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Exclusive member benefit: Get the ASCP SkinPro app at ascpskincare.com/skinpro 39 SKIN PHYSIOLOGY stretch marks, enlarged pores, and, of course, pigmentation. To many clients' surprise, the procedure is very comfortable and requires minimal downtime. Although the client's skin will most likely be red post-treatment, they will want to avoid applying makeup for 24 hours. Like with most treatments, they should be extra vigilant about applying broad-spectrum SPF afterward. Clients often opt for multiple sessions of microneedling to get desired pigmentation results. Non-Ablative and Fractional Laser Treatments Since the development of ablative laser treatment, advancements have been made to create slightly less invasive alternatives known as non-ablative and fractional laser treatments. These technologies were developed to emit laser beams in a scattered, or non- ablative, manner that penetrates past the epidermis layer of the skin to treat the skin's dermis. Fractional laser and other non-ablative laser treatments, such as a Q-Switched laser, may achieve results in one or two sessions, depending on the degree of hyperpigmentation and the client's desired result. Aftercare for laser treatments may require clients to apply a strong moisturizing agent, such as petroleum jelly or a prescribed ointment, while avoiding chemically potent or abrasive skin care products. In some cases, laser treatments can worsen certain types of pigmentation, so have a detailed consultation with your client before treatment. Photorejuvenation with IPL Photorejuvenation therapy is another treatment for hyperpigmentation that has been praised for its noninvasive nature. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and broadband light (BBL) treatments, which both use the strength of light waves to heal the skin, are common names for photorejuvenation therapy. To treat several issues at once, several wavelengths are released simultaneously. High-intensity radiation is used alongside these broad-spectrum wavelengths when applied to the skin so the chromophores can absorb the light energy. The chromophores are the site where pigmentation is produced for conditions such as hyperpigmentation, PIH, rosacea, and melasma. Without harming the healthy skin, IPL targets and destroys pigmented spots, boosting the skin's natural rejuvenation process. The combination of reduced pigmentation with the stimulus of collagen production makes IPL one of the most eff ective treatments for hyperpigmentation when used over the course of multiple sessions. Additionally, it can be used on many areas of the body to treat varying degrees of sunspots. Author's note: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If necessary, refer a client to a dermatologist for a more in-depth assessment of their skin. EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS As a practitioner, the fi rst step in sun damage protection is to educate your clients about prevention. Remind your clients that the sun can cause much more damage than just funny-looking tan lines—it can cause harmful conditions. You can also benefi t from diversifying your practice with one or more of the hyperpigmentation and PIH treatments outlined here. Each client is unique in their pigmentation concerns, and having a range of solutions from chemical peels to rejuvenation therapy will help you better meet their needs this summer and beyond. Note 1. Skin Cancer Foundation, "Tanning and Your Skin," accessed June 2023, skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning. Resources Dermalogica. "How to Deal with Hyperpigmentation & Darkened Spots." Accessed June 2023. dermalogica.com/ blogs/living-skin/hyperpigmentation-and-pih. Healthline. "Are Sunspots on the Skin Cancerous? Comparing Di erent Types of Skin Lesions." Last modifi ed July 26, 2018. healthline.com/health/sunspots-on-skin. Without harming the healthy skin, IPL targets and destroys pigmented spots, boosting the skin's natural rejuvenation process.