I need help with pigmentation/uneven skin tone
Treatments by Dr. Kate Aesthetics, Cockfosters, North London
Pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation, occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to an increased production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. Various factors can contribute to pigmentation irregularities, including:
- Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun stimulate the production of melanin as a natural defense mechanism. Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can lead to sunspots, freckles, and overall uneven skin tone.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy (melasma or “mask of pregnancy”) or while taking certain medications (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy), can trigger excess melanin production.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This occurs as a result of inflammation caused by acne, injuries, or other skin conditions. After the inflammation subsides, the skin may produce excess melanin, leading to dark spots.
- Age: With age, the skin’s ability to regulate melanin production can be affected, leading to age spots or “liver spots.”
- Genetics: Some individuals may be more prone to hyperpigmentation due to their genetic makeup.
How can I treat pigmentation?
Aesthetic treatments can be effective in reducing the appearance of pigmentation and promoting a more even skin tone. Some popular treatments include:
- Topical Skin Lightening Agents: Creams or serums containing ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or vitamin C can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone when used consistently.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin to exfoliate the top layer and stimulate cell turnover. They can be effective in treating certain types of hyperpigmentation.
- Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: These treatments use specific wavelengths of light to target and break down excess melanin in the skin, reducing pigmentation.
- Fractional Morpheus8 Resurfacing: Thi treatment targets deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of pigmentation.
- Microneedling: Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, promoting the skin’s natural healing process and improving pigmentation irregularities.
It’s essential to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the type and severity of pigmentation.
Additionally, it’s crucial to protect your skin from further sun damage by using sunscreen daily and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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Treatments available to you
Medical Grade Skincare
Polynucleotides
Medical Micro-Needling
Chemical Peels
WOW Fusion Facial
LED Phototherapy
Lumecca
Skin Analysis With Observ520x
FAQs
Skin pigmentation is the colour of your skin, which is determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in your skin. Melanin is a natural pigment that protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
There are many different types of skin pigmentation, including:
- Freckles: Freckles are small, flat, brown spots that are most common on the face, arms, and shoulders. They are caused by an increased production of melanin in response to sun exposure.
- Melasma: Melasma is a condition that causes dark spots or patches to appear on the face. It is more common in women and people with darker skin tones.
- Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes the skin to become darker than normal. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, ageing, acne, and certain medications.
- Hypopigmentation: Hypopigmentation is a condition that causes the skin to become lighter than normal. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, certain skin conditions, and certain medications.
Pigmentation of the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Sun exposure: Sun exposure is the most common cause of skin pigmentation. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, it produces melanin to protect itself from the harmful rays.
- Ageing: As you age, your skin naturally produces less melanin. This can lead to a loss of pigmentation in some areas of the skin, such as the face and hands.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy and menopause, can also affect skin pigmentation.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can also cause skin pigmentation.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills and some antibiotics, can also cause skin pigmentation.
The best way to prevent skin pigmentation is to protect the skin from the sun. This can be done by using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible.
If you are concerned about skin pigmentation, please see a dermatologist for advice on the best course of treatment.
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