If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, the bad news is that Singapore’s tropical climate can exacerbate the problem. Frequent exposure to the sun all year round can lead to existing sun spots on the skin getting darker. To help, we’ve gathered info on five aesthetic treatments that will get rid of pigmentation spots and will also tackle problems like melasma and acne scars.
Pico Pigment
Available at SW1 Clinic, Pico Pigment is a 30-minute treatment that combines Pico Discovery Plus with intense pulsed light (IPL) to lighten spots, fade blemishes and brighten the complexion. Pico Discovery Plus Features three different laser wavelengths and uses the latest picosecond technology to treat pigmentation and remove tattoos.
A numbing cream is first applied to the skin to make the experience more tolerable. During the laser procedure, you may feel a slight warmth and a gentle prickling sensation, though most patients are comfortable with the process. Immediately after the session, you can expect a mild flush; this should resolve after a few hours. For intensive spot treatments to target resistant pigmentation, there may be localised redness over the next few days.
Depending on the severity of your pigmentation and the treatment intensity during each session, you may need a course of two to six sessions every one to four weeks. To speed up the healing process, follow up with PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), a skin-regenerating treatment administered via sonophoresis (ultrasound).
SW1 Clinic
#02-19 OUE Downtown Gallery 2, 6A Shenton Way
6817 8882 | sw1clinic.com
Medlite Pigment Laser
From treating different types of pigmentation to improving textural issues like wrinkles, fine lines and enlarged pores, this versatile laser system available at W Skin & Laser covers a wide range of skin concerns. However, it’s most known for its effectiveness at lightening solar lentigenes (sun spots), which give rise to a spotty and uneven complexion that many middle-aged women struggle with.
Before each session, a thin layer of numbing cream is applied to the skin and left on for about 30 minutes. The actual treatment usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes. Here’s how it works: the laser produces a special wavelength of light that’s absorbed by the pigmented lesions. The light vibrates and shatters the pigment, breaking the melanin into micro-particles and diffusing the lesions. Any post-treatment discomfort will feel similar to a mild sunburn, and any redness will dissipate within a day or two as the skin returns to its natural colour. There may be mild peeling by the fifth to seventh day, but after that you can look forward to a more even and radiant skin tone.
W Skin & Laser
#06-28/29 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Center, 38 Irrawaddy Road
6570 2528 | wskinandlaser.com
Starwalker Laser
Offered at the Aesthetic & Reconstructive Centre, this advanced Q-switch laser technology is able to deliver energy in short pulses, approximately a million times faster than first-generation lasers.
The laser energy is delivered quickly and in short bursts, resulting in greater patient comfort and safety. The device comes with two wavelengths (1064nm and 532nm), which means it can treat a wide variety of conditions such as sun spots and acne scars. It can also be used for tattoo removal and overall facial rejuvenation.
One session can be completed in 30 minutes, after a numbing cream is applied and left on for 30 minutes. While downtime is minimal, you can expect a temporary darkening of pigmented spots for the next 48 hours. Amp up the results with an ablative mode, which is used for skin rejuvenation and has a downtime of two to three days. The laser stimulates collagen production, which in turn helps with skin healing and cell renewal.
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-08 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
6733 3712 | andrewkhoo.com
Pigmentation Repair Treatment
This indulgent 90-minute facial at Bio Aesthetic uses medical-grade lactic acid to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells without taking away moisture. Combined with a powerful cocktail of alpha arbutin (a brightening agent) and oligopeptides (amino acids), the potent formula reduces melanin production while fading freckles and spots.
After cleansing and toning, a brightening peel is applied. Formulated with lactic acid, the peel helps to lighten age spots, blemishes and melasma while improving overall skin tone. Lactic acid is suitable for all skin types, but it’s especially ideal for dry skin. This is because it has a film-forming capacity that reduces epidermal water loss.
Next, a brightening formula is applied. This is followed by a cryotherapy treatment using a Vitamin C serum to boost the brightening effects. Cryotherapy helps the skin to better absorb the active ingredients and speed up the repair process. Rounding up the pampering facial are a hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C mask for a clearer and more radiant complexion.
Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic
#03-01 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road
6333 4566 | baclinic.sg | bioaesthetic.com.sg
Duo Pigment Perfector
Pigmentation can occur due to a variety of external and internal reasons, which, according to Dr Maybelle Tan of The Belle Clinic, include UV damage and pregnancy. It can also affect all parts of the body, and not just the face.
The Duo Pigment Perfector is a customised treatment that helps to lighten and treat pigmented lesions more aggressively, while ensuring minimum downtime posttreatment. Featuring a combination of a Q-switched laser with a chemical peel, the procedure effectively lightens post-inflammatory acne scars and visible skin pigmentation, while improving overall skin tone. The specialised FDA-approved laser gently targets melanin, which is a cause of pigmentation; in doing so, it breaks up the pigmentation and allows the body’s natural process to remove it. A suitably chosen chemical peel follows to gently resurface the skin and even out spots. Complete your treatment with a skin regenerative and moisturising mask to speed up recovery and healing.
While you may experience some brightening effects after your first session, a series of treatments is needed for full results.
The Belle Clinic
160 Robinson Road #03-02, Medical Suites @ SBF Center
6444 8108 | thebelleclinic.com
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