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 ultimate guide to . We hope after you have it you will be better prepared 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 of . Melanin is by the in the . When there is an over production of pigmentation it is called hyperpigmentation, when not enough is produced it is called hypopigmentation.


and Doctors are not sure of the for certain skin changes. Other like sun spots have obvious causes.

Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation

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


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


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


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


Other severe skin pigmentation issues can occur due to autoimmune conditions, changes and sometimes shock.


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

What is Melasma?

caused by is called . (It is also known as ‘chloasma’ or �[https://www.truemedispa.co.uk �pregnancy] 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 or just as 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 . It is often red and can be very noticeable and to cover up as the is and uneven.

Acne pigmentation

This is caused by the which can form around skin. It is often to as hyperpigmentation and can be removed with careful skin care and laser treatment. 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 permanent. If an acne breakout gradually fades away red, brown or discolouration, where the spots once were, can permanently be left behind.


Freckles (Lentigenes / Ephelides)

Lentigo is one freckle and lentigene are many. are a type of . The medical term for them is ephelides. They happen because more is across the skin. This causes little spots of discolouration known as a .


are not caused by the sun. They’re . 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 medication or by certain it is best to speak to your doctor.


Before have the area checked by a 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 advised there is nothing 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 and creams all claiming to work for . The internet is full of them. And they are usually quite . Only a few of these treatments will have an effect for most people.


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


Some of the best proven treatments for pigmentation are listed below.


(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 effective on flat spots like age spots or . They are also good for patches of discoloration across most .


OTC products are easily available and a more affordable option for . They can take longer to work than professional treatments.


If you are buying online only purchase products from 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 making it smoother.


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


include:


 


Face acids are ideal for on lighter .


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


can be either or OTC, with OTC being weaker. If after a few months you don’ results ask your skincare about (Retin-A).


 


OTC retinoids may be safe for all skin tones. If you have darker skin, check with your skin care provider 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 healing time required. The results are more effective as a result of the invasive nature.


For a is used along with a unique . Tiny are "blasted" over the skins surface in a controlled way.


Old and damaged skin is smoothed away with clear, left behind.  As the upper skin layer is is . A course of is ideal to target scars or .


can use various to lessen the pain to a or scraping sensation 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 microdermabrasion is very effective. It can be used on a of issues including .


 


works best on superficial scars and for people with lighter skin. Your will help you decide whether it is the right for you.


Dermabrasion works on more serious and is far more riskier, a longer healing process of days. There is also a risk of infection 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 nurturing ingredients.


The 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 vulnerable and delicate.


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


which is effective for dark spots and patches. It is a peel that is suitable for anyone suffering from deep or . It blocks the 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 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 is visible. Over a course of treatments, a special Alpha Hydroxy treatment is applied under conditions. This a layer of skin revealing fresh, skin beneath. The is not painful and the results are superb.


 


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


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


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


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


 


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


 


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


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


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


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 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 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


lower-strength chemical 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 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 wavelength of light.


If they appear darker it is because under eye circles light from blood under the thin skin. The is greater and more apparent the 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 can be treated by a number of ways.


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


Puffiness or "bags" often come with dark . 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 regrowth. Heat targets the tissue which makes it pull together and lift. It reaches deep into the layers cell and eliminating dark .


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


 


With so many and 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 skin care practitioner to examine and your skin and draw up a treatment 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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