Pigmentation and dark spots can affect the skin anywhere on your body, but it’s most common on areas that are exposed to the sun frequently, like your face and hands.
If you struggle with uneven skin tone or dark patches/spots that won’t fade, this could be what’s called hyperpigmentation – more on that in a minute.
The good news is, there are treatments designed for pigmentation, which can help achieve clearer, brighter skin.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation basically means the colouring of your skin and is determined by the amount of melanin you produce and how it’s distributed across your skin.
When we talk about pigmentation, what we’re usually referring to is actually hyperpigmentation. This is when dark spots, areas or patches form due to an excess of melanin production. It’s these dark areas that can often cause concern or embarrassment, especially as they are usually areas that are exposed most of the time, and therefore visible to others.
Sometimes you will hear people talking about melasma, this is a type of hyperpigmentation specifically on the face.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
There are a number of causes of hyperpigmentation, some of which are more avoidable than others, below is a list of the main causes we see in the clinic.
Sun Damage: UV rays trigger excessive melanin production (that’s how you get a tan) which is your skins way of trying to protect itself. Prolonged and regular exposure to the sun can cause sunspots, especially on your face, hands and arms. On the face, commons places for dark patches tend to be on areas like the forehead, upper lip and cheeks. When it comes to preventing sun damage, wearing a high quality, high protection SPF every day helps.
Hormones: Melasma is a type of pigmentation that is caused by hormonal changes. This is sometimes referred to as ‘pregnancy mask’ in those who are pregnant. Other hormonal changes in women include menopause and the use of some contraceptives.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is when dark areas or dark spots develop after a trauma to the skin, this can include things like acne scarring, cuts and burns and is most common in those with darker skin tones.
Ageing: As we age, dark spots are more likely to appear. These patches are often referred to as age spots or liver spots (even though they have nothing to do with your liver).
Medical Conditions and Medications: Some medical conditions and treatments can cause pigmentation issues. These can include chemotherapy and Addison’s disease.
Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spot Treatments in Christchurch
When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots, there are lots of options to help you achieve a more even skin tone – from in clinic treatments to specialist skincare products. The right treatment for you will depend on the type and severity of the pigmentation you are experiencing.
These are some of the treatments we provide at Christchurch Derma Spa, that can help reduce pigmentation and make you feel more confident:
Chemical Peels – These can help with pigmentation as they remove the top layer of skin, helping darker patches to fade more quickly. Chemical peels can be a great option for mild to moderate hyperpigmentation.
Microdermabrasion – This treatment can help reduce hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the skin and encouraging new skin cell growth.
IPL Laser – IPL laser treatments can target and remove skin cells that are affected by pigmentation. Laser is a good option for those with more severe or stubborn pigmentation.
Skincare Products – AlumierMD Skincare for Discolouration range is brilliant for anyone with mild pigmentation, or if you want to manage things on a more long term basis. I’d be happy to make recommendations based on your skin type / pigmentation, just book a consultation with me and we can discuss what’s right for you.
Not all treatments are suitable for all patients, so you will need to have a consultation first to discuss the right treatment plan for you and your skin.
If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation or dark spots and would like some support, please book a consultation here and we can discuss the treatment options that would be best for you.
