Skin Pigmentation

Understanding Skin Pigmentation Problems


 People of any skin type or tone can suffer from a number of skin pigmentation issues that cause discolouration, dark spots on face, irregular pigmentation, and extreme freckling. While some of these issues are genetic, others can be caused by environmental factors or when the body produces too much melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its colour. Skin pigmentation issues can be medically treated through a number of different procedures that may either fade or erase dark or light areas. Many of these procedures can be done on an outpatient basis and allow those who undergo them to avoid a lengthy hospital stay. Any individual who has skin pigmentation issues should make an effort to understand the root cause of the problem, in order to select the best treatment option, and clearly understand any long-term side effects associated with these treatments.

 The Causes of Skin Pigmentation Problems

DNA and the genes that people inherit from their parents determine the colour of their skin and how much melanin it contains. However, skin pigmentation can change due to controllable factors such as UV exposure from the sun and from tanning booths, or the use of long-term use of harsh skin cleansers or brighteners.

Problems from underlying skin conditions like melasma and vitiligo, can also lead to pigmentation problems. In such cases, the skin pigmentation issue is almost always caused by production of either too much or too little melanin. Melasma often occurs in expectant mothers when hormone surges cause an increase in skin pigmentation, but it can happen to almost anyone. Vitiligo, which causes a depigmentation of the skin, usually occurs in people with darker skin and is more common in women who are pregnant and young people because of shifts in hormone levels.

These skin pigmentation problems are not the only cause of uneven skin tone. Age spots or other dark spots which are caused by exposure to the sun, can also disrupt proper pigmentation. Harsh chemical peels that contain glycolic acids and other chemicals that remove layers of dead skin can also cause dark or light blotches to appear over time, especially if they are used often. However, not all skin pigmentation problems can be prevented, and when they occur, there are several medical treatments that may help.

Skin Pigmentation Treatments

Some skin pigmentation issues can be treated medically, on an outpatient basis, with a number of procedures. While age spots and dark spots on the face that are caused by sun exposure are usually responsive to laser treatment, melasma does not seem to fade with laser treatment and may only absorb the light and grow darker.

Patients who suffer from melasma may find that microdermabrasion and prescription facial peels will fade the dark blotches on their skin more effectively than lasers, and these procedures have a low instance of side effects as well. Those who are considering these skin pigmentation treatments should understand that they are often considered to be cosmetic treatments and may not be covered under insurance. While not everyone will experience the side effects that may occur, others who have sensitive or thin skin should be aware of that possibility.

Side Effects of Skin Pigmentation Treatment

While most skin pigmentation treatments are either harmless or mildly irritating, there are other side effects that may occur. The most common one that is reported with laser treatments is a stinging or snapping sensation against the skin during the procedure and then redness and irritation for approximately 24 hours afterwards. Microdermabrasion treatments may also cause irritation, redness, and in some cases, swelling, depending on the depth of the treatment. Any individual who is considering these skin pigmentation treatment options should discuss their medical history with their dermatologist in order to make an educated decision tailored to their specific skin type.

9 replies
  1. Lauren
    Lauren says:

    After my pregnancy I was advised by my doctor that i have skin pigmentation problems. I have used a range of creams to assist me with my skin pigmentation problems but none seem to help.

    Can you recommend other skin pigmentation treatments?

    Reply
    • SJ
      SJ says:

      I highly recommend cosmelan or dermelan peels. They’re expensive but effective. Also fractional resurfacing, you’ll need 3 or so treatments and that will cost around $800 as do the peels…

  2. Sammie
    Sammie says:

    I believe that in my case, the skin pigmentation causes are the exposure to sun,and not using sunscreen, as well as chemical peels. Although, it’s my own fault, not using the sunscreen, I admit I still don’t like the marks on my face. It makes me look so much older than I really am. I remember when i was a child my grandmother used to have spots like that. So, that image quite disturbed me. I googled how to remove skin pigmentation, and came across a wonderful clinic in Sydney, that will do just that. With the most top-notch laser treatment. I’ve had a session done already, and I don’t really see much difference, yet. But i I do have patience. I can say as far as the so-called PAIN is concerned, I don’t feel it. I felt a bit of tightness, sort of like stinging, but that didn’t really last for long, maybe two, three hours… I say go for it, whoever has something against their skin aging spots or sun spots… These doctors today can do anything.

