Pigmentation is a broad term for a common skin condition in Singapore that affects people of all ages. The condition causes the skin to appear darker than normal in brown, black, red or pink spots or patches, also known as hyperpigmentation.
Our skin gets its colouring from melanin which is created by skin cells. Melanin gets overproduced when these skin cells become damaged, causing it to clump and making that particular area become darker.
Certain factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation. The common ones are:
Melasma often occurs on the stomach and face (although they can appear in any area) and is usually caused by hormonal changes. It may also develop during pregnancy.
Also referred to as liver spots, sun spots are common and usually occur with regular or excessive sun exposure. They often appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin such as hands and face.
The result of damage to the skin cells caused by injury or inflammation due to acne.
Pigmentation is not painful or itchy. However, as it appears in dark patches on the skin, hyperpigmentation may cause feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem.
The skin condition can be diagnosed through a visual examination by your doctor or dermatologist. Further tests may be ordered to determine the underlying cause.
There are a number of factors that put you at a higher risk of developing pigmentation. These include:
Depending on the severity of pigmentation symptoms, there are varied treatment options for the skin condition. These include:
Retinoids and creams that include ingredients such as face acids and vitamin C are usually recommended for those with mild to moderate pigmentation.
Specially formulated whitening products can lighten the skin and dark patches.
Chemical peels can also be used to remove a layer of the skin and improve skin colour and tone. However, there is significant downtime and side effects of these treatments such as redness and discomfort.
Specific facials and intense pulse light therapy (IPL) treatments can help lighten the skin and treat hyperpigmentation. These are often safe on the skin with zero downtime. Facial treatments for pigmentation offered at our clinic include:
Using a microsecond multi-pulse device armed with the latest millisecond technology, this treatment treats conditions such as hyperpigmentation and acne. By targeting certain problem areas with a high level of precision, it is safer than conventional IPL technology and Nd:YAG lasers and is medically approved in Korea.
This skin whitening programme designed by dermatologists specifically treats pigmentation disorders. The programme includes the HiPL treatment, De:H Brightening Ampoule and De:H Cellulose Whitening Mask to reduce melanin, repair damaged skin and prevent further pigmentation.
Some dark spots and patches caused by pigmentation disorders fade over time, usually within six to 12 months. However if it is deep in your skin, it can take several years to fade.
Creams and supplements that contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid and vitamin C may reduce hyperpigmentation. Pulse light therapy treatments and whitening facials are also effective for long-term reduction and improvement of pigmentation.
Food is not normally a cause of hyperpigmentation. However, consuming too much beta-carotene (found in orange foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes) can cause orange colouring on the skin.
Pigmentation can appear on the face due to sun exposure or inflammation caused by acne.
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