WHAT CAUSES PIGMENTATION

Pigmentation refers to the color of your skin, hair, eyes, and other parts of the body. The amount of melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes, determines the color of these body parts. People with little melanin have fair skin, while those with more melanin have darker skin. However, disruptions in melanin production can lead to pigmentation problems, resulting in skin deficiencies such as freckles, rosacea, melasma, age spots, and acne marks. While pigmentation is generally harmless, it can cause self-consciousness for those who experience it. There are different types of pigmentation, and each has its own unique characteristics, causes, and treatment options. Melasma, for example, is a type of pigmentation that affects mostly women and can be caused by hormonal changes, pregnancy, and sun exposure. It manifests as dark patches on the face, and while it is not harmful, it can be challenging to treat.

• Melasma Melasma or chloasma is pigmentation that is deeper in the skin’s dermis. It manifests as irregular patches of darker brown discolouration, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and lips. It is more common in women and can be aggravated by UV exposure, stress and hormonal changes.
• Freckles Freckles are another common type of pigmentation disorder, especially among people with fair skin. These small, flat spots are usually tan or light brown and may appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face and arms. They are caused by an increase in melanin production in response to exposure to sunlight.
• Birthmarks Birthmarks can be broadly categorized into vascular (red) or pigmentation (brown) birthmarks, with the former caused by a localized area of abnormal blood vessels and the latter from localized areas of excessive pigmentation.
• Solar Lentigines Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown spots that appear on the skin as people age. They are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun and tend to appear on areas of the body that are most frequently exposed, such as the face, hands, and arms.
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common type of pigmentation disorder that occurs as a result of skin injury or inflammation. It is often seen in people with acne, but can also be caused by other types of skin trauma, such as cuts, burns, or abrasions. PIH typically appears as dark brown or red spots on the skin and can take several months to fade on its own.
• Hori’s Naevus Hori’s naevus is an acquired benign dermal melanocytosis that appears as a small macular hyperpigmentation on the face, particularly on the malar areas and both sides of the forehead, with a blotchy grey to blue color.

• Prevention of pigmentation: It’s important to take preventive measures to avoid pigmentation. The best way to do this is to avoid excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those caused by birth control pills, should be discussed with a healthcare provider to avoid worsening of melasma.
• Treatment options: certain skincare products, such as those containing vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids, may help reduce the appearance of pigmentation. In some cases, clinical treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser, and IPL may be necessary to treat pigmentation disorders.
• Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can also help prevent and reduce pigmentation, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help improve skin health and reduce the risk of pigmentation.
• Psychological impact: Pigmentation can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. It’s important to address the emotional and psychological impact of pigmentation and seek support from a healthcare provider if necessary.
• Importance of regular skin checks: Pigmentation can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer. It’s important to regularly check your skin for any changes in color or appearance and to seek medical attention if you notice anything unusual. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

By addressing the causes of pigmentation, taking preventive measures, and seeking appropriate treatment, it’s possible to improve the appearance of the skin and boost overall skin health. Consulting with your aesthetic doctor is recommended to determine the best course of treatment for individual cases.