Let’s face it—our skin goes through a lot. From soaking up rays during sunny days at the beach to that one breakout that showed up right before picture day, life has ways of leaving little marks behind. But don’t worry, dark spots don’t have to be permanent guests!
At Harmonized Aesthetics, we’re all about helping you love the skin you’re in. No matter what you’re dealing with, our expert team is here to guide you through the best options for hyperpigmentation treatment in Tallahassee. Let’s dive into how to keep your complexion glowing, even, and totally radiant ☀️!
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that is typically characterized by patches of the skin that are darker than the skin surrounding it. An overproduction of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for our skin’s color, usually causes these dark spots.
These dark spots can develop anywhere on the skin, but are most common in areas like the:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Tops of arms
- Tops of hands
- Tops of shins
While hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition, the discoloration it causes can take a toll on our self confidence. We understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in the skin you have, and addressing hyperpigmentation issues can help to improve your self-image.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
There are several reasons that our skin can darken and hyperpigmentation patches can form. From our genetics to certain medications, anything that makes our skin produce additional melanin can lead to hyperpigmentation.
- Some of the most common causes include:
- Sun exposure (including exposure to UVA and UVB rays)
- Hormonal influences (like pregnancy)
- Tobacco smoke
- Skin injury or inflammation
- Certain skin conditions (like acne or eczema)
- Diabetes or thyroid disease
Are there different types of hyperpigmentation?
Yes. Some forms occur as we age, while others can manifest because of trauma on the skin or various skin conditions. Regardless of the type you have, a hyperpigmentation treatment in Tallahassee can work to even the tone of your skin.
Some common types of hyperpigmentation include:
- Age spots: This form of hyperpigmentation develops in adults typically because of sun exposure and previous sunburns. These spots are common on areas of the body including the face, top of the arms, chest, and the top of the hands.
- Melasma: Melasma is more common in women–but can still affect men–and it typically develops in their 20s and 30s. This condition causes dark and irregular pigmentation patches on the face. Sun exposure or hormonal changes in the body can trigger it.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Inflammation from injury to the skin create this discoloration. Injuries that can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation include burns, wounds, acne, or skin rashes. As the injury or inflammation heals, the color of the skin changes and darkens.
Our team at Harmonized Aesthetics can assess your hyperpigmentation during a 1-on-1 consultation process. This helps us both get to know your skin better, as well as learn about what treatment options align best for reducing your specific type of hyperpigmentation.
Daily Habits That Prevent Hyperpigmentation
It’s not always possible to prevent hyperpigmentation 100%. Sometimes, you can do everything right and still have dark spots form on your skin (this is especially true with age spots). However, you can take steps to protect yourself and your skin.
Some of the best ways to prevent hyperpigmentation include:
- Daily use of sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30
- Wearing hats or clothing that blocks the sun’s UV rays
- Practice gentle skin care and avoid harsh irritants
- Avoid picking at your skin, especially when you have an acne breakout
In addition to these actions, you can also consult a professional to discuss a hyperpigmentation treatment in Tallahassee, which can include skin resurfacing.
Skincare Ingredients to Add to Your Routine
Outside of taking preventative steps like wearing sunscreen and avoiding picking your skin, be on the lookout for skincare products that have specific ingredients. Certain products help prevent hyperpigmentation and even reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Look for serums and moisturizers with:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps to inhibit the skin’s production of melanin and can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Alastin’s C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum and & SkinCeutical’s CE Ferulic uses a proprietary blend of vitamin C with other antioxidants to reduce discoloration and improve your skin’s glow. ☀️
- Retinol-based Products: Retinol helps to promote your skin’s natural turnover rate and directly targets melanin production. Alastin’s Renewal Retinol cream is a great option for improving skin tone while enhancing the texture of your skin. 🌟
- Niacinamide (B3): Niacinamide inhibits the way melanin transfers within the skin and helps to reduce its concentration. Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex uses niacinamide to address pigmentation issues. 🌠
The products recommended above are all considered “medical grade skincare.” We proudly offer both SkinCeutical and Alastin products at Harmonized Aesthetics. Our team is available to help you find the right medical grade products for your pigmentation problems.
