LASER
LASER stands for
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Melasma is
a condition that causes dark, discolored patches on your skin
IPL uses polychromatic light which has
multiple wavelengths of light
A chemical peel
a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers
Melasma is also called
chloasma or "the mask of pregnancy"
IPL is also called
Microneedling works by the insertion of
very fine, short, sterilized needles into the skin for rejuvenation
treat wrinkles, texture, discolored skin, and scars
Mediums used in LASER
certain crystals, gases or a mixture of gases,
semiconductors, or a complex organic dye
Common ingredients used to treat melasma
hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid
IPL uses high intensity pulses of visible light energy to remove
pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, or hair follicles
It is now common to see microneedling used with your body's own
platelet rich plasma
glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, retinoic acid, resorcinol, hydroquinone
Ablative refers to
removing, vaporizing, or intentionally damaging the outer layers of the skin or the epidermis to stimulate the underlying skin
Melasma is commonly caused by
a hormonal fluctuation due to pregnancy or birth control, high levels of estrogen/ progesterone, those with darker skin types (more natural melanin)
The light energy is converted to heat energy in the
dermis
Another technology commonly used with microneedling
radiofrequency
superficial peels penetrate the epidermis only, medium-depth peels affect the entire epidermis and papillary dermis, and deep peels allow for controlled tissue injury to the level of the
midreticular dermis (and sometimes subcutis, if not used properly)
The first laser was built by Theodore Maiman in
1960
The best way to prevent the worsening of melasma
use a zinc based broad spectrum SPF daily and avoid the sun
The heat caused by IPL emulates
a superficial injury
Microneedling causes a microinjury to the skin to stimulate more
collagen and elastin
For chemical peels that are solely alpha hydroxy acids Master Estheticians in Utah can use a peel with an acid concentration of up to
50%