Pigmentation
What is Pigmentation?
Abnormal skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation can present in many forms. This includes hormonal pigmentation such as melasma, or environmental pigmentation such as liver spots, age spots, sun damage, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Hypopigmentation is where there is a loss of skin colour in patches of the skin. This can be seen in conditions such as Vitiligo where patches of skin appear white due to loss of pigment.
Skin pigmentation is typically flat in appearance and varies in size, occurring mainly on the face, chest, back and hands. It is a common and usually harmless condition, in which small areas of the skin become darker in colour due to a build-up of melanin in one area.
Please get in touch to book a pigmentation treatment at our luxury skin and aesthetics clinic in Bishops Waltham.
What causes Pigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is directly influenced by an increase in melanin. Melanin is a pigment found in the skin that determines its overall colour. The colour of your skin and hair is determined by the amount of melanin, which is naturally produced by pigment cells (melanocytes) at the base of the epidermis.
Hyperpigmentation is where patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding skin. Melanin plays a critical role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays. A variety of genetic and environmental factors are involved in the body’s regulation of melanin. Because of this, excessive or deficient amounts of melanin create hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is often associated with ageing or sun damage and can make sufferers feel more self-conscious about their appearance.
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.
While the condition is not harmful, it can be difficult to treat and difficult to cover up. Pigmentation is not necessarily permanent as the effects can be reversed with a good skincare regime and a course of treatments.
Pigmentation treatments
Chemical Peels
The Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel works to eliminate hyperpigmentation as well as completely prevent it’s return. This treatment targets all types of pigmentation including hormone-induced pigmentation such as: melasma, chloasma and superficial pigmentation like sun damage, freckles, dark spots.
CryoPen®
The CryoPen® is an advanced cryotherapy innovation that is a fast, effective, safe solution for removal of benign skin lesions including pigmentation, sun damage and age spots.
Hydrafacial®
Using targeting Boosters during the Hydrafacial treatment we can minimise the look of Hyperpigmentation, achieve a brightened, balanced and smooth skin and increase skin cell turnover to remove old pigment.
Skinpen® Microneedling
Our Microneedling device, SkinPen Precision has been clinically proved to improve Dyschromia disorders such as Melasma, Vitiligo and Sun or Age Spots.
Dermalux® LED
The Dermalux Red 633nm and NIR 830nm LED Phototherapy targets Hyperpigmentation, sun-induced age spots and uneven skin tone as well as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation such as acne scars to reduce inflammation and restore a brighter, more even overall complexion.
Customised Skincare
A bespoke skincare regime using our medical-grade products can be extremely effective at treating Pigmentation. Our prescription only Obagi Nu Derm System is especially effective for stubborn pigment.
Skin Health Supplements
Our Advanced Nutrition supplements Skin Even IQ system is designed to even skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and deliver a radiant complexion.