PIGMENTATION

As Indians we pigment easier than we wrinkle. This is the number one skin problem faced by majority of us due to our location between the tropics. Direct rays of the sun cause havoc to our skin and result in dark spots, age spots, tanning and various other forms of pigmentation. At The AgeLess Clinic we specialise in pigmentation related treatments to give you clear even toned skin.

WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Is your natural beauty hidden behind a mask of dark, irregular patches on the upper-cheek, the nose, lips, upperlip, and/or your forehead? Would you prefer lighter / brighter skin?A pigment called melanin adds to and determines the colour of our skin. Overproduction of melanin causes a medical condition hyperpigmentation sometimes also simply referened to as pigmentation. Generally it is harmless but from a cosmetic and aesthetic point of view it’s a nuisance. Hyperpigmentation is the result of either an abnormally high concentration of melanocytes that produce melanin or when melanocytes are hyperactive. For example prolonged exposure to the sun results in an over production of melanin resulting in tanning which is a form of pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body including the face, hands, and neck.

TYPES OF PIGMENTATION

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – This results from increased melanin production due to a number of reasons including acne, dermatitis, skin injury, infections, allergic reactions, medications, or certain diseases.

Melasma/Chloasma Faciei – This can affect both men and women, although it is most prevalent among women. It is most commonly found in women who are pregnant, using the contraceptive pill, or receiving hormone replacement therapy it is also sometimes called “pregnancy mask”. Melasma is commonly found on the cheek, nose, lips, and forehead.

Birthmarks - These are an irregular blemishes on the skin which are found at birth or develop a few weeks after birth, and can be characterized as two distinct types:

Pigmented birthmarks – these birthmarks are a result of the pigment-producing melanocytes and can include moles, cafe-au-lait spots, and Mongolian spots. They can range from blues to dark browns, depending on the type of birthmark.

Vascular birthmarks – these are caused by a vascular abnormality in the skin’s capillaries or a growth of vascular cells on the surface of the skin. Vascular birthmarks include macular stains, hemangiomas, and Port-wine stains.

Freckles – These are caused by small clusters of concentrated melanin which darken once they are exposed to sunlight. Although freckles can occur on any skin colour, it is more commonly found on people with fair skin complexions.

Liver Spots/Age Spots – Liver spots, also known as solar lentigos, are a form of skin pigmentation most associated with ageing and exposure to UV light. This is most common in people over the age of 40, as our skin begins to lose its ability to repair damage caused by sun/UV exposure. Liver spots are most commonly found on areas of skin most exposed to the sun – hands, arms, face and back, and are characterized by uneven patches of light brown to black skin pigment.

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation / Pigmentation at The Ageless Clinic: