Pigmentation

Unwanted or Hyper-pigmentation is a darkened patch of skin that occurs due to the over production of melanin (pigment).

Unwanted pigmentation can be caused by internal factors like hormonal changes (melasma) or external factors. Sun exposure is the largest contributing factor and leads to freckles and solar lentigenes.

Unwanted pigmentation can also occur after injury to the skin (post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH) and age or liver spots).

Unwanted Pigmentation and Pigmentation Treatment

Unwanted pigmentation known as Melasma occur on sun exposed skin and are associated with hormonal changes often developing during pregnancy (chloasma). Darker patches of skin appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks or above the upper lip and can cover 10% t0 90% of the face. Melasma can be in the superficial or very deep skin layers or both.

10% of melasma sufferers are men.

Age spots — also called liver spots and solar lentigines — are flat tan, brown or black spots. They vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms — areas most exposed to the sun.

Age spots are very common in adults older than age 50. But, younger people can get them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun. Although age spots can look like cancer, true age spots are harmless but for cosmetic reasons you may wish to address your unwanted pigmentation.

Pigmentation Treatment in the beauty salon is often unsuccessful when the pigmentation is very deep. If you have Melasma a medical, medium-deep skin peel such as the Vi (Vitality Institute) Peel is an excellent choice for addressing your unwanted pigmentation. Age spots can also be lightened with skin-bleaching products and systems including Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Transformation.

Preventing age spots — by practicing sun-avoidance and using a good sunscreen — may be the easiest way to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance. Prescription skin care with high sun protection factors are available for purchase:

• Sunsense                                                 £22
• Obagi Nu-Derm Sun-Shield SPF 50  £55 

For more information on pigmentation treatment contact Chérie on 07787686253