What causes pigmentation?

Pigmentation is a common sign of ageing that the majority of us will experience. More than just a few cute freckles, pigmentation is areas of dark discolouration on the face, neck, chest and hands, often referred to as age spots or sun spots. Although it is common, it can be a cause of concern for those that have it, and it’s notoriously stubborn to treat. Here’s your guide to skin pigmentation.

What is pigmentation?

There are two types of pigmentation: hyperpigmentation (a darkening of patches of the skin) and hypopigmentation (a lightening of patches of the skin, i.e. vitiligo). Hyperpigmentation is a common sign of ageing and is caused by an increase in melanin, the pigment produced by our skin.

What are the causes of dark spots?

While there are a number of causes of pigmentation, the two most common are sun damage and melasma. Sun spots aren’t exclusively for those who were sun-worshippers in their youth; the sun’s UVA rays are present during all daylight hours, all year round, and it’s these rays that cause cellular damage that rears its head with age.

The second common cause of pigmentation is melasma. Melasma is thought to be triggered by altered hormone levels, so can be caused by pregnancy and hormonal medication, such as contraception.

How can I treat pigmentation and dark spots?

While it won’t reverse the clock, SPF is an essential for anyone with hyperpigmentation. Wear a dedicated, broad spectrum SPF 50 (sorry, SPF in your make-up won’t cut it) every single day to protect your skin from further damage. At MedSkin Clinics, we offer treatment options to help clear your complexion. Cryotherapy, carried out using our CryoPen™, uses high pressure nitrous oxide to enable targeted, precise application to destroy those built up areas of pigment. Alternatively, microdermabrasion can be used to exfoliate for a smoother appearance. Which option you go for depends on your skin, your preferences and the type of pigmentation, so always have a tailored consultation prior.

Want to book in for a free consultation at one of our Nottingham, Newark or Chesterfield clinics? Get in touch to see how our expert team can help to treat your pigmentation.