Is body hyper pigmentation avoidable?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I am currently having electrolysis on my chest and abdomen area and I currently have some hyper pigmentation between the breasts. My electrolysis has reassured me that this is normal and will fade, but does hyper pigmentation on the body always fade? Is it avoidable?

I’m seeing an electrolysis in London who is highly recommended on this board and I have confidence in her skills, so I’m wondering if I just need to grin and bear it whilst having my treatments. I had my last treatment has week and I have small pin prick scabs in the area. These don’t bother me, it’s the pigmentation! Any advice on what I can use to help fade the pigmentation. I’ve seen the benefits of electrolysis on the upperlip and chin area, but I’m seriously having doubts about continuing on the body.

#2

Does always fade. Not avoidable for many of us, especially olive skin or darker.

I find rosehip oil really helps fade the pigmentation. It’s not overnight but with regular use it does seem to speed up the process.

#3

Hi Still,
Bring an ice pack with you or ask your electrologist if she has them available.
Make sure there is a barrier between your skin and the ice; wrap the ice in a plastic bag or wash cloth.

Hyperpigmentation is a natural response to tissue trauma as melanocytes are activated and the melanin produced shows up as a “tan”.
This will prevent more hyperpigmentation. The hyperpigmentation that you currently have will fade within a year as natural cell exfoliation/renewal occurs.

If you would like to speed up the exfoliation process, look for products that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) and apply as directed. For darker skin types, the AHA that I use on clients is Lactic Acid.

Let us know how the suggestions work for you.

#4

To add to Arlene’s post… Josefa would always give us ice for the area after treatment was over. I never thought it was for the PIH! But still, I would say that on the body, every treated follicle did experience PIH. Less so on the face and neck. I had treatment is September 2011 and on my face and neck it has almost completely faded. It has also completely faded in the centre of my chest. Just my fingers have some slight darkness left… but only I can tell, anyone looking at my hands wouldn’t see it.

Also, I have recently started getting into using AHA’s. Glycolic Acid in particular. Again, Josefa introduced this to us for my sister’s pigmentation from acne. Lactic Acid is more gentle. If you do your research and be very careful to follow instructions, you can do Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid peels at home. For now, I purchased a facewash containing 10% GLA and a night cream containing 15%. They do work but exercise caution. And since you need to ensure you moisturise well afterwards, Rosehip Oil is great. Most people who do at home peels regularly, use natural oils to moisturise… stuff like Rosehip or Argan.

I bought my stuff from Bravura. I am probably going to buy the 30% GLA for peels once our skin gets used to the current products.

#5

Thank you both! This forum is so helpful. Is it okay to use glycolic/lactic acid when having weekly or biweekly treatments? How may days before treatment should you discontinue use of the above products? I guess the benefits of rose hip is that once the scabs have fallen off you can use the oil without worrying about making things worse!

#6

Heya, I saw no one answered your Q. I hope the electrologist’s can answer because I am not sure.

Personally, I would leave the treatments until you have finished electrolysis or there is a decent gap 3-4 weeks between treatments. You really want to do it for the PIH, not on areas that still have scabs forming.

You can use rosehip oil any time. I preferred not to use it while the scabs were still fresh. Then, be careful not to rub so as not to disturb the scabs. It’s great for fading PIH. Works in even better with the peels.

#7

In my experience, if the acid concentration is low you can apply one day before the electrolysis. It is very risky to apply immediately after. Wait at least 4 or 5 days to continue with the acid.

#8

Thank you both. Forgot about this thread!