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 . We hope after you have it you will be better to tackle your pigmentation. (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 pigmentation issues whatever age, sex, and we are.
Skin pigmentation can result in an over or under production of melanin. Melanin is produced by the meloncytes in the skin cells. When there is an over production of pigmentation it is called hyperpigmentation, when not enough is produced it is called hypopigmentation.
Skincare experts and Doctors are not sure of the for certain skin pigmentation changes. Other conditions like sun spots have causes.
Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation
Pigmentation of the skin is a as all skin contains pigmentation. When it is or a problem it is best referred to as hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation causes or spots. They can be beige, brown, red or and can appear anywhere.
The sun is one of the biggest causes of pigmentation, along with pregnancy and hormonal changes. Below are the most of pigmentation. Sometimes it can be severe and like or albinism. Let’s look at these two of first.
Michael Jackson is said to have suffered from vitiligo which saw his change over the years from dark to light.
Other pigmentation issues can occur due to conditions, changes and sometimes shock.
Pigmentation seen in clinics everyday is not a severe as the two conditions above. The following types of pigmentation are more common, with one of the most .
What is Melasma?
by is called . (It is also known as ‘chloasma’ or � mask’). The name comes from melas which is the Greek word for black. It results in brown or greyish patches of pigmentation 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 exposed areas of the cheeks, nose and forehead. They can look like freckles or age spots or just as uneven of colour. Sun spots or age spots are commonly found in people over 50 but they can also appear in younger people who have spent many hours in the sun.
Hyperpigmentation from Acne Scarring
Scarring from acne can also cause hyperpigmentation. It is often red and can be very and difficult to cover up as the is and uneven.
Acne pigmentation
This is caused by the extra melanin which can form around skin. It is often referred to as and can be removed with careful skin care and laser treatment. Lasers destroy the and is for all skin types
The left behind by acne can be as bad as the acne and is more permanent. If an acne breakout gradually fades away red, brown or purplish discolouration, where the spots once were, can permanently be left behind.
Freckles (Lentigenes / Ephelides)
Lentigo is one freckle and are many. Freckles are a type of . The medical term for them is ephelides. They happen because more melanin is across the skin. This causes little spots of discolouration known as a freckle.
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 against it to use When it is caused by or by certain it is best to speak to your doctor.
Before have the area checked by a skincare expert, doctor or dermatologist. Any skin changes should also be checked by a medical professional.
Once you are given the go ahead for treatment and have been there is nothing dangerous about your pigmentation, or any recent changes, you can take the next step to have them . But what treatments are available?
Treatments for hyperpigmentation
There are many cures, over the counter lotions and creams all to work for . The internet is full of them. And they are usually quite expensive. Only a few of these treatments 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 off and out of pocket for of pounds.
Some of the best proven treatments for pigmentation are listed below.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments use specific ingredients to in either gel or cream form. Many have stronger varieties available via . Applied once or twice a day, over time they help lighten the skin over time.
Creams or gels are most on flat spots like age spots or melasma. They are also good for 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 you trust.
Face or exfoliate or shed the top layer of your skin. The new replace older ones out your making it smoother.
Face acids are available OTC at and . Always look for an acid content of 10% or less from a trusted source. A higher percentage may increase risks of side effects and are best left to professionals in a .
Popular acids include:
Face acids are ideal for mild hyperpigmentation on .
Retinoids are some of the oldest skincare ingredients used in the beauty . Derived from vitamin A, their small lets them deeply penetrate into the skin layers below the epidermis.
can be either prescription or OTC, with OTC being weaker. If after a few months you don’t notice results ask your skincare provider about tretinoin (Retin-A).
OTC retinoids may be safe for all skin tones. If you have darker skin, check with your skin care 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 than hyperpigmentation.
Dermabrasion goes much deeper into the layers of the skin then microdermabrasion and is more invasive with a longer time required. The results are more as a result of the invasive nature.
For microdermabrasion a is used along with a unique . are "blasted" over the skins surface in a controlled way.
Old and is away with clear, left behind. As the upper skin layer is production is . A course of treatments is ideal to target scars or pigmentation.
Practitioners can use various to lessen the pain to a or so you should not worry about it being .
The treatment 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 is very . It can be used on a wide range of including acne scarring.
Microdermabrasion works best on superficial scars and for people with . Your skincare provider will help you decide whether it is the right treatment for you.
works on more serious and is far more riskier, requiring a longer healing process of days. There is also a risk of as layers of skin are away.
A chemical preparation 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 removed the skin sheds. This happens over the course of a few days. Applying sun block after a chemical peel is . If not more pigmentation may occur as the new fresh skin is very and .
Two popular peels many clinics offer are the Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel and the Dermaquest Skinbrite Peel.
which is effective for dark spots and patches. It is a peel that is for anyone from deep or melasma. It blocks the production in problem cells so gets to the root of the problem.
After the peel you will need an home care kit to help your results in the weeks and months following the treatment.
This is a more gentle peel. It is ideal for sun spots, age spots and freckles. It works by exfoliating the skin the skin.
Skin lightening peels are also fantastic treatment for rejuvenating the skin where age spots or darker pigmentation is visible. Over a course of treatments, a special Alpha Hydroxy treatment is applied under clinical conditions. This a layer of skin revealing fresh, undamaged skin beneath. The treatment is not painful and the results are superb.
peels are best suited to treat age spots, sun damage, melasma and blotchy skin. They also work best on skin tones and may quicker results than face acid .
Non and pain free, laser treatment is very against many forms of pigmentation. It is becoming increasingly 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 destroys the without affecting the surrounding tissues.
The is then from the body over time through its immune system. Laser pigmentation removal is not or uncomfortable. After 2-6 most will notice improvements in skin.
Laser work well on Freckles, Sun Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Age spots (solar lentigines), Flat birthmarks (congenital naevi) and is suitable on all skin types.
IPL is a type of non-ablative (fractional) laser . Non ablative means it heats up the skin and is then ablative procedures which destroy the layers of skin and a longer healing period.
Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL) is great for lighter skin tones. It is different then laser treatment as it uses multiple wavelengths to target larger areas. Unlike laser which focus a targeted laser on an exact spot at an exact .
Collagen production and growth is stimulated within the dermis. It normally requires multiple .
IPL is used for overall pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially respond to this treatment. It may also help reduce the appearance 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 treatments. 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:
lasers
IPL therapy
peels
microdermabrasion
glycolic or kojic acid
microdermabrasion
chemical peels
laser treatments – only used at lower intensities 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 and pools. They appear blue in people with fair skin as skin only lets in the blue wavelength of light.
If they appear darker it is because under eye circles reflect light from blood under the thin skin. The contrast is greater and more apparent the lighter your skin. Skin under your eyes is only 0.5mm thick which compares to 2mm thick on rest of your body.
Causes range from:
Dark under eye circles can be treated by a number of ways.
Combines and radiofrequency. It collagen and helps to plump and firm the skin. The skin under the eyes becomes fuller unable to blue light as much and reducing the dark .
Puffiness or "bags" often come with dark circles. Dermal fillers can help brighter, more 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 penetrating beneath the skins to start cell . Heat the connective 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 approved.
With so many effective and affordable treatments on offer, you don’t need to suffer with skin pigmentation any longer. The first step you can take today is to apply good quality high SPF sun cream to your skin. The next step should be to a qualified skin care practitioner to and discuss 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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