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Skin pigmentation is a common skin concern that affects the appearance and self-confidence of many people. Whether it’s a dull complexion, skin discolouration or mole tattoos, modern aesthetic medicine offers a variety of solutions. From the use of skin whitening products and procedures to laser treatments and medications, people can find ways to improve their skin pigmentation and restore their confidence and beauty.
Skin Hyperpigmentation
Skin hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin conditions affecting people of all ages, it presents itself as patches of skin which are unusually darker than the surrounding skin. It is as a result of excess melanin(pigment) within the skin, either can be due to an increased production of melanin or from increase number of pigment cells (melanocytes). The major causes of hyperpigmentation are prolonged exposure to sun, inherited factors, stress and hormone fluctuations. Skin hyperpigmentation presents itself in various forms, the common forms are freckles, liver spots, hori macules and chloasma (which is also known as melasma).
Freckles are small flat brown marks arising on the face and other sun exposed areas. Skin pigment (melanin) is produce more when exposed to the sun. The melanin is diffused into the surrounding skin cells, called keratinocytes. The brown colour of freckles is due to localised accumulation of melanin in keratinocytes. The severity and size of the freckles are directly proportional to the amount of sun damage.
Lentigines (Age spots) are small, tan-brown pigmented, flat or slightly raised spot with a clearly defined edge that is surrounded by normal-appearing skin. This condition usually occurs on the face, arms or hands as these are the areas most exposed to the sun. Age spots are also known as sun spots. This form of hyperpigmentation comes about as a result of extreme exposure to the sun. The ultraviolet rays that the sun gives off will accelerate the production of pigment that leads to localised proliferation of pigmented cells (melanocytes). And as we age, the melanin accumulating in your skin over the years will cause these spots.
Hori’s nevus is one of the most commonly acquired dermal facial hyperpigmentation condition among Asian women. It is characterized by multiple brown–gray to brown–blue macules, primarily in the malar region on both side of the face, it can also appears on the forehead and eyelids. It is also known as “Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM)”. The cause is unknown, but it occurs predominantly in female during puberty, early reproductive period, and menopause. Researchers suggest hormones play a part in their development.
Melasma is another form of hyperpigmentation (Also known as “Chlosama” or the mask of pregnancy), it is a tan or dark skin discoloration which is usually found on the face and have an irregular border. It is particularly common in women and occurs on both sides of the cheeks symmetically. The cause of melasma remains unknown, but it is thought to be a hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It is more common in pregnant women, women on birth control pills and women taking hormonal therapy during menopause, but it can also be a reaction to cosmetics or medications. Melasma can be associated with excess sun exposure as well as hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone. Besides, stress, mood swing can trigger darkening and spreading of the condition.
Related Treatments:
After Care and Prevention
Sun protection is an effective and crucial way for pigments prevention. During treatments, try to keep in the shade and put on a broad-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella if outdoors. The use of sunscreen is of paramount importance, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50PA+++) to cover up the whole face for daily protection, even if you stay indoor all day long, as some indoor lighting and some UV rays do come through window glass. Without daily use of sunscreen and sun avoidance, treatment will fail. Some treatments may have to be continually performed to sustain results and prevention, such as applying topical medication such as hydroquinone or skin lightening agent like etioline on a regular basis.
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