Pigmentation Treatment
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can occur in people of any race and appears on all areas of the face including forehead, chin, cheeks as well as hands and other areas of the body.
Skin pigmentation depends upon different factors :
- Duration and frequency of exposure to UV and sun.
- Skin aging that renders skin more susceptible to skin pigmentation.
- Hormonal factors that activate the production of melanin
- Genetic factors that control susceptibility.
- Some medications such as anti-depressants increase photosensitivity of the skin.
Types of pigmentation
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Freckles
- Sun spots
Liver spots, also called lentigines or age spots, are sharply defined, rounded, brown or black, flat patches of skin. The epidermis (top surface layer) is expanding with more pigment, developing what looks like a large freckle. One may appear by itself, or as a few clustered together.
Melasma are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the "mask of pregnancy" on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation.
Freckles can be found on anyone no matter their genetic background; however, having freckles is genetic. The formation of freckles is triggered by exposure to sunlight and UV-B rays that activate melanocytes to increase melanin production, which can cause freckles to become darker. Freckles are predominantly found on the face, although they may appear on any other area.
Many women and men notice uneven coloration of facial skin as the years pass. There may be large areas of discoloration or scattered splotches and blotches. It may be more pronounced over the lip or the cheeks. Sun exposure and genetics are major contributors.
What Dr Fam can do for you?
- Elemination of the source of your pigmentation.
- Skin treatment that includes special chemical peel, microdermabrasion and products.
- Laser skin treatment based on the type of pigmentation you have.
- Special home care regimen that includes TheraLite.
- Results start to be seen after 14 days from the first treatment.