later on, it can spread, and some extreme cases manifest on the neck, chest, ears, and scalp.
While the redness in and of itself is not a serious health concern, the related symptoms can cause physical and emotional discomfort. Lasting redness and bumps, pimples, red eyes, stinging or burning sensations, and visible blood vessels just under the surface of the skin are some potential symptoms. Some people even develop a bulbous nose.
As with sunburn, people with fair skin are more prone to display signs of rosacea. While both men and women can experience the condition, women are more likely to deal with it.
Trust the Experts
Our board-certified dermatologists will take the time necessary to understand your skincare goals, and present you with an array of options for amazing skin.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Hyperpigmentation?
No matter what type of hyperpigmentation you may have, Western Dermatology Consultants can help to address the problem with the latest lasers, products, and treatments. Count on our board-certified dermatologists to provide you with a range of treatment options, one of which should be ideal for you.
While not a health concern, brown spots and similar forms of hyperpigmentation certainly affect your appearance, which can impact self-esteem and mood. Bleaching creams, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and lasers may help fade these areas. Topical prescription medications, topical retinoids, and over-the-counter medications can also be beneficial.
Contact Us
For more information, and to have us customize a plan for your unique needs, contact us about hyperpigmentation treatments in Albuquerque at 505-855-9267 or schedule a free consult.
What Can You Do to Prevent Hyperpigmentation?
The occurrence of age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation can be reduced or prevented by avoiding overexposure to the sun and by using sunscreen when in the sun, especially in a person’s younger years.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, particularly during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and scalp, include vitamin C products in your skincare routine to prevent sun damage, apply broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to 50 each day with zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, wear SPF-infused clothing, and try to avoid scratching or picking at spots on the skin, as this can cause inflammation.
Western Dermatology Consultants offers many solutions for treating hyperpigmentation and rosacea. Contact us today to learn more about your skincare options.