    Reply
  3. hannah
    hannah says:

    I was wondering how to fix skin pigmentation, until I stumbled upon this article. I have to say, first and foremost, that is wonderfully concise and informative. All the facts in one place, no jibber jabber. Basically, the truth. Now, there are a few things unanswered, but for every little detail, I think everyone should schedule a consultation with a clinic. It is what they are there for. Or dial their number and check with a specialist about any doubts you might have.

    I’ve set my eyes on treatment with laser for skin pigmentation, hoping it will work. I don’t have a severe issue of skin pigmentation, no. I have dark spots around my face and of course the persistent sunspots. I thought these could be treated with the ordinary chemical peel, but turns out, they are hard-core. Going in for my first treatment soon, but I am quite confident judging by this article that it’s going to show results!

    Reply
  4. Rachel
    Rachel says:

    Skin pigmentatino is quite common. I am thirty three, and I’m not ashamed to be going for these treatments. It’s quite common to undergo beauty treatments, that is if you really take care of yourself, you know?
    I think that the best treatment for skin pigmentation doesn’t come from over-the-counter products, but just from the beauty clinics. They can give you a proper consultation and advise you based on your medical records.
    Now, I am dealing with vitiligo, and although some people deal with i just fine, I don’t. I don’t like everyone knowing that I have to deal with it…My medical insurance doesn’t cover it, since they say it’s a cosmetic, or a beauty thing.. But it is an illness of some sort I think… Nevertheless, even tho it can get expensive, I still think that they have to give some effect.

    Reply
  5. body pigmentation help
    body pigmentation help says:

    I’m assuming most of the people experience removing skin pigmentation on the face, but what about the rest of the body? I have it all around my body. No matter if I used sunscreen or not, they just appeared. Now, I am an avid beauty person. I tried every cream out there, I’ve looked into every corner of the world, and no cream helps with the spots. Whether they are white, orange black, whatever the cause it may be, you do need to check it with a professional! I agree, that professionals today have devoted much attention to the beauty indurstry and skin pigmentation treatments are no exception. Just put your trust into what they do best.

    Reply
  6. Caitty
    Caitty says:

    I get a laser treatment for skin pigmentation, mostly because I have the age spots, and sun spots… So you see it’s more of a cosmetic issue, than a health issue. But I don’t like them anyways… Skin pigmentatino can be pretty irritating for anyone, especially if you have melasma or some other form that causes you more trouble. I give it a thumbs up for laser treatments.

    Reply
  7. Lillian
    Lillian says:

    Well here is the answer on how to fix skin pigmentation! This is one of the best articles I’ve read so far. I love it, thanks! It really sums up the deal with skin pigmentation; the causes, treatments, side effects. I just didn’t happen to catch the cost.

    I can say that the laser treatment for skin pigmentation is the best thing ever. I am not just speaking from the info I found here – trust me, I did my research. And I am a firm believer that you should really do good research before you decide to go in for any kind of procedure or beauty treatment. It might not be surgery, but it is a big deal. It does have side effects and it does cost money. But it gives results!

    I have to say that my skin is sensitive, so I did feel a bit of itchiness after the treatment. Oh, I’ve had the laser treatment, if I haven’t mentioned that already… It itched a bit but it went away after a day. This is my third treatment and I am already beginning to notice some marks fading away. Therefore, it’s all in being persistent and consistent!

    Reply
  8. Amanda
    Amanda says:

    Yes, I am guessing most of the comments and people’s experiences refer to white skin pigmentation, and white people issues. But what about skin pigmentation treatment for dark skinned people? Can you apply the same treatment on different colored skin? Now this is something not a lot of articles write about, and I was just curious? If there are any suggestions or experience, shout it out. I am a frequent guest of this website as of this month, so I’ll check in.

    Reply

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