Pigmentation
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation means colouring. Uneven pigmentation of the skin, where a patch of skin that appears darker than the surounding area, is called hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the cells that create melanin, a natural pigment in the body that give colour to hair, skin and eyes, is activated either from being damaged or because they are unhealthy.
Pigmentation - what's in a name?
Pigmentation is known by many names, though the official term is hyperpigmentation.
- Sun spots, brown spots and sun damage
Most often seen as uneven skin tone, and characterised by uneven brown and tan patches on the face, hands, décolletage and shoulders. It's caused by overexposure to the sun over a period of years and can be identifed in the lower layers of the skin before it's seen on the epidermis. Sun damages is one of the easiest forms of pigmentation to treat.
- Freckles
Very small melanin patches, medically termed 'ephelis / ephelides', found on all ages groups, though rarely on infants. They are thought to develop as a result of a combination of genetic tendency (inheritance) and sun exposure. Freckles often fade during the winter months but become more prominent during the summer with increased exposure to the sun. They can be found all over the body but most commonly appear on the face, upper back and shoulders, particularly on people with light skin and hair colouring.
- Melasma
Tan, brown or grey-brown patches most commonly found on the face, normally in a symmetrical pattern, most notably on the forehead, nose and cheeks. A common skin condition, also called 'chloasma', that affects adults, particularly females, with darker skin tones. Melasma often fades during the winter months but becomes more noticeable during the summer with increased exposure to the sun, but it is not caused by the sun.
- Lentigo and age spots
A pigmented flat or slightly raised lesion with a clearly defined edge. Lentigines can affect males and females of all ages and races, but are most commonly found on the elderly and often called age spots or liver spots. They are caused by sun damage (including sunburn) indoor tanning and phototherapy. Unlike an ephilis (freckle), it does not fade in the winter months.
WHY DO WE GET IT?
There are many reasons for the occurrence of skin pigmentation including hormonal changes in the body, overexposure to the sun, genetic factors and injury or trauma.
- Hormonal
Melasma is a very common hormonal pigmentation. Most frequently found in women, the exact cause is not known but several factors have been identified as a contributing factor including hormonal changes e.g. pregnancy or medication; cosmetics e.g. perfume and even some foods e.g. soy milk.
- Sun damage
Prolonged exposure to the sun with little to no protection to the UVA and UVB infrared rays activates melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer (the stratum basale) of the skin's epidermis which cause pigmentation.
- Genetic factors
Some, though not all, forms of pigmentation are hereditary either as a result of inherited skin tone or from a genetic disorder.
- Injury / trauma
Known as Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation, PIH, it is a pigmentation caused by an injury or inflammation of the skin being exposed to sunlight. Though normally temporary, often fading after 18 months, PIH as a result of a sever injury may be permanent without treatment. Acne and Rosacea can cause Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
PREVENTION AND REDUCTION
It is difficult to prevent pigmentation, particularly if it’s the result of pregnancy or having a genetic condition. But pigmentation caused by the sun’s harmful rays can be prevented and reduced simply by wearing SPF (sun protection factor) every day, avoiding being in direct sunlight for long periods of time and not using sun beds. Remember, a single day of heavy sun can undo months of skin brightening treatments.
EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
Pigmentation and uneven skin tone is not something you have to live with, ti can often be treated to reduce the appearance.At The Harley Medical Group, we offer several of the best treatments available to reverse the effects of pigmentation on the skin.
SKINBRITE PIGMENTATION PEEL
Our pigmentation peel is clinically designed to treat pigmentation in all layers of the skin and prevent it from returning. The many benefits include:
- Brighten and evens skin tone
- Helps prevent UV rays from damaging the skin
- Promotes epidermal regeneration
- Calms and protects the skin with botanical extracts
OBagi Nu Derm Skin Care and Blue Skin Peels
A leading deep rejuvenation treatment which helps eliminate blemishes, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage whilst increasing overall texture and tightness.
- Stimulates the creation of new cells
- Supports the body’s natural regeneration and rejuvenation processes
- Tones and balances the skin
- Protect the surface of skin from the penetrating and harmful rays of the sun
Pigmentation Homecare
To ensure you get optimum results we highly recommend a good daily home care routine. Your practitioner will a design bespoke skincare package tailored to your specific needs which may include some of the following products:
SkinBrite Cream
Lightweight and moisturizing, this brightening cream uses Chromabright™ and BV-OSC to help fade pigmentation and quell melanin for an even, glowing skin tone. Safe for sensitized skin, our non-hydroquinone, non-AHA cream uses Liquorice Root extract and soothing antioxidants to nourish and keep skin carefree.
- Boasts anti-ageing properties similar to the effects of Retinol
- Hydrating and brightening
- An ideal antioxidant cream for drier skin types
SKINBRITE Serum
Be enlightened by our SkinBrite Serum, formulated with Chromabright™, AHAs and botanical brighteners that diminish and prevent discoloration. Our serum is mindfully blended to boost skin’s moisture levels while restoring balance for a more radiant and even skin tone.
- Provide intense exfoliation without the irritation usually associated with Retinol
- A vividly brightening serum which absorbs UV rays
Due to the highly active ingredients in our SkinBrite Serum in can only be purchased from your local clinic, where our expert team will be able to advise you of usage.
LET US HELP
Our years of experience in the field of Cosmetic Surgery ensure that you can rely on The Harley Medical Group to assist you with a tailored treatment programme for pigmentation. We offer free consultations with qualified Medical Professionals, as well as a thorough after care service to ensure that your experience is positive throughout your entire journey.