At Cheshire Lasers Clinic we are often asked: “How can you remove my pigmentation?”
There are many types of pigmentation with lots of different causes; some can be treated more easily than others. At Cheshire Lasers, we also have many different treatments that can help you.
The way we treat your pigmentation is based on:
- It’s cause
- Your skin type
- Most importantly; your preferences
How do I decide which Pigmentation treatment to choose from?
At Cheshire Lasers, we offer a wide range of pigmentation removal products and treatments. This makes it hard to decide what to do.
Some treatments work quicker and are better than others. However, these treatments also tend to cause more side effects, more downtime and are more aggressive.
The gentler treatments tend to take much longer to work. You, therefore, have to be patient and make sure you follow the recommended treatment protocol.
Why have I got Pigmentation?
Your skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin. Special cells called melanocytes in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or if they are activated for any reason, it affects melanin production.
Pregnancy, Addison’s disease, sun exposure and some medication such as the combined pill can all make your skin darker.
Your genes often have something to do with your pigmentation with some of us being born with freckles. If you have a darker skin tone such as Asian, Mediterranean or African, you are usually more prone to pigmentation problems.
You are also more prone to pigmentation if you have had excessive sun exposure.
Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation (PIH) can arise if your skin is chronically inflamed – it can be common in people who battle with dermatitis/eczema, acne and Addison’s disease. PIH can also occur after a single episode of trauma.
Once you have pigmentation, you can treat it and reduce it. You can also prevent it by wearing very high sun protection and avoiding harmful sun rays. However, treatment does not usually mean you will be free of it forever. Pigmentation generally will always come back, if you continue with the same lifestyle.
If you have problem pigmentation often lifestyle measures and maintenance treatments are required to keep it under control.
At Cheshire Lasers, Pigmentation Removal Treatments are provided by:
Dr Teri Johnson uses the topical prescription systems provided by The Obagi NuDerm system or ZO Skin Health Medical System for moderate to severe pigmentation problems. She also uses the popular Cysteamine Cream, which is her first choice for moderate to severe pigmentation problems in darker skin or with Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Natasha Tavernor, Level 4 Laser / IPL Technician.
Natasha uses IPL and sometimes the ND Yag to treat pigmentation with our Lynton Lumina ASQ system.
She also uses Cysteamine Cream, an excellent home treatment for specific skin types and problems. Natasha also uses the ZO Medical system for pigmentation problems. However, she is only able to recommend Skin Health products. The ZO Medical topical products are available on prescription only.
Natasha also performs various facials, peels and resurfacing treatments (listed below) designed to improve mild to moderate pigmentation.
Aesthetic Nurse Moira Grobiki
Moira performs the Perfect Peel, a moderately aggressive peel that can help moderate pigmentation problems.
What do I do if I want pigmentation removal at Cheshire Lasers?
We recommend an initial consultation with one of our specialists for pigmentation problems before starting any treatment.
It is helpful to know what sort of treatment you are interested in so we can book you with the right person.
If you are considering starting any pigmentation treatment, ensure you are not planning sun exposure for the next few months. If you go out in the sun, you will need to cover the area with a very high factor of sun protection and keep the area covered.
The sun will stimulate pigmentation and undo the results of your treatments. It can also increase the risk of complications in your treatment.
During your consultation
We will examine your skin, take a medical history and help you decide on the most suitable treatment for you. We will also discuss the risks, costs and recovery period associated with the procedures you are considering.
Treatments for Pigmentation Removal at Cheshire Lasers:
Treatments for Mild Pigmentation:
We have a wide range of treatments available to help mild pigmentation such as the BioRePeel, phFormula Mela Treatments, Blue Radiance Peel, ZO Peels, Hydrafacial, Dermalux light and Microneedling. We tend to recommend these treatments if you have other skin concerns that the treatment will also address or if the pigment is very pale and is not of any concern.
Treatments for Problematic Pigmentation:
At Cheshire Lasers, the following treatments are the most effective for problematic pigmentation.
IPL and Laser
Age spots, pigmentation caused by sun damage and freckles respond nicely to our advanced IPL Lumina system. Our IPL treatment is fantastic for small spots and patches of pigment. If the response is poor, we can use the ND Yag laser instead.
This treatment is usually only suitable for skin types 1 to 3.
Before starting treatment, we may recommend you use a lightening skin product from one of our skincare product ranges 2- 6 weeks before starting an IPL or Laser treatment. This is often required for skins that are darker or are more prone to pigmentation.
For IPL and Laser treatment, please book a consultation with Natasha, our laser technician. She can advise how to proceed and if you are ready to go ahead with the treatment, she can do a test patch at the time of the consultation.
Cysteamine Cream
Cystamine is a skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders such as age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This novel treatment is a highly effective alternative to prescription treatments such as hydroquinone and tretinoin. It can be used in all skin types, including dark skin and is a great option for stubborn pigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Find out more about Cysteamine Cream here.
To discuss Cysteamine Cream book a consultation with Natasha or Anna here.
Prescription Lightening Products
We can also treat pigmentation with topical prescription products. At Cheshire Lasers, we use the famous Obagi NuDerm system or the ZO Medical System. Created by the same doctor, they both give fantastic results as long as you have the patience to use them.
These systems give fantastic results with Melasma; even after a few weeks use, the pigment usually looks so much better. You need to continue on the system for 18 weeks, after which your skin usually looks great. After 18 weeks, you must go on to a simpler maintenance regime to avoid rebound pigmentation. If you suddenly stop the treatment, the pigment usually comes back. Occasionally stubborn Melasma may need a peel to complete the treatment on this system.
For Prescription products, book with Dr Teri Johnson for a consultation.
The Perfect Peel
Some people prefer to treat their pigmentation with a peel. This is usually recommended if you have large areas of pigmentation. The advantages of the perfect peel is the minimal downtime compared to IPL and lasers, and the process is pain-free.
After one application age spots are remarkably lighter and many people are happy. However, a course of 3 peels may be required for stubborn pigment or if you want the pigment to be unnoticeable.
The ingredients not only improve pigmentation but also increase collagen and elastin production, resulting in skin that is brighter and tighter. Find out more about the perfect peel here.
The Perfect Peel can be used on its own for Melasma in fair-skinned patients. Peels should be used very carefully for darker skin types and often a combination of treatments are required as they are associated with a risk of post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation after any skin injury. Hence a consultation is required before having this peel.
For the Perfect Peel, please book a consultation with Aesthetic Nurse Moira or Dr Priyanka.
Find out more information about how to treat different types of Pigmentation conditions here.
Preventing Pigmentation
The challenge of treating Melasma and pigmentation is that it commonly relapses after treatment.
The most important way of preventing pigmentation is to wear good sun protection all year round and a sun block in the Summer.
Try and avoid any other triggers that may stimulate the problem.
To prevent Melasma and stubborn pigmentation returning maintenance therapy is required. You can opt for repeat treatments once the pigment has returned. However, we usually recommend selected topical skin care. If you start it immediately after treatment with regular reviews at the clinic in case your regime needs changing, we can help you manage the pigmentation to reduce the risk of it returning.
For a more holistic approach, there is increasing evidence that diet has a significant impact on skin inflammation, post-inflammatory acne, and Melasma. If you struggle with pigmentation and can not get it under control. We highly recommend an assessment with Dr Priyanka at Cheshire Lasers to look at your Pigmentation, your removal treatments so far and to explore this holistic approach.