Hyperpigmentation is a broad term that describes spots or patches of skin darker than one’s natural skin tone. Various types of hyperpigmentation can develop, including sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.Melasma is a chronic skin condition marked by dark brown or gray patches of discoloration. Proper diagnosis of melasma is crucial, as it cannot be treated with lasers designed for other forms of hyperpigmentation. While both melasma and hyperpigmentation are benign, their appearance can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and create a prematurely aged look.Fortunately, expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York City has been treating melasma and hyperpigmentation for over 25 years and will work with you to help you achieve and maintain a clear, radiant complexion.
Melasma and hyperpigmentation can be treated with various non-invasive cosmetic procedures.The most suitable treatment options for your skin condition will ultimately depend on your skin type, tone, and the severity and type of hyperpigmentation you have. Although they appear similar, melasma and hyperpigmentation are distinct skin conditions that require different interventions for safe and effective resolution.While sunspots and brown spots can be treated with specific lasers, melasma should only be addressed with chemical peels or microneedling to avoid worsening its appearance. The most effective approach for treating melasma and hyperpigmentation is a combination of in-office procedures and specially formulated skincare products to eliminate pigmentation from the skin and prevent its recurrence. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will create a customized treatment plan that leaves you with bright, even-toned skin that lasts.
Dr. Michele Green is an expert in treating sunspots, melasma, discoloration, and other hyperpigmentation disorders at her private office on the Upper East Side of NYC. A board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Green is uniquely skilled in removing sunspots and facial hyperpigmentation while remaining at the forefront of safe and effective treatments. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times consistently recognize Dr. Green as one of NYC’s top dermatologists due to her dedication to patients and her expertise. Dr. Green employs a holistic approach and adheres to a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation. She will help you achieve and maintain even, beautiful, clear skin by developing a customized treatment plan that includes the best options, skincare, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Hyperpigmentation is a broad term that refers to any discoloration of the skin darker than the original color. It develops due to increased melanin production in melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing melanin. The primary cause of hyperpigmentation is excessive sun exposure. Harmful UV rays from the sun can trigger melanin production, leading to discoloration and dark spots or patches on the skin. Genetics can also contribute to hyperpigmentation, as some individuals may have a higher number of melanocytes or a genetic predisposition to produce excess melanin. Certain medications, including oral antibiotics and specific antipsychotics, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and result in hyperpigmentation. This condition can affect individuals of any age, skin tone, and type. Although hyperpigmentation is harmless, many patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Common forms of hyperpigmentation on the skin include sunspots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Sunspots, also known as age spots, liver spots, and solar lentigines, are flat brown marks that vary in size and shape, appearing on sun-exposed areas such as the face, shoulders, arms, and hands. Freckles are small brown spots that commonly appear in regions frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face. UV radiation from the sun stimulates the skin to produce melanin as a protective response, resulting in small, flat brown spots. One type of freckle, ephelides, is the most common variety that people typically associate with the term “freckles.” Another type, solar lentigines, develops during adulthood and is commonly referred to as sunspots or age spots.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a specific kind of hyperpigmentation characterized by dark spots that persist after a scar, injury, acne lesion, or other inflammatory skin conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. During the skin’s natural wound-healing process, inflammation from these conditions can cause excessive melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation in the affected area. These dark spots can vary in hue, appearing as brown, red, pink, purple, or black patches. PIH can also occur after improper laser therapy, such as using inappropriate lasers or settings for a specific skin type, tone, or condition. Although PIH may fade on its own without treatment, the process can take a considerable amount of time. Many patients choose to seek treatment from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green to achieve brighter, clearer skin more swiftly.
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by light brown, dark brown, or gray-brown patches that are darker than the surrounding skin tone. This type of hyperpigmentation typically occurs on the face, particularly on the upper lip, forehead, bridge of the nose, and cheeks, and is often symmetrical on both sides of the face. Melasma can also appear on the body, frequently in areas with regular sun exposure, such as the forearms, neck, and shoulders. While it is difficult to predict when melasma will first develop, it tends to be more common during reproductive years and is rare before puberty. This condition affects women more than men, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 40, due to the hormonal changes that occur naturally.Melasma is also more prevalent in medium to darker skin tones, including individuals of Asian, Hispanic, and African heritage, because of the naturally higher number of melanocytes in the skin.
Melasma is not harmful and is not associated with other symptoms like itchiness, burning, or pain. However, the appearance of discoloration and skin pigmentation can be disheartening for many people. Furthermore, melasma can be challenging to differentiate from other types of hyperpigmentation, making it crucial to accurately diagnose melasma in order to receive the best treatment. It is advisable to seek guidance from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, for the safest and most effective melasma treatment options.
Melasma occurs due to excessive melanin production by melanocytes in the epidermal or dermal layers of the skin.Although the exact cause of the overactive melanocytes is not known, various risk factors can exacerbate melasma:
Melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that appears as dark brown or gray patches on the skin. It typically manifests symmetrically, meaning the pigmented patches on both sides of the face follow a similar pattern.While the exact cause of melasma remains unknown,certain risk factors are known to worsen the condition, including sun exposure, tanning beds, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives), certain medications, skin tone, genetics, and thyroid disease.Melasma is more prevalent in women than in men and is more common among individuals with darker skin tones, such as those of Hispanic, African, and Asian descent, due to the naturally high concentration of melanocytes in their skin. This condition is chronic and does not resolve on its own without in-office treatments and targeted skincare products. There is no cure for melasma, and discoloration can recur on the skin even after treatment if patients do not follow proper sun protection.
Hyperpigmentation refers to any skin condition that results in discoloration darker than the surrounding skin tone. In addition to melasma, other forms of hyperpigmentation include sun spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Sun spots and freckles occur due to an overproduction of melanin and excessive sun exposure. These spots appear as small pigmented areas that are darker than the surrounding skin. Unlike melasma, age spots may present as clusters or individual spots and are typically asymmetrical. Age spots are more prevalent in individuals with fair skin, while melasma primarily affects those with darker skin tones. Sun spots and freckles can be effectively treated with various non-invasive cosmetic procedures. PIH is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that develops after an inflammatory skin condition, such as acne lesions, injuries, eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, or as a result of improper laser treatment. PIH can gradually resolve on its own or be managed with in-office procedures and topical skincare products.
A significant difference between melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation is the types of treatments that can be employed.Lasers such as Fraxel, AlexTrivantage, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which are commonly used to address sun spots and age spots, should be avoided for melasma treatment. When lasers are applied to melasma, the heat can cause the pigment to become more deeply embedded in the skin, worsening its appearance and complicating treatment.Cosmelan peels, Mesopeels, microneedling, and targeted skincare ingredients are more effective for treating melasma. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience in treating melasma, sun spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation across all skin types. With her expertise, Dr. Green can accurately identify the discoloration as melasma, sun spots, or other types of hyperpigmentation through a simple physical assessment. She is also skilled in addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from various causes, including acne breakouts, unwanted side effects of laser treatments, or other inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
The best way to understand your skin condition is to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, in New York City. There are various types of hyperpigmentation, and pinpointing which type or combination you have can be challenging without the help of a trained dermatologist or other medical expert. Dr. Green is an internationally recognized authority in cosmetic dermatology, boasting over twenty-five years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the finest non-invasive treatment options, including those for hyperpigmentation and melasma. During your consultation with Dr. Green regarding facial rejuvenation, she will gather a comprehensive medical and family history, conduct a physical assessment of your skin, and review any previous cosmetic procedures or treatments you have pursued. She will then collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific skin concerns and delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results, ensuring that you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
The Cosmelan peel is a medical-grade chemical peel
