PIGMENTATION

WHAT IS PIGMENTATION?

Pigmentation is the term that is used to describe discoloured skin. There are two types of this concern; hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is often thought of as an ageing related condition, and refers to skin that is darker in appearance. This type of pigmentation usually develops in small round patches, and most often affects areas such as: the face, neck, hands and shoulders.

Hypopigmentation shows as areas of skin that are lighter in tone. It can appear anywhere on the body and the discoloured sections may vary in size, often covering over a larger region.  

WHAT CAUSES PIGMENTATION?

Pigmentation occurs as a result of the production of melanin – the substance that gives the skin its natural tone. When hyperpigmentation develops it is a sign that too much melanin has been produced. This usually happens when the skin is exposed to the sun, which explains why the face, shoulders and hands are commonly affected. The skin cells darken over a long period of time, which accounts for people noticing this concern later in life. 

Hypopigmentation can be the result of injury or trauma to the skin, for example: when a person has experienced a burn or blistered skin. When its appearance is more significant, it may be due to an underlying medical condition which affects the natural production of melanin. In this case, medical advice may need to be sought.  

HOW CAN I TREAT PIGMENTATION?

The Facebible can safely and effectively treat hyperpigmentation, using a laser to reduce its appearance. We apply the laser directly to the area of pigmentation to help eliminate the damaged cells, which will eventually rise to the surface and fall off. This treatment can be especially successful when used to erase sun spots on the hands.

The application of leading chemical peels, such as Obagi TCA Blue Peel, can resurface the skin and reveal a new surface layer that is more even in tone, with bespoke peels being gentle enough to also address the eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles. When specifically targeting hyperpigmentation, Cosmelan Peels are particularly effective.