Pigmentation treatment that won’t impact facial hair?

Question

I understand BBL/IPL work well on facial pigmentation but shouldn’t be used on the male beard area as they may impact facial hair growth. Are there any treatments for pigmentation that are safe for using on the beard area? I have used PicoSure and FraxelDual on my upper face, but neither of these provided any reduction in my pigmentation, and not sure if they are any safer for the beard anyhow.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Before any specific comments can be made, we would at least need to know what kind of hyperpigmentation is at issue here: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation vs. post-inflammatory erythema; melasma, numerous freckles, photodamage-related, etc. What can be said is that there is little surprise about the waste of time and money on the light and fraxel laser treatments, since the hard science to support the use of these expensive, "next big thing" gizmos lags woefully behind the marketing and social media hype to promote them. Sorry. And of course, there is the added potential possibility for damage to normal beard follicles. Generally speaking, you would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist to discuss the use of in-office superficial peellng agents possibly combined with professionally performed manual microneedling (no RF) and supplemented by the at-home use of topical, prescription bleaching medications--of which there are a wide variety. None of these treatments, as opposed to the energy-based devices poses any risk of damage to beard hair follicles. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Burgess Plastic Surgery and MedSpa · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question! It is true that IPL treatment can reduce facial hair in the beard area as you mentioned. For our patients, we like Clear and Brilliant Permea to treat hyperpigmentation. This is a fractionated laser that is very unlikely to reduce facial hair. Another great option is a chemical peel to treat skin discoloration and sun damage. Our patients have seen great results with the VI Precision Plus Peel in a series of three treatments completed one month apart. The VI peel will have no impact on beard growth. You do want to ensure that you are clean shaven prior to treatment. As always, we encourage you to see a Registered Nurse in a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon's office who can provide you with a thorough evaluation and the appropriate recommendations for your unique skin type. Good luck!

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

You are correct that IPL / BBL are great for skin improvement but can result in permanent hair loss. In our clinic our favorite treatment for hair-bearing regions (which also includes sun damage within brows, hairline and even the scalp, where quite often men have not only pigment but also precancers) is Halo by Sciton. It is a fractional hybrid laser with two wavelengths to improve both superficial pigment and for deeper collagen building.

Pigmentation treatment that won’t impact facial hair?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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

Pigmentation treatment that won’t impact facial hair?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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