Pigmentation
KNOW ABOUT PIGMENTATIION
It is a fact that bright and flawlessly beautiful skin radiates youthfulness and freshness. Dark delimited spots on the skin are merely an annoyance. They are signs of disturbed pigment distribution in the epidermis.
Skin pigmentation disorder occurs in all of us – in the face, on the neckline, the back of the hands and the forearms. These include discoloured marks or brown spots, as well as pigmented patches of skin.
Your skin, hair and eyes get its colour from a pigment called melanin. When the cells responsible for producing melanin are healthy, your skin will appear normal and even however, when they become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. As a result, parts of your skin may turn lighter (hypo-pigmentation) or darker (hyper-pigmentation).
Reason for pigmentation.
A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. And it's produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in the body.
These days, taking care of the skin has become no less than a task. This is primarily because of the continuous exposure to the sun and pollution which has led to numerous skin problems. From skin tanning to stubborn pigmentation spots, there is no end to the types of skin problems that are occurring these days. Pigmentation occurs when dark spots are formed on the skin making it look dull and uneven. In order to get rid of those stubborn pigmentation spots.
Most often pigmentation affects only the outward appearance and is not indicative of any underlying health risks. For stubborn pigmentation like melasma, freckles, lentigenes, sunspots and dark circles laser treatment is really effective.
Laser treatment is one of the most advanced treatment removing unwanted pigmentation on the skin such as age spots, sun spots, and freckles. ... For deep pigmentation such as melasma, Active FX Laser Resurfacing is the skin pigmentation treatment of choice which can remove up to 80% of melanin in one treatment.
Lasers can treat,
· Freckles
· Sun Spots
· Hyperpigmentation
· Age spots (solar lentigines)
· Flat pigmented birthmarks (congenital melanocytic naevi)
Skin pigmentation marks are a build up of melanocytes (cells containing melanin) under the skin typically referred to as freckles and age spots on the hands, face and body areas. Different types of laser can be used depending on the type of pigmentation. If pigmentation is in superficial lesions, then the Laser Pigmentation Removal treatment is effective in removing pigmentation in as little as 1-3 treatments. The treatment will also depend on the area being treated, the type of pigmentation, and level of recovery time. Laser treatment is one of the most advanced treatments for removing unwanted pigmentation on the skin such as age spots, sun spots, and freckles.
Skin Pigmentation Removal with Laser is a quick, gentle and non-invasive treatment. This specially designed laser is absorbed only by the cells containing excessive concentrations of pigment. It does not affect the surrounding tissues or remove the normal skin colour. The light pulses produced by the laser can feel similar to the flicking of a rubber elastic band and for most people is not too uncomfortable. Immediate darkening is noticed after treatment. For 7-10 days the area will look like a dark scab which eventually sheds off.
For deep pigmentation such as melasma, Laser Resurfacing is the skin pigmentation treatment of choice which can remove up to 80% of melanin in one treatment. This can be done by Laser, which produces a wavelength of high energy light, which is then converted into heat energy. This can target the specific area of pigmentation because the laser is absorbed only by cells containing an excessive concentration of pigmentation. This causes efficient destruction while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged.
Benefits
· Can minimise and eliminate the appearance of pigmentation
· Treats body and facial areas
· Minimal side effects and recovery time
· Make-up can be worn after treatment
Pigmentation/ hyperpigmentation
Environmental factors, sunlight, ultraviolet rays, hormonal changes, and some medications all contribute to pigmentation changes. These can range from freckles, sunspots, age spots to melasma and can occur on the face or body at any age. When the body produces either too much or too little melanin, this results in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation which appears as a dark or light mark on the surface of the skin
However, any area of your face and body can be treated. The most common areas are face, neck, hands, chest and shoulders, which typically are the most exposed areas to the damaging effects of the sun. A minimum of 3 Laser Pigmentation Removal treatments to achieve the desired results. During your consultation, our technician or doctor will advise you on what to expect during your course of Laser Pigmentation Removal.
Generally eating the following can reduce pigmentation.
Potatoes – As they are known for their anti-pigmentation properties.
Coconut Oil – This oil helps replenish the dead skin cells and also protects it from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Papaya - It has excellent exfoliating properties.
Sandalwood.
Causes for Increased Skin Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes the skin to darken. It can occur in small patches, cover large areas, or affect the entire body. This condition usually isn’t harmful, but it can be a symptom of another medical condition.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation:
· Melasma - is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and develops during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body. They appear most commonly on the abdomen and face.
· Sunspots - also called liver spots or solar lentigines, are common. They’re related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots of hyperpigmentation on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.
· Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a result of an injury to the skin.
Sun spots, liver spots, freckles and other unwanted pigmentation are often associated with variety of reasons including skin ageing and sun damage caused by over exposure to the sun or sunbeds, genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions and trauma to the skin.
Symptoms of hyperpigmentation
Darkened areas of the skin are the only symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size and can develop anywhere on the body.
Sun exposure can increase melanin production. Greater exposure to the sun increases the risk of developing hyperpigmentation.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. And it’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in the body.
· Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation. In some of the study it is founded that some chemotherapy drugs can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
· Pregnancy changes hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women.
· Endocrine diseases, like Addison’s disease, disrupt hormone levels and can increase melanin production. Excessive sun exposure can also cause an increase in melanin.
Diagnosed.
At Slim & Shine Clinic doctors diagnose hyperpigmentation. They will take your medical history and examine physically to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy can rule out skin cancer.
Doctors relevant prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains hydroquinone, which bleaches skin. Utilizing retinoic acid also assists with lightening dark spots of the skin. Both of these medications can take a few months to lighten darkened areas.
Home care sometimes includes over-the-counter medications that may lighten dark spots. These medications don’t contain as much hydroquinone as prescription medications. Home care also includes using sunscreen.
Doctor may also suggest laser treatment to reduce hyperpigmentation.
Outlook for hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is not harmful and usually isn’t a sign of a serious medical condition. In some cases, darkened areas of the skin fade on their own. In others, the dark spots fade with treatment. Even if treatment can’t completely reverse hyperpigmentation, it may improve the condition.
Possible conditions for increased skin pigmentation
· Itching
· Rash
· Fatigue
· Unintentional Weight Loss
· Skin Lesion
· Skin Redness
· General Weakness
· Tired
· Weight Loss
· Blisters
· Skin Tenderness
· Swelling
How is hyperpigmentation prevented?
Consult Doctor for examination and proper treatment.
