Why does hyperpigmentation get darker after laser treatment, and what should I do?
Nov 18, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
To prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat a balanced diet, strengthen sun protection, and properly care for wounds. Hyperpigmentation refers to the deposition of pigment. The reason laser treatment for hyperpigmentation may result in darker skin could be due to normal physiological responses, irregular作息 (sleep patterns), dietary factors, inadequate sun protection, or wound inflammation.
Generally speaking, hyperpigmentation refers to increased pigmentation. The possible reasons why pigmentation may become darker after laser treatment include normal physiological reactions, irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 here and throughout), dietary factors, improper sun protection, and wound inflammation. Treatments under a doctor's guidance may include photorejuvenation, chemical peels, hyaluronic acid injections (mesotherapy), and medication therapy. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Normal Physiological Reaction
During laser treatment for pigmentation removal, laser energy targets the skin, breaking down pigment particles and promoting their metabolism. However, in the short term after treatment, due to the metabolism of melanin particles and the skin's healing process, temporary hyperpigmentation or darkening (referred to as "reverse darkening") may occur. This is a normal physiological reaction of the skin to laser treatment. Usually, there are no specific accompanying symptoms, and the reverse darkening will gradually fade as the skin returns to its normal color.
2. Irregular作息
Long-term熬夜 (熬夜 should be translated as熬夜 here and throughout) and irregular作息 can lead to endocrine disorders in the body, affecting melanin metabolism, which may result in darker skin after laser pigmentation removal. It is important to adjust your作息 and ensure sufficient sleep while avoiding熬夜. Photorejuvenation under a doctor's guidance can also be considered. This treatment uses intense pulsed light on the skin to promote pigment metabolism and improve skin tone. The general reference price for photorejuvenation is 2000-8000 yuan per session. Relief is usually noticeable within 7-14 days after the procedure, although symptoms such as edema and burns may occur.
3. Dietary Factors
After undergoing laser pigmentation removal, excessive consumption of photosensitive foods or a lack of antioxidant substances may affect skin recovery, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. It is recommended to adjust your diet, avoid excessive intake of photosensitive foods, and increase the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Chemical peels using fruit acids can also be considered under a doctor's guidance. This treatment uses fruit acids to remove aged keratinocytes, promote skin renewal, and achieve skin whitening. The general reference price for fruit acid peels is 200-1000 yuan per session. Relief is typically observed within 5-10 days after the procedure, although symptoms such as peeling and edema may occur.
4. Improper Sun Protection
If adequate sun protection measures are not taken after laser pigmentation removal, ultraviolet radiation can stimulate the skin, leading to increased melanin production. It is important to enhance sun protection in daily life, avoid direct UV exposure to the skin, and use tools such as sunscreen and umbrellas. Hyaluronic acid injections (mesotherapy) can also be administered under a doctor's advice. This involves injecting nutrients such as hyaluronic acid to improve skin tone and texture, making the skin fairer and more radiant. The general reference price for hyaluronic acid injections is 1000-5000 yuan per injection. Noticeable improvement is typically seen within 10-15 days after injection, although symptoms such as pain and infection at the injection site may occur.
5. Wound Inflammation
Inadequate post-treatment wound care after laser therapy may lead to infection or inflammation. Inflammation increases melanocyte activity, causing melanin deposition and darkening of the skin again. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as wound redness and pain. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, and cefradine capsules for treatment.
If necessary, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo the above procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure effectiveness and safety. To prevent the reverse darkening phenomenon, it is important to adjust your作息, maintain a balanced diet, enhance sun protection, and properly care for wounds in daily life.
