The epidermis holds the secret
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and is an accumulation of dead cells called the stratum corneum. It is important to point out:
Epithelial layers
- This is a thin layer of epithelial cells (skin stem cells) between the dermis and epidermis. These epithelial cells multiply to provide, virtually, an unending supply of skin cells (keratinocytes). New keratinocytes push out the old ones and there is a continuous migration for the keratinocytes from the epithelium to the skin surface. We refer to this as skin resurfacing. Read more about case 1015 of the picture below
Melanocytes
- These pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are located next to the epithelial layer and provides the pigment color (melanin)to the skin cells and outer skin color. The melanocytes produce packs of pigments and send them to the keratinocytes, so by the time they get to the surface they are filled with the appropriate amount of pigments that give the skin color.
What is your skin type?
There are six known skin types according to the melanocytes activity and sensitivity:
- Extremely pale
- Pale
- Mediterranean
- Asian/Hispanic
- African brown
- Dark African
People with type 1, 2, 5, 6 skin would not usually have melasma. Skin type 4 is the main skin type that suffers from melasma. Melanocytes are very sensitive and some factors such as sun and change of hormones can easily tip the balance of melanocyte levels.
Melasma treatment
We have some good news and bad news. The bad news is that no single treatment or pill can treat melasma. The good news is that we can help you by designing a tailored protocol that takes into account your skin type, melasma trigger and your type of melanin.
How does Laser work?
Melanin pigments absorb the laser energy which will heat and cook the melanin (which will change the chemical structure). Our immune system recognizes that this melanin is not good anymore and will start to get rid of it. Laser can also reset the melanocytes thermostat and restore the balance.
Why it is tricky?
Choosing the wrong laser may results in activating the melanocytes (remember they are very sensitive), this will result in melasma getting worse. Therefore, it is important to choose the right laser, power plus width.
What is Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-Switched Treatment?
This high-energy laser beam penetrates the target area and heats the melanin within the skin cells (melanin is the pigmentation in our skin and extra melanin is the cause for melasma and pigmentation).
What Laser wavelength does Albany Laser and Cosmetic have?
The wavelength of the Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-switched comes in four distinct forms: 532 nm, 585nm, 650nm, as well as 1,064 nm in nanosecond pulses (specially designed for melasma treatment and melasma removal).
What Can Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-Switched treat?
Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-switched is a mild laser that gives off pulses of energy in nanoseconds to eliminate or reduce skin pigmentation. With Spectra Lasers, fine lines, pigmentation, and textural irregularities can be treated efficiently.
What to do before Spectra Laser Nanosecond Q-Switched treatment
Avoid exposure to the sun for about four weeks before the treatment. On the day of the procedure, wash exhaustively with soap and do not wear any makeup. Your dermatologist will counsel on what you should expect. This is where you should tell your doctor (or injection certified pharmacists) if you have any history of allergic reactions to topical anesthetic or any medical condition.
