Hyperpigmentation Treatment – My Journey To Beautiful Skin

In August 2020, I started a hyperpigmentation treatment plan to address the discoloration and uneven skin tone on my face.  When I think back, the hyperpigmentation on my face is something that has bothered me for several years.  And it was definitely made worse during my pregnancy.

Over time I had bought several different over the counter beauty products which advertised to reduce dark spots, but found that they made little to no difference.  So, when I spoke to Dr Mafalda and discussed possible hyperpigmentation treatment options, I was really eager to try the medical grade products she had available.

Disclaimer: I was very kindly gifted these products and treatments by Blossom Cosmetic Clinic to trial the process and share my experience and thoughts in this blog post.  All opinions are my own based on my experiences.  I’m not a medical professional, and if hyperpigmentation treatment is something you are interested in, please seek treatment from an experienced and qualified professional.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common, dermatological condition.  Its when areas of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin and can occur anywhere on the body. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.  Whilst it is usually harmless, it can be a cause of concern for people, especially when it occurs on the face.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

There are a number of factors which can lead to hyperpigmentation on the face.  These include:

• Acne;
• Sun damage; and
• Changes in hormones; such as pregnancy.

Unfortunately for me, I scored the trifecta and have suffered from all 3 of the above.  As time goes by, it has definitely worsened and is something I have become more conscious of and therefore wanting to treat.

What Treatments Are Available?

Thankfully, there are several hyperpigmentation treatments available to rectify some of the damage and get you back to enjoying glowing and healthy skin. If this is something you are interested in, you should definitely seek advice from a qualified dermatologist or professional beforehand.

It would also be advantageous to look at reviews for products online to see what other people have said when using these treatments. For instance, Gundry MD Dark Spot Diminisher reviews have knowledgeable information in them, plus they provide answers for frequently asked questions.

Treatment options available for those concerned by hyperpigmentation include:

• At home treatments;
• Chemical peels; and
• Laser.

It has to be said that none of these hyperpigmentation treatment options work miracles overnight.  Hyperpigmentation treatment is something that you have to be committed to and be patient with the process.

Furthermore, one of the most important factors is preventing the hyperpigmentation from worsening.  So, ensure that you are sun safe and wear sunscreen everyday!

With that being said, lets take a closer look at my hyperpigmentation treatment journey.

My Hyperpigmentation Treatment

I undertook a 2 part process for my hyperpigmentation treatment – consisting of at home treatments and chemical peels.  My treatment plan was formulated by Dr Mafalda who is certified to prescribe these products.

Initially it started with an at home treatment plan using medical grade products from AlumierMD.  This involved a strict day and night time routine which I have continued for 11 months. Whilst it seemed a bit overwhelming and laborious at the outset, I soon became familiar with the routine and have continued it ever since, with what feels like little effort.

Listed below is the complete suite of AlumierMD products I used day and night, and the order in which I applied them, to treat the hyperpigmentation on my face.

At Home Routine

MORNING ROUTINE

• HydraBoost ~ a smooth, hydrating pH-balanced creamy cleanser that delicately removes impurities, makeup and excess oil.
• Bright and Clear Solution ~ A refreshing, skin conditioning solution that refines skin complexion.
• EverActive C&E™ + Peptide ~ A high-strength vitamin C and E serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• EvenTone ~ A lightweight serum containing all natural skin-lightening agents to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and brighten the complexion.
• Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 ~ a lightweight sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

NIGHTTIME ROUTINE

• Purifying Gel Cleanser ~ a pH balanced foaming cleanser that gently and effectively cleans skin by removing impurities and excess oil, leaving it soft and smooth.
• Bright and Clear Solution ~ As above.
• AluminEye™ ~ a moisturising eye cream that helps improve firmness and elasticity, while diminishing the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.
• Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25 ~ a pure potent retinol serum that dramatically improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and skin texture, while evening skin tone. This product is only applied every second night due to its potency.

CHEMICAL PEEL

The second step of my hyperpigmentation treatment was a series of AlumierMD chemical peels. I had 5 chemical peels in total and due to the UK lockdown and restrictions in place, these treatments were spaced out further than we would have ideally liked. However, we were successful in completing the treatments before the end of ‘peel season‘ i.e. the height of summer.

