IPL (intense pulsed light) Treatment

Pigmentation (Hyper-Pigmentation)

What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation is the colouration in the skin, it’s determined by the amount of melanin (the colour) which the body produces from its melanocyte cells. The amount produced depends on skin type and exposure to sunlight.

What causes Pigmentation?
Melanin deposits – also known as solar lentigines and commonly referred to as age spots – are small darkened patches of skin. They are usually found on the face, hands or other areas frequently exposed to the sun. Pigmentation can also be connected to genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, burns or spots. With age, the visible effects of pigmentation can become more obvious; therefore, earlier treatment will both help your present skin condition and prevent further damage. There are two main types of pigmentation: Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation. HYPERPIGMENTATION – this is the darkening of the skin in patches or localised areas due to the over-production of melanin:

•Freckles: a cluster of cells which have produced more melanin. They’re prominent on people with fair skin and most common in children. They’re caused by exposure to the sun.

•Birthmarks: caused by the over-production of melanin in localised areas from birth.

•Sun spots/age spots: a result of exposure to the sun over a long period of time.

•Melasma: also known as pregnancy mask. This is the darkening of the skin on the face and body – commonly the linea nigra on the stomach.

•Post-inflammatory marks: any dark mark which is left on the skin after a burn, spot, cut or other injury has healed due to the trauma the skin has endured. Acne scars also come under this category.

HYPOPIGMENTATION, this is a reduction in the production of pigments, characterised by white or pink patches: We do not have anything to help treat this at this time.