Epidermal Pigmentation
If the pigment is in the epidermis then it can be treated with skin peels. We often combine microdermabrasion with skin peels as a way of penetrating the peel ingredients deeper into the skin to the area of pigmentation.
Dermal Pigmentation
Deep pigmentation can be treated with peels but can take a long time to fade. It can sometimes be removed more quickly with the use of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or Lasers. These work by targeting the pigment in the skin with a wavelength of light that fragments the melanin in the melacyte, bringing it to the surface where it eventually peels off. We usually recommend between three and six treatments, depending on the depth of the pigmentation.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has been thoroughly trained – they need to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how pigmentation develops and how to effectively remove it. Up until October 2010, every IPL practitioner had to be registered with the Health Care Commission to perform this type of treatment. However, this was deregulated, but all practitioners need to be thoroughly trained for insurance purposes so they should be happy to confirm this with you.
I regularly treat clients with pigmentation problems and although they often wish to see speedy results, pigmentation takes a while to develop and therefore takes time to be removed. It is not only important that they are patient, because they will see fantastic results if they are; but it is also absolutely essential that they learn to to protect their skin with sun block every day, even in winter, to inhibit the reoccurrence of the same problem.