Hyperpigmentation

There is nothing quite like a warm, sunny day to lift the spirit and encourage outdoor activity. Unfortunately, excessive sun exposure is not kind to the skin. Over time, sun damage causes fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, large pores, rough skin, broken capillaries, and, worst of all, dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer.

Whether it’s sun damage, freckles, birthmarks, or some other skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern. Capital Laser & Skin Care offers multiple treatment options to help you get a smoother, more even complexion.

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Learn More About Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin caused by increased melanin. This includes freckles, age spots, birthmarks, and more. Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless and only a cosmetic issue, but it can also be related to sun damage and skin cancer.

At Capital Laser & Skin Care, we take sun damage and the risk of skin cancer very seriously. It is important to us that our patients are checked for skin cancer before we set forth on a path to help improve the appearance of their skin. With every new consultation, our board-certified dermatologists offer a complimentary skin cancer screening to check for any signs of skin cancer. 

We also like to teach patients how to do skin self-examination so they learn the warning signs of skin cancer on their skin. Since most skin cancers are curable when diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages, we want a partnership with patients to protect their skin health. Furthermore, we encourage our patients to practice “safe sun” through the use of sunscreen, hats, sun-protective clothing, and smart sun choices.

Once we confirm your skin is healthy, our dermatologists carefully evaluate the skin to determine the best treatment approach based on individual needs and skin type. Even if your dark spots aren’t harmful, you may wish to fade them for a more even-toned complexion. For children, scattered freckles across the nose can be cute, a youthful reminder of a summer well-spent. However, for many men and women, these tan and brown spots can be seen as a distraction from their overall appearance. 

A birthmark is another common form of hyperpigmentation. The most common birthmarks are typically red or tan and small in size. For many people, their birthmark is inconsequential, a small skin spot that goes unnoticed. But for some, a birthmark can be large or in a highly visible area.

For those unhappy with the appearance of sunspots, birthmarks, or other dark spots, several highly effective treatments are available to remove them and achieve a more even-toned and luminous complexion.

While birthmarks are something you’re born with and have no cause, many other forms of hyperpigmentation are directly related to sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation is the result of increased melanin production, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. The primary risk factor for hyperpigmentation like freckles and sunspots is sun exposure.

If you have naturally darker skin, this also makes you more prone to pigmentation changes. Certain drugs, particularly those that increase sensitivity to sunlight, can also increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.

Another form of hyperpigmentation, melasma, is caused by hormonal changes. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and medical conditions like thyroid disease can cause melasma, which shows up as brown patches of skin.

Finally, dark spots can also result from inflammation, called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The inflammation can trigger increased melanin production when the skin is broken or damaged by trauma, acne, eczema, or bug bites.

When it comes to hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, the sun damages the skin in multiple ways, so the best results are often obtained by the skillful blending of several treatments and techniques. Our dermatologists can also discuss options for reducing the appearance of birthmarks and other skin discoloration.

Our highly experienced physicians willoften combine treatments and technology on the same visit to maximize results while minimizing recovery time, helping you achieve the refreshed, glowing, and naturally vibrant look you desire. We may also recommend skincare products or medications to improve your skin tone. 

Pigment Specific Laser

A pigment specific laser targets unwanted pigment in the skin to improve discoloration and uneven tone. This type of treatment is commonly used to address sun damage, hyperpigmentation, freckles, and certain types of birthmarks by breaking down excess pigment so the body can naturally clear it over time.

HALO® Laser

This hybrid laser combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to treat sun damage both in the top layer of skin and the deeper tissues underneath. Some patients will have lasting results with a single 30-minute treatment; others may need a series of treatments to see optimal benefits.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be customized to your unique needs. This treatment deeply exfoliates your skin to promote collagen production, improving hyperpigmentation and giving you a more even complexion. Depending on the depth of your peel, downtime can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, and results can last a few months or several years.

Fraxel® Dual Laser

Fraxel® is the most popular fractional laser technology available, thanks to its short downtime and great results, particularly for sun damage and hyperpigmentation. With a series of treatments, your improved complexion can last for years.

Forever Young BBL™

With revolutionary BroadBand Light technology, this laser device is the ultimate anti-aging skin rejuvenation treatment. The 15-30 minute treatment requires minimal downtime and gives you a smoother, clearer complexion.

Clear + Brilliant®

This fractional laser resurfacing treatment promotes collagen production and healthy cell turnover. As a gentler alternative to lasers like Fraxel®, Clear + Brilliant® may have less dramatic results but doesn’t require downtime.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about our hyperpigmentation solutions? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.

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