Noticed some changes to your skin tone that is happening over the course of time? If you observe changes with skin colour and see marks off different shapes and sizes appearing on the areas of your body that are almost always exposed to the harsh rays of the sun, then you just might be dealing with pigmentation problems.
Pigmentation problems are very common, especially to a lot of people in Singapore. This is basically due to the fact that Singapore’s climate is considered warm and tropical all year round. The way the sun hits the country is much more intense as it is located closer to the equator.
If you have not discovered the magical power of sunscreen and you are already at the prime of your adulthood, chances are your body’s covering is already showing various signs of skin ageing. Applying sunscreen alone can only protect your skin from receiving more damage, but it will not remove pigmentation that has already formed on your skin.
If pigmentation removal in Singapore is what you seek, then aesthetic treatments which you can get at clinics like One Face will do the trick. This article takes a closer look at the available pigmentation removal treatments that you can consider in Singapore aside from lasers, such as:
- Chemical peels
- Medical grade creams
- Microdermabrasion
Let’s start!
Common Non-laser Treatments for Pigmentation Removal in Singapore
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peels work to resurface new skin by using chemical solutions that are made from natural acids. The applied acids peel off the topmost layer of the skin and allow new skin to form, thereby reducing the appearance of pigmentation. Aside from pigmentation removal, the skin will also look a lot smoother and fresh.
Chemical peels can address your skin pigmentation according to its depth. The most commonly used ones target the superficial layer of the skin or epidermis. This type of chemical peel uses Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA). These acids come in the form of glycolic acids, lactic acids, and salicylic acids.
A majority of pigmentation problems already reach the dermis of the skin. For this, medium depth chemical peels are needed to remove excessive pigment discolouration from the skin. If significant results are what you want to see, this is your treatment to choose. A sample of this treatment is called the TCA peel. TCA stands for Trichloroacetic acid.
How are chemical peels done?
- Cleansing of the treatment area.
- Application of the chemical solution to the face.
- Chemical peel neutralisation.
- Application of sunscreen.
- Treatment complete!
Side effects on the skin may be experienced, like redness, itchiness, and dryness. These should all be temporary and proper aftercare recommended by your doctor should be followed to avoid any other complications.
MEDICAL GRADE CREAMS
Do not be confused. Medical grade creams and over-the-counter creams are entirely different. While OTC creams can be purchased easily, medical-grade creams will require a doctor’s prescription before you can get your hands on them. The reason behind this is that these creams contain specific ingredients in high levels of concentrations that can cause damage without the proper guidance of a doctor when applied to skin affected by a case of pigmentation. Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are the most common ingredients used for medical-grade creams.
A lot of doctors usually recommend medical-grade creams to treat mild melasma instead of lasers or IPL. The latter procedures are recommended when melasma is severe or found unresponsive. Among the types of pigmentation conditions, melasma is considered as the most difficult to treat. Mild melasma has been observed to improve within half a year to a whole year with the use of medical-grade creams.
How are medical-grade creams used?
- Obtain a prescription from your doctor to purchase the cream.
- Apply the cream to the treated area as prescribed by your doctor with clean fingers.
Side effects may include itching, redness, and stinging. These are usually temporary. If there are no improvements despite completing the treatment, inform your doctor to seek an alternative.
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion makes use of a machine that has a handheld device with a crystal tip that is hovered one the skin in order to peel and suck away the pigmented surface of the skin. This treatment allows the resurfacing of the new set of skin, improving its overall appearance and making it look younger.
How a microdermabrasion treatment administered:
- Cleansing of the treatment area.
- Pressing the handheld device or wand to the target area and moving it back and forth to sand away the skin’s imperfections.
- Application of moisturiser and sunscreen to the target area.
Side effects may include dryness, redness, and sun sensitivity, flaky and itchy skin.
Conclusion
When looking for a doctor to treat your condition, check if they offer more than one treatment for pigmentation removal. Although considered as the most effective treatment for skin pigmentation, lasers are also expensive. It is good to know alternative treatments for your pigmentation removal as mild to moderate concerns do not always have to be treated by lasers. Also, not all can be a suitable candidate for lasers.
