PIGMENTATION | SUN SPOTS | RED VEINS

If your body is producing too much melanin, your skin will get darker. Certain conditions such as pregnancy, Addison’s disease and sun exposure can make your skin darker. Conversely, if your body makes too little melanin, your skin becomes lighter. This can happen in conditions such as Vitiligo. 

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Types of pigmentation:

 

Pigmented spots, also known as sun or age spots, are usually caused by sun exposure and therefore arise in areas exposed to the sun such as the face, hands and arms. They appear as small dark patches of skin. It is caused by the overproduction of melanin in order to protect the skin from sun damage.

 

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a form of pigmentation usually on the face. It can occur due to hormonal influences such as pregnancy and birth control pills causing large, irregular dark areas on the face and stomach.

 

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur when a skin injury or trauma heals and leaves a flat area of discolouration behind.

 

How can I prevent pigmentation?

 

It I difficult to prevent pigmentation, especially in cases where it is genetically or hormonally related; however there are certain steps that can be taken to minimise its appearance.

 

• Refrain from long term sun exposure

• Wearing a high SPF (at least 30)

• Professional treatments

 

Treatment for pigmentation:

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• Chemical peel

• Lumecca – a power IPL treatment that can help combat the effects of pigmentation, melasma, spider veins and redness.

 

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