PIGMENTATION AND MELASMA
Pigmentation refers to the ranges of colour in the skin. It can be simple freckles or age spots to larger blotches of discolouration as seen in melasma.
The cause of pigmentation varies from hormonal changes, sun exposure, trauma and genetic predisposition.
WHAT CAUSES PIGMENTATION
Our skin has cells called melanocytes, these are responsible for creating melanin, the pigment that controls the level of colour in the skin. High levels of melanin production cause darker skin and lower levels cause lighter skin.
Triggers for melanin production include sun exposure, heat, injury and hormones. These triggers cause melanin production in the deep layers of skin, which may slowly rise through the layers of the skin to create superficial pigmentation.
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Some pigmentation will not rise to the surface, making it difficult to treat as it sits deep in the layers of the skin.
COMMON TYPES OF PIGMENTATION
FRECKLES
Superficial pigmentation often triggered by heat and sun exposure and genetics.
SUNSPOTS OR SOLAR LENTIGO
A patch of flat darkened skin that generally occurs from chronic UVR exposure and sun damage.
AGE SPOTS
A thickened patch of darkened skin caused by sun exposure and age related changes in melanin production.
MELASMA
A symmetrical often blotchy pigmentation on the face with multifactorial causes including hormones and genetics and further triggered by heat and sun exposure. Often occurs in pregnancy.
VITILIGO
An auto immune disorder resulting in patches of hypopigmentation.
POST INFLAMMATORY HYPER OR HYPO PIGMENTATION
Pigmentary changes following trauma to the skin resulting in excess or cessation of melanin production by means of protection.
FRECKLES
AGE SPOTS
VITILIGO
SUNSPOTS
MELASMA
POST INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION
SKIN SCANS APPROACH
When treating pigmentation and melasma, treatment is specifically tailored to ensure long term results. This often means we opt to create a multi-modality treatment plan.
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Every new patient of Skin Scan requires a full cosmetic consultation that includes clinical photography and skin and medical assessment based on your concern and expectation. Your current skin care will be reviewed and your practitioner will tailor a treatment and at home care plan that is specific to you. If necessary, our cosmetic doctor may prescribe prescription medication.
