Pigmentation FAQs
What Is Pigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.
Age or "liver" spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They occur due to sun damage. These small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the "mask of pregnancy" on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas.
Freckles are small brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face and arms. Freckles are an inherited characteristic.
Freckles, age spots, and other darkened skin patches can become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. This happens because melanin absorbs the energy of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect the skin from overexposure.
The usual result of this process is skin tanning, which tends to darken areas that are already hyperpigmented.
Who It Affects?
It can affect anyone but from our experience, we find that it hits individuals who are unable to tan easily, the hardest.
Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If one is really bothered by the pigment, the birth control pills should be stopped.
Changes in skin color can result from outside causes. For example, acne may leave dark spots after the condition clears. Other causes of dark spots are injuries to the skin, including some cuts & surgeries.
Treatment FAQs
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes it can. Wear a sunscreen. The sunscreen must be "broad spectrum" (i.e. it blocks both UVA and UVB). A single day of excess sun can undo months of treatment.
How We Treat Pigmentation
There are a number of proven methods that we employ as a standalone or in tandem in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, namely:
- Intense Pulsed Light
- Advanced Fluorescent Technology
- Chemical Peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Hydroquinone
- Botonical-based skin lighteners using ingredients such as licorice extracts and azelaic acid
The modality that we use in treating pigmentation depends on the nature of the pigmentation, an individual's Skin Type and their expectation./p>
How do I know which treatments or products are suitable for me?
Great question! We show our clients how to save money and time by categorizing them into one of 16 possible Skin Types, with each Skin Type uniquely suitable for certain products and treatments that do not necessarily have to be the most expensive ones available.
Our facility is the only one to offer such a benefit and you also have the option of completing your treatment with Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, the only makeup that heals skin while giving wonderful coverage. We have a full size testing counter that is always buzzing with clients trying out this alternative to the traditionally heavier liquid and cream based products.
Read our blog for the latest pigmentation case studies and techniques.
Before And After Testimonials
