Hi all,
I understand that hyperpigmentation can occur due to electrolysis when one doesn’t do a good job of protecting their skin from the sun. However, is there a term that is the opposite of hyperpigmentation?
I’ve had electrolysis treatment on my upper lip for the past several years (it’s clear now), and I’ve noticed that my upper lip is much lighter than the rest of my face. Has this happened to anyone else? What causes this? Is there any way I can fix this? Thank you.
Hypopigmenatation.
Cannot offer any insight on whether the electrolysis caused this though.
There is also vitiligo, which is a loss of pigment. I believe that it is from an immune system disorder, but does not make one sick - simply causes the loss of pigmentation. It will often show up around the mouth, on the hands, and in the groin area before showing up in larger areas. Often it exists and the person doesn’t know they have it.
One way to examine yourself for hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or vitiligo is to view your skin under a black light. Most people will be surprised to see how much blotchy pigmentation they have as well as areas with no pigmentation. One of my colleagues discovered that she had vitiligo (later diagnosed) when she began collecting vaseline glass (it’s green and glows under black light). I’m sure other electrologists notice areas where clients lack pigmentation, however, we do not diagnose, and why bring something to their attention if it is not noticeable to the naked eye.
Make-up should smooth out any uneven skin tone.
This is interesting as my own electrologist has the same on her upper lip area…it is lighter and hypopigmented as well. She did tell me she treated her upper lip area with electrolysis for many years but I don’t know if electrolysis cause the area to become lighter.
Lighter skin and hypo-pigmentation are not the same. Inflammation can cause a lightening of skin, as well as applications of cortisone and benzoyl peroxide. It is ALWAYS important to compare the risks to the benefits.
Here is an example of hypo-pigmentation:
There is also http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/762656-overview…
For what it’s worth… when I went to my first electrolysis appointment I was told I had some hypo-pigmentation occurring. She said it was most likely caused by the bleaching cream I used for several months prior to electrolysis. She pointed it out before she started treatment, I had never shaved or plucked my upper lip so I felt like that she was probably correct, I just didn’t notice it with all the hair on my lip.
I honestly don’t notice it now, but I will admit that I have mild acne scars and I don’t wear makeup because it isn’t that big of an issue with me or my spouse. I certainly understand that it can be upsetting for a lot of people, but I’m not too bothered by it since I have been fighting acne since I was 11 and I’m now 52. Wow!! That’s 41 years!
Of course the middle-age facial hair had to go!! You’ve got to draw the line somewhere!!
MaryC
It may not be specific to electrolysis. I’ve been waxing my upper lip for more than a decade and I also have this. It also has a bit of pitting.
plucking induced pitting is the main reason to get electrolysis done. It rescues the skin from the constant trauma.
Comparing risks to benefits…just how much does one hate the hair?