Types of Skin Pigmentation
What is skin pigmentation? Excessive skin pigmentation is a result of abnormal production and deposits of melanin by the melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells, and the number of melanocytes present in our skin will determine our skin colour. Production of melanin is dependent on UV or sun exposure, and is a natural protective mechanism of the skin. The Melrose Aesthetic Centre offers treatments for skin pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation, or areas that are darker than the rest of the skin, result from excess melanin production and deposits. What causes excessive skin pigmentation? Excess skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is usually caused by an overwhelming of the melanin-protective system. This leads to excess production and clumping of melanin, and the appearance of brown or darker spots of pigmentation in the skin.
Reasons for skin pigmentation problems are:
- UV radiation - in most cases, especially in areas of high UV radiation levels like Australia, skin pigmentation problems can be caused by excessive UV or sun exposure.
- Hormonal - as seen in melasma or chloasma that is a type of pigmentation usually caused by pregnancy or the pill.
- Trauma to the skin - this can be a result of physical trauma to the skin, chemical peels, laser treatments, or acne. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Birthmarks and acquired pigmentation - skin pigmentation can be present at birth (birthmarks), appear in childhood, or adulthood. Examples of these include; congenital melanocytic naevus, cafe au lait spots, spilus naevus, hori's macules, and naevus of ota.
What are my options for treating skin pigmentation?
Essentially, hyperpigmentation can be treated with topical lightening creams, or lasers. The main difference between the two is that lasers can produce a faster and more effective result in most cases. Topical lightening agents usually only fade pigmentation rather than remove it completely. The mode of treatment used will depend on the type of pigmentation being treated, and the Aesthetician will determine the most effective optipns. Pigmentation can be treated on any part of the body including the; face, neck, hands, back, chest, arms, legs, and shoulders.
How can skin pigmentation be treated with lasers?
Some lasers can be used for the treatment of skin pigmentation and have minimal or no impact on normal skin. This is possible due to the process of selective photothermolysis. This is a term that describes how a particular laser wavelength is attracted to pigmented lesions, and only minimally to the normal skin to allow selective removal of a lesion. This allows the laser to selectively disrupt the pigment with minimal or no damage to surrounding skin. The Sciton BBL™ broadband light technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent results in photorejuvenation therapy. By selecting the appropriate wavelength or filter, your Aesthetic Specialist will be able to treat a broad range of skin conditions caused by skin aging and sun exposure. Your skin will be smoother, more vibrant and it will have a more youthful appearance as a result.
The light energy delivered by the BBL™ will gently heat up the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to generate new collagen. This will help restore your skin to its natural beauty, blending its natural colours and making it smoother, vibrant and younger-looking. In addition the photothermal energy will target and eliminate many of the fine vessels that cause redness and the unwanted melanin responsible for pigmented lesions. Contact The Melrose Aesthetic Centre to set up a consultation, and discuss your condition, and the best treatments with them, and let the pigmentation problems that may plague you become a thing of the past.
