Pigmentation
Spots on the face, hands or décolleté can effectively take away your confidence. