When skin cells are healthy, your skin will appear normal and even. However, when skin cells become damaged or unhealthy, extra melanin is produced to help protect your skin. Alternatively, the cells that produce pigment can be damaged, which prevents melanin production. As a result, parts of your skin may turn lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation), both of which are recognisable skin conditions.

Types of Pigmentation

Hyper-pigmentation

• Dark in colour

• Post inflammatory

• Melasma

• Sun Damage

• Photo Damage

Hypo-pigmentation

• No colour

• Vitiligo

• Albinism

Pigmentation and Ageing

95% of premature ageing in the skin can be caused by sun damage. To prevent premature ageing you should wear sun protection at all times. Yes, even when it is cloudy and raining outside.

Causes of pigmentation

Hyper-pigmentation

• Sun-UV radiation

• Hormones/pregnancy

• Stress

• Medication, herbal remedies

• Acne

Hypo-pigmentation

• Injury

• Disease

• Burns

• Lack/loss of pigment

When to seek medical advice about pigment spots

Consult your dermatologist or pharmacist if you’re concerned about any of your dark spots, or notice other symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation such as bleeding, itching, or a change in size or colour. Your dermatologist will be able to advise on any hypopigmentation.

What can I do to treat pigmentation?

For people that suffer from Hypo-pigmentation, it is best to speak with your GP or a dermatologist. As Hypo-pigmentation is loss of pigment, sadly there is little a practitioner can do. If your concern is hyperpigmentation there are a number of treatments you could have to help. The most common treatments are Laser and Skin Peels. Please do your research as lasers are not suitable for all types of hyperpigmentation.

If you are wanting to treat your hyperpigmentation ensure you are protecting your skin at all times.

Do you want to find out what you can do to treat your pigmentation or prevent sun damage and premature ageing?