Different skin pigmentation issues

Skin pigmentation issues change the appearance of the skin in a number of different ways, depending on the cause. This change in appearance can have a negative impact on self esteem and confidence. So what are the different skin pigmentation issues, and how can these be resolved?

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the most common skin pigmentation issue, and this occurs when certain areas of the skin darken. This is due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. There are several different causes of this overproduction, and the different causes can lead to different issues.

What are the different skin pigmentation issues?

There are a number of different types of hyperpigmentation problems. Some of the most common types of skin pigmentation issues include:

Sun damage hyperpigmentation- This type of hyperpigmentation causes sunspots and is a result of overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. Over time, this prolonged UV exposure stimulates the body’s melanin production, causing dark patches to form. This is most often seen on areas that are most commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
Melasma hyperpigmentation- Melasma appears as large, symmetrical patches, usually on the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Although melasma can be triggered by UV exposure, it’s strongly linked to hormonal changes and is common during pregnancy (known as “the mask of pregnancy”) or when using hormonal contraceptives. Both sun exposure and hormonal changes can worsen melasma.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)- This type of skin pigmentation issue occurs following skin injury or inflammation, such as acne, eczema, or cuts. When the skin heals, it can leave behind darker spots in affected areas. PIH is more common in people with darker skin tones, as their melanin levels are naturally higher.

What are the effective treatment options for hyperpigmentation?

There are a number of different treatment options available for skin pigmentation problems. These include:

Topical treatments- these are skincare products that are directly applied to the affected skin to repair the damage and help to create a more uniform skin pigmentation. You should look for products with vitamin C, as this is known to brighten the skin by reducing melanin production and can be very effective for mild sun damage and PIH. You should also look for retinoid products, like retinol, as this can increase cell turnover, which helps hyperpigmentation areas to fade over time.
Chemical peels- these can be particularly effective for treating skin pigmentation problems. This is an aesthetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin and promote skin cell rejuvenation. As such, this can reduce the appearance of mild hyperpigmentation by removing the damaged outer layers of skin and allowing these to be replaced by fresh new skin cells of the right skin tone.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)- IPL therapy uses pulses of light to target and reduce hyperpigmentation within the skin. It is particularly effective for treating sunspots and freckles but is less effective on melasma, which may worsen with heat. Like chemical peels, it is essential that IPL is performed by a trained professional, like our team here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic.
Sun protection- while this isn’t exactly a treatment option, it is a vital protective measure. UV rays can exacerbate hyperpigmentation and undo progress made through treatments. Sun protection products with a high SPF (30 or above) that provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is recommended.

For professional treatment you can count on for your hyperpigmentation issues, we are the team for you. Here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, our trained professionals deliver a wide range of aesthetic treatments that can help to tackle skin pigmentation issues. Why not get in touch today for more information?