Understanding Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Differences, and Treatment Options
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Causes of Melasma, Blemishes, and Hyperpigmentation
Skin pigmentation disorders mostly arise from excessive melanin production and imbalanced distribution.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes, leading to increased pigment production. When this pigment accumulates in the epidermis and dermis, it manifests as melasma, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal changes, genetic factors, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) also contribute to these conditions.
In particular, summer UV exposure, stress, and lack of sleep can further promote melanin production.
Differences Between Melasma, Blemishes, and Hyperpigmentation
Melasma: Typically appears symmetrically on both cheekbones, forehead, and around the upper lip. It has blurred borders and uneven color, primarily caused by hormonal influences and UV radiation.
Blemishes (Freckles, Lentigines, etc.): Mainly caused by genetic factors and cumulative UV exposure. They appear as small brown spots scattered across the face.
Hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common example. It occurs when red marks from acne or dermatitis turn brown due to localized melanin accumulation.
Because the causes and patterns of melasma, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation differ, treatment approaches must also vary.
A representative treatment method is laser toning.
What is Laser Toning?
Laser toning is a treatment that gradually breaks down melanin pigment by repeatedly applying a low-energy laser.
Unlike methods that burn the pigment all at once with high power, laser toning reduces damage to surrounding tissues by breaking down the pigment in multiple sessions.
As a result, laser toning can gradually brighten the skin tone and lighten pigmentation.
Principles and Effects of Revlite SI Laser Toning
Revlite SI is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser that uses two wavelengths: 1064nm and 532nm.
The 1064nm wavelength effectively penetrates deep into the skin to break down melanin particles in the dermal layer. It is widely used for melasma, hyperpigmentation, and skin tone improvement.
The 532nm wavelength targets relatively shallow layers, helping with blemishes, freckles, and reddish pigmentation.
Additionally, the SI handpiece of Revlite SI evenly distributes energy, reducing the risk of skin damage and enabling repetitive laser toning.
Clinically, it has been reported to improve not only melasma and blemishes but also pores and skin texture.
What About Complex Pigmentation Problems?
If melasma, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation coexist, single laser toning may not be sufficient.
Noblex (755nm long-pulsed Alexandrite) has a high melanin absorption rate, making it strong for treating pigmented lesions and effective in clearing pigments from the skin's surface and upper dermis.
Therefore, when applied with the low-energy toning of Revlite SI, it can simultaneously improve deep and superficial pigmentation.
Why Skill and Precision are Important for Toning
Laser toning results depend not only on the number of shots but also on energy intensity, irradiation interval, number of passes, and procedure speed.
Too much energy can cause skin damage, while too little may be ineffective.
Melasma is sensitive to irritation, so skilled medical staff need to delicately adjust the treatment while monitoring the skin's reaction in real-time.
Toning is not a one-time treatment; stable results can be expected by receiving multiple sessions at regular intervals.
Melasma, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation have different causes and patterns, so treatment approaches also vary.
Revlite SI laser toning can help improve skin tone by gradually breaking down melanin, and for complex pigmentation problems, combination treatments with other devices such as Noblex may be used.
The important point is that toning is not a simple repetitive procedure but requires careful adjustment and a personalized approach.
All procedures may vary depending on the individual.
Side effects such as swelling, inflammation, and bleeding may occur, so caution is advised.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/purpleclinic/224000186533
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