Summer is finally over and the cold weather is setting in. As we enter Autumn preparing for the season change, we say goodbye to the sunshine and welcome our fading tans with sadness. Unfortunately, some of us are left with a permanent reminder of the hot summer sun, disguised in pesky brown patches. Also known as; pigmentation. If you already suffer from pigmentation, you may try your best to avoid the sun like a vampire. Unfortunately, even with the most liberal use of sunscreen and being wrapped up like a mummy, it’s difficult to avoid those annoying brown patches.

So what is pigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes the skin to darken; Resulting in patches of the skin becoming darker than the surrounding areas. Pigmentation is caused by the skin producing too much melanin; this is the pigment that gives skin its colour.

Not to worry!

Pigmentation is a fairly common skin concern, and very rarely serious. Luckily there’s many effective treatments, most of which we offer at the clinic.

Types of pigmentation

You may not think so, but there are various types of pigmentation. Let’s divulge..

1. Freckles

This may come as a surprise to some people, but yes, those cute tiny brown dots that appear on our faces after sunbathing are a form of pigmentation and technically skin damage. Genetics will influence whether you get freckles and are particularly more common on fairer complexions. Increased sun exposure will darken your freckles and make them more prominent.

2. Solar Lentigines

Liver spots, sun spots, age spots and brown spots are all solar lentigines. These are pigmented spots that vary in colour from brown to black. They can appear anywhere on the body and are caused by UV rays from the sun. They must be monitored as they can develop into skin cancer/melanoma.

3. Melasma

Melasma (more common in women), appears on the face as larger brown or tan patches with an indistinct border. Although currently, the cause is unknown, they can be triggered by hormonal changes but the condition can worsen by excessive sun exposure, certain medications, stress and pregnancy.

4. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Often the result of acne, burns, friction or aggressive clinical treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser and IPL. Time is the healer for this type of pigmentation and is also treatable with topical products.

5. Chloasma (Post Pregnancy Pig.)

Common during pregnancy, it affects between 45% and 75% of pregnancies. Presenting as dark, brownish patches mostly on the forehead, nose, upper lip, and cheeks, hence why it’s called the “Pregnancy Mask”.

What Can I do?

Fortunately, at the clinic we offer a range of excellent treatments paired with excellent results for pigmentation and skin damage, which can treat mild to severe cases. We also offer skincare products catered to you to treat your pigmentation from home. In our next blog we’ll explore the various pigmentation treatment options available and discuss pigmentation in some more depth.