Can Microdermabrasion Help My Hyperpigmentation?

If you have acne scars, sun damage, or hormonal skin color changes, you may have an uneven complexion that may affect your confidence. Hyperpigmentation isn't a condition but a term for skin that appears darker. It can occur in small patches, spread over larger areas, or even affect the entire body.

Fortunately, our dermatology team at Limmer Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, provides treatments for hyperpigmentation, including microdermabrasion. This non-invasive solution reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and restores a more even skin tone. 

Read on to learn more about microdermabrasion and the results you can expect with treatment. 

About microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses a device affixed with fine crystals to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface. It’s a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that removes dead skin cells from the outer layer to reveal fresher and healthier skin beneath. 

Microdermabrasion stimulates new cell growth and collagen production, which is essential for maintaining smooth, youthful-looking skin.

We recommend the treatment to address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture, and, of course, hyperpigmentation.

How microdermabrasion addresses hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin produces an excess of melanin — the pigment responsible for skin color. This can result because of: 

• Excessive sun exposure 
• Acne 
• Inflammation
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy 

Some medications and diseases, including Addison’s disease, can also cause hyperpigmentation.

Microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation through:

Exfoliation

By removing the outermost layer of skin, microdermabrasion encourages the turnover of skin cells. This means pigmented cells shed faster, lightening dark spots over time.

Improving skin texture

Microdermabrasion smooths uneven skin texture, making the pigmentation less noticeable. This is especially beneficial for post-acne marks and sunspots.

Stimulating new skin growth

The treatment boosts circulation and collagen production, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells. This speeds up your skin’s natural regeneration process, gradually reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Enhanced absorption of skin care products

Following microdermabrasion, your skin is more receptive to skin care products, allowing topical treatments designed to lighten dark spots, such as vitamin C serums or hydroquinone, to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

Results from microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can significantly improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The results appear gradually and may require multiple treatments to achieve noticeable changes. 

For the best outcomes, we usually recommend a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart. After each treatment, you should see brighter and smoother skin with less visible pigmentation.

For more severe or deep hyperpigmentation, we often recommend microdermabrasion be combined with other treatments, such as chemical peels or laser therapy, to enhance the results. 

At Limmer Dermatology, we create a personalized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your hyperpigmentation. If you have very sensitive skin, active acne, or certain skin conditions like rosacea, know that microdermabrasion may not be the best treatment for your pigment issues. However, we can offer other solutions.

Schedule a consultation

By boosting skin cell turnover and improving texture, microdermabrasion helps fade dark spots over time and enhances your skin’s overall appearance. If you’re looking for a non-invasive solution to hyperpigmentation, microdermabrasion might just be the answer.

Call Limmer Dermatology today or use this website to request a consultation. We can help you preserve your skin health. Learning more about how microdermabrasion can help you achieve clearer and more radiant skin.