We hear varying vocabulary when discussing uneven or sun damaged skin tone: Dark spots, liver spots, age spots, sun spots, brown spots, freckles, and so on. These pigment “spots” generally fall into one of two categories:
The first category is hyperpigmentation, which refers to any darkening areas of the skin compared to the baseline skin tone. Hyperpigmentation is mainly caused by UV exposure. Many people tend to see spots on the top of the forehead, hands, even the left side of the face more so than the right because it is subjected to more UV exposure when we drive in the car. Post-inflammatory response due to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, acne scarring, or simply genetic predisposition can also cause hyperpigmentation.
The second “dark spot” category is melasma. Melasma can look similar to general hyperpigmentation, but typically appears in larger “blotches,” almost like small clouds of pigment concentrated in certain areas of the face. Melasma is more common in women and can be caused or made worse by hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control), UV exposure, heat, and friction. If your spots get significantly worse in the summer, first appeared during pregnancy, worsen after a sauna session or appear where your skin is exposed to friction (for example, along the band of a hat or visor that you wear regularly), it could be melasma.
While distinguishing between the two conditions may be a bit confusing, the good news is they can both respond well to a medical-grade skincare routine. Both conditions require a few key products and ingredients for optimal topical treatment:
1. Tyrosinase Inhibitors:
Tyrosinase inhibitors help to control the over-production of pigment in the skin. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid USP), hydroquinone, arbutin, and resorcinol are four gold-standard tyrosinase inhibitors found in Vivier’s skin brightening products and programs.
2. Chemical Exfoliation:
While controlling pigment production is one important aspect of treating hyperpigmentation and melasma, getting rid of existing pigment is also key. Using chemical exfoliants, like the glycolic and lactic acids found in Vivier Exfoliant Forte, helps the skin to slough off dead cells sitting at the surface and moves overly-pigmented cells out of your skin.
3. Cellular Turnover:
Similar to exfoliation, increasing the rate of cellular turnover will allow dark spots to move up and out of your skin more quickly. Retinols work by increasing the rate of cellular turnover (which slows down for everyone as we age), and helps the skin rid itself of damaged, discolored cells.
4. UV Protection:
Any effort you make to prevent and correct hyperpigmentation or melasma will be pointless unless you’re using a broad spectrum SPF 30+ EVERY. DAY. Every day, every season, rain or shine, our skin needs protection against UV rays. Vivier offers three medical-grade broad spectrum SPF options:
Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 45 for a velvety, matte finish, Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 for a clean, lightweight finish, and Triple Protection Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for purely physical (mineral) protection for long days in the sun or sensitive, vulnerable post-procedure skin.
Knowing what your skin needs to treat pigmentation issues is one thing, but putting together a product regimen can still feel overwhelming. VIP MEDSPA has taken the guesswork out of the process and will designe a custom treatment plan along with a skin care program with every component your skin needs to correct and prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Vivier Hyperpigmentation Program (2% HQ)
The Vivier advanced anti-aging hyperpigmentation program is ideal for those with darker, more pronounced hyperpigmentation and/or melasma.
First Picture is showing Patient’s initial progress after using Vivier Hyperpigmentaion Program for 3 days, the last picture is her after 2 weeks of IPL and VIVIER programme. The results you get with medical grade skincare in combination with laser is worth a Drum Roll. This patient is on a custom TREATMENT PLAN put together by our Skin Specialists and the patient. Her progress is still on going.
Vivier Hyperpigmentation Program (Non-HQ)
A program designed for those with mild hyperpigmentation, looking to correct and prevent early signs of pigment issue.You can shop on our website or visit us in clinic to see if these programs are best for you.
At VIP MEDPA we pair medical-grade skincare with Chemical Peels, ILP’s Laser Treatments, and other clinical treatments to help you get the best results possible. It’s highly recommended that you book a consultation and get a clinical evaluation from our medical professionals.
