Pigmentation

WHAT IS PIGMENTATION?

Dr. Grace Kelly Aesthetic Skin Clinic commonly treats cases of hyperpigmentation – when the skin develops small dark patches, most often on the face, hands, shoulders and chest, making the skin’s appearance uneven in tone. Hyperpigmentation can appear in the form of sunspots (also known as age spots or solar lentigines), freckles or melasma. These conditions mainly cause an aesthetic concern for the affected person as pigmentation is not necessarily harmful.

When our clinic treats hypopigmentation, lighter patches of skin have developed on various areas of the face and body.

WHAT CAUSES PIGMENTATION?

Pigmentation is caused by a default in the production of melanin – the natural substance in the skin that provides the complexion with its distinctive colouring. When we talk about hyperpigmentation, we refer to an overproduction of melanin that builds up in the skin cells over time. The main contributor to an increase in melanin are the sun’s UV rays, although exposure to radiation and hormonal changes are other factors to consider. 

Hypopigmentation can occur when the skin becomes damaged, such as from burns or with acne scarring, and occurs when not enough melanin is produced – and is common when the skin repairs itself. If areas of lighter skin cover a larger area, it is advisable to visit your doctor to see if a medical condition is the likely cause.

HOW CAN THIS BE TREATED?

The approach we’ll use at Dr. Grace Kelly Aesthetic Skin Clinic will depend on your specific concerns, and where on the body pigmentation has occurred. Improving the health and condition of the skin through a recommended skincare regime can often help to replenish the skin’s cells and reduce the appearance of discolouration. Obagi Nu Derm is a medical skincare range that produces specific products aimed at pigmentation that Dr. Grace Kelly Aesthetic Skin Clinic can prescribe, specifically for you. In some cases we may suggest a more targeted approach with an appropriate in-clinic treatment that restores the tone of the skin by encouraging cellular renewal. This may include: laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling (SkinPen) and IPL skin rejuvenation.