Pigmented Legions, Melasma, Age & Sun Spots
What is pigmentation of the skin?
Pigmentation (more correctly hyperpigmentation) is due to excess melaninproduction and deposition in the skin, causing uneven colour and freckles. What are age spots? Hyperpigmentation usually presents as age spots, uneven colour, freckles and sometimes melasma (mask of pregnancy). It is important to remember that age spots (lentigo singular and lentigines plural) are also sometimes incorrectly termed as liver spots but in fact they have nothing to do with the liver. |
What causes hyperpigmentation?
The main cause is sun/solar damage or photo-ageing but pigmentation can also be aggravated by other factors, including hormones such as pregnancy or the contraceptive pill, certain medications, Vitamin B12 deficiency and also inflammation following trauma or troublesome acne lesions. The two worst things you can do for hyperpigmentation is to engage in further tanning (whether outdoors or on a sun bed) and smoking because the burning toxins are then literally up close and personal to your face.
The main cause is sun/solar damage or photo-ageing but pigmentation can also be aggravated by other factors, including hormones such as pregnancy or the contraceptive pill, certain medications, Vitamin B12 deficiency and also inflammation following trauma or troublesome acne lesions. The two worst things you can do for hyperpigmentation is to engage in further tanning (whether outdoors or on a sun bed) and smoking because the burning toxins are then literally up close and personal to your face.
Is it common?
Yes, especially with increasing age and it occurs in all skin types but is generally more visible in fairer skins.
Yes, especially with increasing age and it occurs in all skin types but is generally more visible in fairer skins.
How can I reduce my risks of getting pigmentation?
- Life-Style Changes: Give up smoking, reduce alcohol intake and exercise regularly to improve skin circulation and thus aid natural healing and repair with better clearance of toxins. Also, eat more healthily with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to increase your intake of vitamins and anti-oxidants.
- Proper Daily Skin Care is essential and should include :
a. Exfoliants to slough off dead, pigmented skin cells and to expose fresh new skin;
b. Moisturisers to properly hydrate your skin and to bring a youthful glow;
c. Vitamin C and other antioxidants to neutralise ageing free radicals. We stock both Cosmedix and Obagi physician-strength Vitamin C skin products. - Environmental Protection: We recommend daily use of use of high grade sun blocks such as the Cosmedix reflect, a full spectrum (UVA, UVB and UVC) SPF 30 sunscreen to help minimise future sun damage and pigmentation. Obagi provide SPF 15, 32 and 35 sun protection to cover a wide variety of needs.
How does IPL treat pigmentation problems?
It releases short pulses of filtered light which is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within pigmented lesions. This light energy heats the melanin, thereby destroying the melanin-rich cells.
It releases short pulses of filtered light which is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within pigmented lesions. This light energy heats the melanin, thereby destroying the melanin-rich cells.
How long does it take?
Each treatment session takes just 15-30 minutes depending upon the nature of the lesion and the precise surface area involved.
Each treatment session takes just 15-30 minutes depending upon the nature of the lesion and the precise surface area involved.
Does it hurt?
The treatment is uncomfortable with very short, hot pin prick sensations but not painful and thus anaesthesia is not required.
The treatment is uncomfortable with very short, hot pin prick sensations but not painful and thus anaesthesia is not required.
Are there any side effects?
Some patients complain of slight soreness after IPL treatment but most experience no side-effects. We will apply a cooling pack and a soothing gel before you leave to minimise such discomfort.There may be some redness but this usually disappears over the next day or so. Often the treated lesions appear darker after treatment and more obvious at to begin with but gradually the marks will fade away.
Some patients complain of slight soreness after IPL treatment but most experience no side-effects. We will apply a cooling pack and a soothing gel before you leave to minimise such discomfort.There may be some redness but this usually disappears over the next day or so. Often the treated lesions appear darker after treatment and more obvious at to begin with but gradually the marks will fade away.
QHow much does each treatment cost?
The initial consultation is entirely free of charge and with no obligation. We will recommend an individualised treatment programme. The precise cost will vary depending upon the severity of acne and the surface area involved. Please see ‘Prices’ page for guide.
The initial consultation is entirely free of charge and with no obligation. We will recommend an individualised treatment programme. The precise cost will vary depending upon the severity of acne and the surface area involved. Please see ‘Prices’ page for guide.