Condition
Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation disorder affects the color of the skin and is caused by excess melanin production. It can occur in small patches, cover large areas or affect the entire body.
Types of Pigmentation
PIH
Melasma
Age Spots
Freckles
What causes it
What causes Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is caused by excess production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. It is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. There are certain things that triggers melanin production which are:
Sun exposure
Sunlight triggers the production of melanin. Melanin acts as our skin’s natural sunscreen by protecting us from harmful UV rays. However, excessive sun exposure can disrupt this process, leading to hyperpigmentation.
Once pigmentation have developed, sun exposure can also worsen the issue by making Age spots, Melasma and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation(PIH) even darker.
Aging
As skin ages, the number of melanocytes decreases but the remaining ones increase in size. Other than that, our skin becomes thinner and dehydrated as we get older. Therefore, the melanin becomes more superficial to the skin’s surface causing pigmentation.
Hormones
Hormonal influences are the main cause of a type of hyperpigmentation called Melasma. It is common in women and occurs when estrogen and progesterone stimulate the overproduction of melanin.
Inflammation/Skin injury
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation(PIH) occurs following skin injury or inflammation such as acne, cuts, burns or allergic reactions. The skin cells react to damage or irritation by making extra melanin which results in darkened and discoloured patches/spots after the wound has healed.
Skin hydration is essential in treatment of pigmentation disorders. Other than that, a combination of oral, topical and laser treatment will always be the best.
Treatment Options
The laser beam from Skin Luxe Laser specifically targets melanin pigment in the skin. The melanin will be broken down and drained by the body's lymphatic system. Reduction in melanin will result in brighter skin.
Similar Conditions
Acne scars are the result of inflammatory acne. When the acne swells and breaks the follicle wall, skin attempts to repair the damage by forming new collagen fibers. However, the repair is not as smooth which results in acne scars.
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