I had my first peel in December 2020 which was the AlumierMD Radiant 30 Peel.

I was advised not to use retinol the night before and not to wear any makeup to the appointment. The process for the peel involved:

• Face cleanse;
• Balancing solution applied;
• Hydrating mask to ensure my skin didn’t dry out;
• Chemical peel. This was only applied for 5 minutes as it was my first peel. I felt a little tingling and warmth around my nose, forehead and cheeks before the peel was neutralised; and
• Recovery balm, vitamin A and sunscreen applied.

Immediately afterwards, my face felt a bit tingly but that had all but disappeared by the time I stepped outside.  I was given a list of instructions to follow for the remainder of the day to ensure my skin was not aggravated and told to drink lots of water.

I also received a post treatment kit which included a cleanser, recovery balm and sunscreen. The products were not to be used that evening, but were to replace my day and nighttime routine for the next 5 days.

The following day my skin felt incredibly smooth and looked very clear. Some areas were slowly starting to peel but nothing too obvious. The optimum results from the peel are seen 2-3 days post the peel.

The remaining 4 peels were the AlumierMD Glow Peel. The application process was much the same as detailed above however, I found these peels to sting my skin significantly more. Whilst it was bearable, I was always concerned what the result might be after seeing horror stories on the television.  Having said that, I knew I was in good hands and that I could trust the professionals.

The same post treatment rules applied as per the first peel.  After these peels I noticed a lot more peeling but the peeling is not that significant that you cannot go out in public – it just gently and slowly flakes off. However definitely bear this in mind if you have an event in the days following your scheduled peel.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment – Before & After Photos

Now, the part you have all been waiting for.  Drum roll please … the hyperpigmentation treatment before and after photos. Its important to note that I am not wearing any makeup (i.e. foundation, concealer etc.) in the below photos, and the photos have not been edited.

Hyperpigmentation treatment – August 2020 vs July 2021

Hyperpigmentation Treatment – Pigmentation significantly reduced after 11 months

Hyperpigmentation Treatment – Freckles and melasma noticeably less

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Journey In Pictures

The below photos capture the 11 month timeline of my hyperpigmentation treatment journey. These side-by-side photos clearly depict the transformation of my skin as the at home products and chemical peels worked their magic.

The Final Verdict

I could not be more pleased with the results of my hyperpigmentation treatment. The uneven skin tone has significantly reduced, my skin is bright, clear and smooth, and fine lines have also lessened.

To me, it was definitely worth the effort and dedication to see the results.  I have also learnt a lot along the way and now better understand how to look after my skin and minimise the signs of aging.

I will say that I felt my skin looked particularly fantastic during the winter months. This was whilst we were in lockdown – I rarely ventured outside and I wore little makeup. As we moved into the summer months (and I am currently enjoying back to back summers due to our relocation to Australia), I can notice some of the uneven skin tone has slightly reappeared.  This is despite my best efforts to wear sunscreen, a hat and try to keep to shaded areas. At the end of the day we still need to enjoy ourselves, but just make our best efforts to look after our skin whilst doing so.

About AlumierMD

The experts at AlumierMD create science-backed products in luxury formulations that work to reveal more radiant and luminous skin.  Through advanced proprietary chemistry, AlumierMD has optimized the bioavailability of each molecule in their ingredients. As a result, their prescription-strength formulations deliver exceptional results. They aim to give their consumers clear and bright skin, which is possible by a combination of at home and in clinic products, all delivered by expert consultants.

About Blossom Cosmetic Clinic

Blossom Cosmetic Clinic, based in York city centre on Blossom Street, is an established clinic, offering a variety of dental and facial aesthetics treatments.

Blossom prides itself on helping their clients with everything from the perfect smile to perfect skin.  They offer a range of treatments – whether wrinkle treatments, cosmetic dentistry, or non-surgical enhancements.  All of which are delivered by experts, helping build your confidence and improve your appearance at the same time.