A: Yes, the answer is definitely a resounding YES‼
Although laser is good enough to break the pigment into smaller pieces so that our immune system’s macrophages will “eat” up the debris, it is still the best if we can add on with a daily regime to suppress over-active pigment cells from producing new pigment. The fact that we are getting pigmentation on our skin is because of the over production of melanin or abnormal accumulation of pigment producing cells called melanocytes.
Don’t forget your laser program is only once a month but the daily suppression of the melanin-producing cells activities need to be taken care of by using a good pigment controller/ lightener.
Another benefit of using a pigment controller is to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) on the treatment spots, where as a natural reaction of our skin to any injury or inflammation, the treatment spot may become temporary darker after laser treatment. Using a good pigment lightener coupled with a strong sunscreen of at least SPF50 will significantly reduce the risk of getting this preventable side effect.
Dr Tan
