The-ultimate-guide-to-pigmentation-its-causes-treatments

The Ultimate Guide To Pigmentation, Its Causes & Treatments


By Mary Basiadima, 15 April 2020


Thank you for visiting our to pigmentation. We hope after you have finished reading it you will be better to tackle your . (8 min read)

This guide covers the following areas:
What is pigmentation?

According to the Mariam Webster dictionary pigmentation is :


"a colouring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue"

What causes skin pigmentation?

We can suffer from whatever age, sex, skin tone and we are.


Skin pigmentation can result in an over or under production of . is produced by the in the skin cells. When there is an over production of it is called hyperpigmentation, when not enough is produced it is called hypopigmentation.


Skincare experts and Doctors are not sure of the exact reason for certain skin pigmentation changes. Other conditions like sun spots have obvious causes.

Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation

of the skin is a misleading phrase as all skin contains pigmentation. When it is or a problem it is best referred to as hyperpigmentation.


causes or spots. They can be beige, brown, red or and can appear anywhere.


The sun is one of the causes of pigmentation, along with pregnancy and changes. Below are the most common forms of . Sometimes it can be severe and noticeable like vitiligo or albinism. Let’s look at these two of pigmentation first.


Michael Jackson is said to have from which saw his skin colour change over the years from dark to light.


Other pigmentation issues can occur due to conditions, hormonal changes and sometimes shock.


seen in clinics everyday is not a severe as the two above. The following types of pigmentation are more common, starting with one of the most .

What is Melasma?

Pigmentation caused by pregnancy is called Melasma. (It is also known as ‘chloasma’ or �[https://www.ginovissers.co.uk �pregnancy] mask’). The name comes from melas which is the Greek word for black. It results in brown or of developing usually on the face.


It is more common in women with up to 50% affected during pregnancy, in people of colour and those who tan easily.

Hyperpigmentation From Sun Damage (Solar Lentigenes)

When on the face it is normally found on the most areas of the cheeks, nose and . They can look like or age spots or just as uneven patches of colour. Sun spots or are found in people over 50 but they can also appear in younger people who have spent many unprotected hours in the sun.

Hyperpigmentation from Acne Scarring

from acne can also cause hyperpigmentation. It is often red and can be very noticeable and to cover up as the skins surface is and uneven.

Acne pigmentation

This is caused by the which can form around . It is often to as and can be removed with careful skin care and . Lasers destroy the discoloration and is suitable for all skin types


The left behind by acne can be as bad as the acne and is more . If an acne breakout fades away red, brown or purplish discolouration, where the spots once were, can be left behind.


Freckles (Lentigenes / Ephelides)

is one and lentigene are many. are a type of . The for them is . They happen because more melanin is produced unevenly across the skin. This causes little spots of discolouration known as a .


Freckles are not caused by the sun. They’re genetic. They do, however, appear when the skin is to the sun.

What can I do about hyperpigmentation?

The best protection against it to use When it is caused by or by certain illnesses it is best to speak to your doctor.


Before seeking treatment have the area checked by a expert, doctor or dermatologist. Any skin changes should also be checked by a .


Once you are given the go ahead for treatment and have been advised there is nothing dangerous about your pigmentation, or any recent changes, you can take the next step to have them treated. But what are available?

Treatments for hyperpigmentation

There are many miracle cures, over the counter lotions and creams all claiming to work wonders for . The internet is full of them. And they are usually quite expensive. Only a few of these will have an effect for most people.


That is why it is important to speak to a so they can point you in the right . Trying to navigate through all the claims and promises can leave your skin worse off and out of pocket for of pounds.


Some of the best proven treatments for are listed below.


Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments use specific ingredients to reduce pigmentation in either gel or cream form. Many have stronger varieties available via prescription. Applied once or twice a day, over time they help the skin over time.


 


Creams or gels are most effective on like age spots or melasma. They are also good for patches of discoloration across most skin types.


are easily available and a more for hyperpigmentation. They can take longer to work than professional treatments.


If you are buying online only purchase products from websites and manufacturers you trust.


Face or skin acids exfoliate or shed the top layer of your skin. The new skin cells replace older ones out your skin tone making it .


Face acids are available OTC at and chemists. Always look for an acid content of 10% or less from a . A higher percentage may of side and are best left to professionals in a .


Popular acids include:


 


Face acids are ideal for mild hyperpigmentation on lighter skin tones.


are some of the oldest used in the . Derived from A, their small lets them deeply into the below the epidermis.


can be either or OTC, with OTC being weaker. If after a few months you don’t notice results ask your about (Retin-A).


 


may be safe for all skin tones. If you have darker skin, check with your if you plan on using them long term.


Also retinoids may not be the first line of defence as they are more often used to treat wrinkles than .


goes much deeper into the layers of the skin then microdermabrasion and is more with a longer healing time required. The results are more as a result of the invasive nature.