When Prevention Isn’t Enough—Why Skin Resurfacing Can Help
Even though hyperpigmentation is harmless, it doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck with it. If you’re lucky, the dark spots may fade on their own when paired with good sun-protection and healthy skincare habits.
Other times, professional treatments are necessary to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. That’s where laser skin resurfacing comes in.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is an aesthetic treatment that uses laser technology to precisely remove the damaged layers of the epidermis. This helps to trigger the body’s natural healing response and stimulates collagen and elastin production.
As your skin recovers from the treatment, it regenerates new, healthy cells, diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It also improves the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and other irregularities on the skin.
Laser skin resurfacing can effectively treat hyperpigmentation on the:
- Forehead
- Lower eyelids
- Cheeks
- Full face
- Neck
- Hands
At Harmonize Aesthetics, we offer both CO2 laser resurfacing, as well as Sultra Non-Ablative resurfacing to meet your treatment needs. Depending on the type and severity of your hyperpigmentation, our team can recommend a treatment option that best handles your pigmentation concerns.
Inside Our Laser Skin Treatment
At Harmonized Aesthetics, laser skin resurfacing is more than a treatment—it’s a transformation. It can be intimidating starting a new hyperpigmentation treatment in Tallahassee, but with a little research and the right information, it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s a look at the laser skin treatment—from consultation to results.
A Curated Consultation
The first step in your treatment journey is a 1-on-1 consultation with a member of our team. This consultation is our chance to get to know you and your skin better. Everyone is unique, and so is their skin!
We’ll go over your specific hyperpigmentation concerns, as well as any other skin conditions you may want to treat while you’re at Harmonized. Those seeking hyperpigmentation treatments also love our skin tightening and skin toning procedures. Our team can recommend treatments based on what you’re looking to improve.
If laser skin resurfacing aligns with your goals, you can schedule your first appointment and move on to the treatment phase.
Treatment Preparation
There are a few steps we recommend taking before your laser skin resurfacing appointment to ensure you experience the maximum benefits from the treatment. Before your appointment:
- Refrain from abrasive skin procedures such as chemical peels or deep facials for 1 month before your procedure.
- Avoid excessive heat or sun exposure and wear sunscreen daily for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.
- Avoid using acne medications such as doxycycline for at least 3 days before your treatment.
Your Laser Skin Treatment
Your provider moves the wand device, which emits pulses of light, over the desired treatment areas. This process takes about 30 minutes for smaller spots and closer to an hour for larger areas.
After your treatment, you’re free to return home and resume most parts of your daily routine (with some aftercare instructions from your provider).
After Your Treatment
Although laser skin resurfacing is minimally invasive, we recommend these steps to support proper healing and help your skin fully recover after the treatment:
- Keep the treated area clean, dry, and well moisturized using a recommended ointment or petroleum jelly in for 2 to 3 days following treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure in the weeks following the treatment.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 1 to 2 weeks to reduce the risk of swelling or flushing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking to optimize your results.
Your Laser Skin Results
While some patients notice an immediate improvement in their hyperpigmentation and skin, for some, it takes a little time for the skin to renew and repair itself. This recovery time can vary from person to person, sometimes taking a few days to a few weeks to complete.
Once your skin has fully healed, you should notice a reduction in uneven pigmentation, as well as an improvement in fine lines, skin laxity, and texture. The benefits won’t end there, though, as your skin will continue to improve as your body produces additional collagen and elastin.
Depending on the severity of your hyperpigmentation, we may recommend additional laser skin treatments to help reduce discoloration further. Our team will always work with you to find a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
Spotless Confidence Awaits
Say “goodbye” to stubborn dark spots and say “hello” to your most radiant skin yet! With the right care, a little prevention, and expert guidance from the team at Harmonized Aesthetics, you can take control of your complexion and feel confident in the skin you’re in.
Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or looking to level up your routine, our personalized approach to a hyperpigmentation treatment in Tallahassee brings out your natural beauty—one bright, even-toned step at a time. Book your appointment and let’s harmonize your skin together.
