What Exactly Causes Hyperpigmentation After ACTIVE FX Treatment? I Have 2 Questions :)

Question

1.Is it only caused by uva /uva?And if i would stay out of the sun,inside the house with dark curtains closed for 6 months,will there be a chance of getting hyperpigmentation,when i will sunbath a little again? 2.Or is the hyperpigmentation maybe also caused by sun damaged skin laying under the surface,which will come towards the surface because of the Active FX,and will (even after I stay 6 months out of the sun) more easily become hyper pigmented when my skin will be exposed to the sun again?

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Many different reasons, some you have mentioned.  The inflammation front eh treatment, and the heat stimulation your pigment cells to respond to a thermal injury and the bodies natural response to a skin injury is protect the skin from the UV with a layer of pigment. I hope this helps!

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS · Answer

The Fitzpatrick Scale (aka Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) is a numerical classification schema for the color of skin. It was developed in 1975 by Thomas Fitzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the response of different types of skin to UV light. It remains a recognized tool for dermatologic research into the color of skin.  It measures several components: Genetic Disposition, Reaction to Sun Exposure and Tanning Habits.  This scale is also used when treating with any light source, whether it is Laser Resurfacing, Laser Hair Removal, etc.  The darker skinned you are, the greater chance of hyperpigmenting with treatment.  Therefore, this should be taken into account prior to treatment and your skin should be prepared accordingly, using prescriptions that will inhibit that process.  Proper protection, i.e., anti-inflammatory products like antioxidants, good SPF such as NIA24 which treats and protects, will help keep your skin healthy and pigment free.  The Active FX or any laser treatment is an investment you want to protect afterward!  Sunbathing is not that equation I'm afraid.  Rely on bronzers or self tanners that are designed to imitate that "sun glow" without compromising your skin health and beauty.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

The laser treatment temporarily sensitizes your pigment-making cells, so sun exposure after a laser treatment may lead to hyperpigmentation. Likewise, laser resurfacing or skin products used afterward may irritate your skin causing inflammation, leading to "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation." Darker skinned patients are more susceptible. This can be treated and prevented in most cases by your doctor and esthetician. Good Luck!

Lee P. Laris, DO · Answer

Hyperpigmentation occurs from stimulation of the pigment producing cells (melanocytes) and many things can do this. UV light is one thing, but even without light, pigmentation can occur.  Inflammation stimulates the cells, so the heat from the laser treatment can stimulate these cells and if your skin type is darker this is more likely to happen, think the dark mark after a burn or even the dark mark that occurs after a pimple. The good news is once the inflammation resolves, usually 4 to 6 weeks, your skin will not hyperpigment because nothing is there to overstimulate the cells. Prepping the skin before the treatment quiets the cells and lessens the chances for pigment production during the inflammatory healing period, as does treatment after the laser with soothing and calming lotions and even sometimes steroids to decrease the redness.  

	The second part of your question does not cause hyperpigmentation. And as always, remember sun protection to protect your skin and your investment!

What Exactly Causes Hyperpigmentation After ACTIVE FX Treatment? I Have 2 Questions :)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hyperpigmentation causes after Active FX

Answer: Hyperpigmentation causes after Active FX

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ActiveFX

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What Exactly Causes Hyperpigmentation After ACTIVE FX Treatment? I Have 2 Questions :)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hyperpigmentation causes after Active FX

Answer: Hyperpigmentation causes after Active FX

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ActiveFX

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.