Pigmentation is a common cosmetic concern that can affect clients of all skin types and tones. It refers to the colouring of the skin caused by melanin – a natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. Melanin is responsible for the colour of your skin, hair and eyes, and it’s influenced by genetics, hormones and environmental factors. While pigmentation itself is a normal process and essential for protection against UV radiation, imbalances in melanin production can leave a visible mark on the skin.
Pigmentation disorders occur when melanin production becomes excessive or insufficient, resulting in areas of discolouration. Melanin production can be triggered by internal factors such as hormonal changes and genetic predisposition, or external factors, such as UV exposure and skin trauma. Understanding these triggers is key to managing and treating pigmentation effectively.
1. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is characterised by an overproduction of melanin, causing areas of the skin to darken more than others. You’ll see dark patches or spots that appear on various parts of the skin, including the face, hands and body. These spots can range in size and depth. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by excessive UV exposure, hormonal fluctuations, skin injuries and certain medications or chronic medical conditions.
2. Hypopigmentation
While hyperpigmentation is the excess of melanin in the skin, hypopigmentation is a reduction of melanin, leading to lighter patches of skin than in the surrounding areas. This can be caused by skin trauma, conditions like vitiligo or albinism, infections, chronic sun exposure or inflammatory diseases.
3. Melasma
Melasma is usually a symmetrical, blotchy pigmentation often triggered by hormonal changes. Brown or grey-brown patches typically reveal themselves on the face, usually on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Melasma is often caused by hormonal changes due to pregnancy, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, but it can also be influenced by sun or heat exposure and genetics.
4. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH refers to dark spots that develop following skin injury or inflammation. It appears where the skin has healed from acne, burns, eczema, psoriasis or skin treatments that caused irritation.
5. Freckles and Solar Lentigines
Commonly referred to as sunspots, these are caused by prolonged sun exposure. Solar lentigines are small, flat spots that are tan, brown or black in colour. Freckles tend to be genetic and fade with less sun exposure, however solar lentigines are larger and persist with age.
How to treat pigmented skin
The first thing to do on your journey to an even skin tone is to start protecting your skin from the sun. Most types of pigmentated skin conditions are either caused by excessive sun exposure or make the skin highly sensitive to UV. In both cases, protection is critical to preventing the condition from furthering. Studies have shown that the body will start to naturally heal most cases of UV-induced hyperpigmentation when participants protected their skin with a very strict regime.
Since this level of protection is not practical for the average Australian, there are treatments available support you on your journey to an even skin tone.
Skincare products with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, hydoxyresveratrol and acids like mandelic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid can all help to lighten and brighten hyperpigmented skin. However, some of these ingredients if used incorrectly can make pigmentation or melasma worse which is why it’s important to seek professional advice. A dermal therapist will be able to assess your skin and determine what it is your skin needs and how you can prevent further damage.
From chemical peels and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) to fractionated and picosecond lasers, Artisan Aesthetic Clinics offer a wide range of treatments to help you achieve an even skin tone. Depending on the cause, severity of your pigmentation and your skin type, the treatment you require will be different. Following a thorough consultation, our experienced clinicians can explain the causes of pigmentation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan which seeks to manage and/or prevent your pigmentation.
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