For quite some time, I’ve carried the weight of what I believed to be melasma, attributing it to years of relentless sun exposure without the shield of sunscreen or an umbrella during my daily walk to the office.
Those persistent brown spots on my cheeks, reminiscent of iconic comic character Archie Andrews’ freckles, became a constant source of insecurity. Venturing outside with a bare face felt like an ordeal, prompting me to tirelessly search for a solution to divert attention from what I perceived as “stains” on my skin.
Despite experimenting with costly skincare sets from reputable clinics, none managed to alleviate the issue, even after enduring intensive peeling sessions that left my facial skin sore and highly sensitive.
Consequently, I turned to quick fixes, dabbling in concealers, color correctors, and heavy foundations in an attempt to make the brown spots vanish. While I occasionally achieved moments of success in minimizing their appearance, the unforgiving humidity of our climate rendered makeup’s magic short-lived. My spots resurfaced all too soon, causing an ongoing struggle. The simple act of applying blush led to the dislodging of powder or foundation, unveiling my “freckles.” It was a frustrating battle.
In a society still grappling with colonial mentality, well-intentioned individuals would attempt to boost my confidence with comments like, “Why worry? That means you have fair skin!” or “Some people even apply faux freckles!” Such remarks were well-meant but hardly soothing.
While I am grateful that these skin imperfections have gradually transformed into beauty marks, and societal acceptance is on the rise, my desire to rid myself of these brown spots has still not waned.
Embracing imperfections is admirable, but when a viable procedure exists, why not explore it? As someone who finds multi-step skincare and makeup routines rather laborious, the dream of leaving the house bare-faced and going au naturel on a daily basis is undeniably appealing.
My encounter with Dr. Kaycee Reyes, the founder and proprietor of Luminisce Skin Clinic, in 2018 rekindled my hope that reducing, if not completely erasing, my skin marks was within reach. In times of skincare dilemmas, it is crucial to find an expert whom you can trust wholeheartedly.
During my consultation with Doc Kaycee, she made me understand the nature of my skin issue and displayed confidence in selecting the ideal treatment. She clarified that my skin condition wasn’t melasma or freckles but rather Hori’s Nevus.
Hori’s Nevus manifests as benign, seemingly harmless, blue-grey to gray-brown patchy and spotty pigmentation predominantly on the cheeks’ prominences. This condition typically emerges during adulthood and is most prevalent among middle-aged Asian women, like myself. Hori’s Nevus is frequently misdiagnosed as it may resemble or coexist with melasma. Genetics and hormones are known to contribute to its development.
Fast forward to 2023, Doc Kaycee and her clinic have upgraded their arsenal of laser machines. The latest addition to her Pico Suite is the PicoMajesty, renowned for its effectiveness in disintegrating pigmentation through higher laser energy and peak power.
With topical anesthesia, I did not experience pain, just quick tiny sparks on my face, during the procedure. Visualize a whole peppercorn pulverized into ground pepper; that’s the precision of these laser machines. Here are five crucial reminders to keep in mind when undergoing laser procedures:
Credentials matter. Ensure your dermatologist is board-certified with the necessary qualifications and laser procedure expertise. Look for memberships in professional dermatological associations.
Specialization. Seek a dermatologist with a track record in the specific laser procedure you require, whether it’s for acne scars, hair removal, or pigmentation issues.
Consultation. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and goals. A reputable dermatologist should meticulously assess your skin, address your queries, and tailor a personalized treatment plan. Trust your instincts and observe how the dermatologist attends to your concerns. Maximize your time by asking questions.
Technology and equipment. Verify that the dermatologist’s clinic uses the latest laser technology and adheres to rigorous safety standards. Modern equipment often delivers superior results with fewer side effects. Conduct thorough research on the clinic, the procedures they offer, and if possible, the brands of machines they employ.
Reviews, ratings, and recommendations. Check out online reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family who have undergone laser treatments. Positive feedback from former patients serves as a valuable indicator of a dermatologist’s expertise and patient care. Look beyond celebrity endorsements or beauty influencers and search for personal, detailed reviews from regular clients on social media.
Again, it is important to love the skin we’re in. But when presented with the chance to pursue self-improvement and confidence, let’s grab it and allow transformation to begin.
