Abnormal discoloring of the skin is called Pigmentation. Your skin color is totally based upon the skin cells and melanin is the substance that is produced by these skin cells. Damaged and unhealthy cells affect the production of melanin and cause pigmentation & patchy skin.
Skin pigmentation issues can be medically treated through a number of different procedures that may either fade or erase dark or light areas. People of any skin type or tone can suffer from a number of skin pigmentation issues that cause discoloration, dark spots on face, irregular pigmentation, and extreme freckling. While some of these issues are genetic, others can be caused by environmental factors or when the body produces too much melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
How is skin pigmentation disorders treated?
Some cases of skin discoloration are curable, while others can be alleviated with consistent treatment. The most common treatments that our dermatologists will recommend are topical creams, pills, and in some cases, laser therapy but it may take some time for the results to show.
The different types of pigmentation problems
- Lentigo, is also called age spots if it is mainly due to the intrinsic aging of the skin, or solar lentigo if it is caused by regular and considerable sun exposure.
- Melasma, generally due to hormone imbalances. This can occur when taking certain medicines or can be caused by sun exposure during pregnancy when no protection is worn. This is called pregnancy mask.
- Ephelides also called Liver spots,
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation, following an acne spot for example. The mark is then due to an excess of melanin produced by the inflammation.
What are the causes of skin pigmentation?
There are many factors contributing to pigmentation. Here’s the list of few prominent factors:
- Due to excessive exposure to the sun
- Allergic reaction
- Hormonal changes
- Facial hair removal in an appropriate way
- Excessive exposure to the sun.
- Skin damage from the injury.
- Improper hair removal.
- Genetic predisposition.
How to Treat Pigmentation Disorders?
The most common treatments that our dermatologists will recommend are topical creams, pills, and in some cases, laser therapy, Just as how micro-needling can promote that youthful glow to your skin, pigmentation treatments help maintain beautiful skin by removing your dark spots.