Skin pigmentation is a common problem faced by many people. Pigmentation spots can appear for various reasons: from UV exposure to hormonal changes or inflammatory processes. In this article we will look at the main types of pigmentation and tell you how to fight them with the help of modern cosmetic and medical methods.
1- Types of skin pigmentation
There are several types of skin pigmentation, each of which requires a specific treatment approach. Understanding which type of pigmentation is present on your skin will help you choose the right methods to combat it.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which areas of darker color appear on the skin. This is due to overproduction of melanin, the pigment that is responsible for skin color. Hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, or after inflammation.
- Treatment methods for hyperpigmentation of the skin include the use of bleaching creams with active ingredients such as hydroquinone or vitamin C, as well as laser procedures.
- Hyperpigmentation: how to get rid of at home: regular use of sunscreens and brightening serums helps to prevent the appearance of new spots and reduce existing ones.
Melasma and sunspots
Melasma is a type of pigmentation associated with hormonal changes. It often occurs in women during pregnancy or when taking hormonal medications. Melasma appears as dark spots on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks and chin.
- Melasma and sun spots most often appear on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. Sun spots can occur after prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection.
- Skin lightening products such as retinoid and alpha hydroxy acid creams are used to treat melasma and sun spots.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Post-inflammatory pigmentation occurs after acne, wounds or other inflammatory processes on the skin have healed. It is a fairly common problem, especially in people with darker skin tones.
- Pigmentation after acne is a common occurrence that can be treated with chemical peels or laser treatments that stimulate cell renewal and eliminate dark spots.
- Natural remedies for hyperpigmentation can also be effective for treating post-inflammatory pigmentation, including masks with lemon or aloe vera to help lighten blemishes.
2. Causes of pigmentation
Skin pigmentation can be caused by various factors that affect melanin production.
Effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin
Ultraviolet rays are one of the main causes of age spots. Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection leads to an increase in melanin production, which causes spots to form on the skin.
- How to prevent pigmentation from the sun: regular use of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Anti-pigmentation sunscreens prevent new age spots and protect existing spots from further darkening.
Hormonal changes and pigmentation
Hormonal changes can also cause pigmentation. This is especially true for women during pregnancy, hormone medication or menopause.
- Hormonal pigmentation, such as melasma, often requires comprehensive treatment that includes both cosmetic treatments and lifestyle changes to control hormonal balance.
Pigmentation after acne
Post-inflammatory pigmentation often occurs after acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. Even after acne heals, dark spots may remain on the skin.
- Pigmentation after acne requires a gentle approach to treatment. Chemical peels and laser treatments can help lighten dark spots and improve skin texture.
3. Ways of fighting pigmentation
There are many ways to combat pigmentation, including both home methods and professional treatments.
Laser methods of pigmentation removal
Laser pigmentation removal is one of the most effective methods of dealing with age spots. The laser destroys the melanin that causes pigmentation and promotes skin cell renewal.
- Laser removal of age spots on the face helps to get rid of the spots quickly and effectively, but requires several sessions to maximize results.
- Laser pigmentation correction is recommended to treat deep and persistent spots that cannot be treated with cosmetic treatments.
Cosmetic products for skin lightening
Cosmetic skin lightening products include creams and serums that contain active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and arbutin. These ingredients help reduce melanin production and brighten the skin.
- The best lightening products for age spots help to reduce the intensity of the spots and prevent them from reappearing in the future.
Chemical peels for pigmentation
Chemical peels are another effective method of fighting pigmentation. Peels help remove the top layer of skin, stimulating cell renewal and lightening dark spots.
- Chemical peels for pigmentation can be superficial, medium or deep, depending on the extent of the problem. Glycolic or lactic acid peels are often used for superficial pigmentation.
Skin pigmentation is a common problem faced by many people. The main types of pigmentation include hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Pigmentation can be caused by UV rays, hormonal changes and inflammation. Pigmentation can be addressed through various methods such as laser pigmentation removal, the use of lightening cosmetics and chemical peels.
Pigmentation How to fight and prevent
The cause of pigmentation can be a variety of factors. For example, Addison's disease is the cause of freckles. Excessive intake of iron from food can be the cause of bronze pigmentation. Jaundice causes yellowing of the skin. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can provoke the appearance of dark brown spots or "pregnancy mask" on the face. Lack of oxygen in the blood can give the skin a bluish color. Lack of hormones during menopause also becomes a cause of pigmentation. Deficiencies in iron, calcium, vitamin A, E, and B lead to areas of discolored skin.
Pigmentation can also be caused by external causes, such as excessive sun exposure and the resulting damage to skin cells from ultraviolet rays. Skin discoloration can be caused by: poor quality cosmetics containing chemical dyes, creams containing mercury, high blood pressure medications, diabetes, insomnia, and birth control.
As noted, skin discoloration (pigmentation) is a disease. First of all, it is necessary to find the cause of the appearance of pigment spots. The exception may be freckles, which are more often considered a hereditary phenomenon. Depending on the diagnosis, an appropriate treatment regimen should be chosen. During treatment, skin care is carried out according to its classic skin type.
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In cosmetic treatment of pigmentation, superficial or medium-depth treatment is predominant peelings based on alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA or AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA or BHA). Exposure of the epidermis to these preparations weakens the adhesion of keratinocytes. This results in faster sloughing of "colored" horny scales. With this procedure, it is assumed that the newly formed keratinocytes will have a lower content of coloring pigment.
Another substance for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin is tretinoin in Retin-A Micro ointment. Read about chemical peels here.
Of herbal remedies, the use of essential oil is considered quite effective tea tree oils in concentrations up to 5% in the base oil.
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