Getting to the root of pigmentation and understanding the best treatment for you

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Pigmentation issues, whether mild or severe, are a common skin concern. They arise due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. While pigmentation is generally harmless, it can affect skin appearance and cause emotional distress. Fortunately, there are various treatments available, each tailored to specific types of pigmentation. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of pigmentation and the most effective treatments for each.

What are the different types of pigmentation?

#1 Melasma

Melasma appears as brown or gray patches, usually on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. It is common among women, particularly during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills, and is often triggered by hormonal changes combined with sun exposure.

 

#2 Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PIH occurs after the skin has been injured or inflamed, often from acne, burns, or aggressive treatments. It manifests as darkened spots in areas where the skin was previously affected.

 

#3 Freckles

Freckles are small, flat, tan or light brown spots usually appearing on sun-exposed areas such as the face, arms, and shoulders. They tend to become more visible with increased sun exposure.

 

#4 Sunspots (Solar Lentigines)

Sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are larger flat areas of brown or black pigmentation, often occurring due to prolonged sun exposure. They tend to appear on areas like the face, hands, and arms.

 

#5 Birthmarks

Birthmarks are present at birth and can be pigmented (brown, tan, or black) or vascular (red or purple). Pigmented birthmarks, such as café-au-lait spots or congenital nevi, are formed due to localized melanin overproduction.

Read more: Why exfoliation is the secret to glowing skin

What are the different treatment options for pigmentation?

 

#1 Topical treatments

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense for pigmentation issues, particularly for mild to moderate cases. They target melanin production and encourage skin cell turnover.

Popular topical treatment options include Hydroquinone, a prescription-strength lightening agent that works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Retinoids are also another popular option, which help to promote faster skin cell turnover, helping to fade pigmentation.

Serums such as Vitamin C helps to reduce pigmentation and brighten the skin thanks to its antioxidative effects, not forgetting Azelaic acid, known for its efficacy in treating PIH, melasma, and acne-related pigmentation.

These treatments are ideal for conditions like melasma, freckles, and PIH, where over-the-counter or prescription options can make a noticeable difference with consistent use.

 

#2 Chemical peels

Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin and promote new cell growth. Depending on the depth of the peel, they can target pigmentation at various skin layers.

Glycolic acid peels are suitable for superficial pigmentation like freckles and mild sunspots. They help remove the upper layer of the skin, revealing fresher skin underneath. Salicylic acid peels, on the other hand, is beneficial for PIH, especially when caused by acne, as it penetrates the pores and helps reduce inflammation and discoloration.

The most potent is Trichloroacetic acid peels which can treat deeper pigmentation issues like melasma and sunspots.

 

#3 Laser treatments

Laser therapies are highly effective for stubborn pigmentation issues. They use concentrated light energy to break down the pigmentation, allowing the body to absorb and eliminate the pigment particles naturally.

Fractional lasers, such as the Airbrush Fx Light in SW1 Clinic, is ideal for melasma and PIH, fractional lasers target specific areas of pigmentation while leaving surrounding skin intact, promoting healing and collagen production.

The Pigment Eraser treatment using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is another popular option.  Although technically not a laser, IPL uses broad-spectrum light to treat pigmentation such as freckles, sunspots, and PIH. It works by heating and destroying melanin in the skin.

Read more: What is Radiofrequency energy and how does it benefit your skin?

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best treatment for pigmentation depends on the underlying cause and type of pigmentation. For surface-level pigmentation like freckles or mild sunspots, topical treatments or light chemical peels may suffice. More intense pigmentation, such as melasma or deeper sunspots, may require a combination of laser therapy and topical agents. Consulting with an experienced aesthetic doctor is crucial to developing a personalized treatment plan.