For microdermabrasion a is used along with a serum. Tiny crystals are "blasted" over the skins surface in a way.


Old and damaged skin is away with clear, fresh skin left behind.  As the upper skin layer is production is . A course of treatments is ideal to or .


Practitioners can use various methods to lessen the pain to a tingling or scraping sensation so you should not worry about it being painful.


The must only be carried out by professionals. Too much or over vigorous treatment can damage the skin and actually cause new pigmentation to form. If applied correctly microdermabrasion is very effective. It can be used on a wide range of issues including .


 


Microdermabrasion works best on and for people with . Your skincare will help you decide whether it is the right treatment for you.


Dermabrasion works on more serious and is far more riskier, requiring a longer of days. There is also a risk of as layers of skin are away.


A is used to take off upper layers of skin. The most popular chemical is glycolic acid mixed with other skin ingredients.


The preparation is by brush and left like a normal facial peel. When it is the skin sheds. This happens over the course of a few days. Applying sun block after a peel is critical. If not more may occur as the new fresh skin is very and delicate.


Two popular peels many clinics offer are the Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel and the Dermaquest Skinbrite Peel.


which is effective for reducing dark spots and . It is a peel that is suitable for anyone suffering from deep pigmentation or . It blocks the melanin production in problem cells so gets to the root of the problem.


After the peel you will need an extensive home care kit to help improve your results in the weeks and months following the treatment.


This is a more gentle pigmentation peel. It is ideal for sun spots, age spots and . It works by exfoliating the skin encouraging the skin.


Skin peels are also for rejuvenating the skin where age spots or darker is . Over a course of treatments, a special Alpha is under clinical . This removes a layer of skin fresh, skin . The treatment is not painful and the results are superb.


 


Chemical peels are best suited to treat age spots, sun damage, and skin. They also work best on lighter skin tones and may provide quicker results than face acid products.


Non invasive and pain free, laser treatment is very effective against many forms of pigmentation. It is becoming popular because of the fantastic results and technology used.


Todays lasers are more and sophisticated then earlier models and are now very successful on a range of skin types too.The laser beam targets the unwanted pigmentation in the skin cells. It the pigmentation without affecting the tissues.


The is then removed from the body naturally over time through its immune system. Laser pigmentation is not painful or . After 2-6 sessions most will notice  improvements in skin.


 


Laser treatment work well on Freckles, Sun Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Age spots (solar lentigines), Flat pigmented (congenital naevi) and is suitable on all skin types.


 


IPL is a type of non-ablative (fractional) laser treatment. Non means it heats up the skin and is then ablative procedures which destroy the layers of skin and a longer healing period.


Pulsed Light treatment  (IPL) is great for skin tones. It is different then laser treatment as it uses multiple to target larger areas. Unlike laser which focus a laser on an exact spot at an exact .


production and growth is within the dermis. It normally requires multiple sessions.


IPL is used for overall pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially to this . It may also help reduce the of wrinkles, spider veins, and enlarged pores.


 


IPL works best for people with fair skin.

What works best for your skin tone?

Skin tone affects the and length of . People with all skin tones can use the treatments above but if you have a darker skin tone you may need more time for treatments to work.


The following may be ruled out if you easily tan or have darker skin:


high-beam lasers


IPL therapy


chemical peels


microdermabrasion


or kojic acid


microdermabrasion


lower-strength peels


laser treatments – only used at lower over a larger number of sessions


Dark Circles Under The Eye Dark (Preorbital Dark Circles)

Dark under the eyes or preorbital dark circles occur when the skin below the eyes shows blood vessels and pools. They appear blue in people with fair skin as skin only lets in the blue of light.


If they appear darker it is because under eye circles light from blood under the thin skin. The contrast is greater and more the lighter your skin. Skin under your eyes is only 0.5mm thick which to 2mm thick on rest of your body.


Causes range from:


Dark under eye circles can be by a number of ways.


Combines microneedling and radiofrequency.  It stimulates and helps to plump and firm the skin. The skin under the eyes becomes fuller unable to blue light as much and the dark .


Puffiness or "bags" often come with dark . Dermal fillers can help restore brighter, more youthful eyes. Injectables are not for everyone and can be seen as a step to far but they do work well and are an option.


This works by beneath the skins to start cell regrowth. Heat targets the tissue which makes it pull together and lift. It reaches deep into the layers stimulating cell regrowth and dark circles.


for ages 30 – 50, it can either be used to preventative or .  Results develop over eight weeks and it is considered to be highly effective, safe as well as FDA .


 


With so many and on offer, you don’t need to suffer with skin any longer. The first step you can take today is to apply good high SPF sun cream to your skin. The next step should be to contact a skin care practitioner to and your skin and draw up a plan for you.


Why not book a free with one of our skincare specialists today. It’s free, the only cost is your time.


 


 

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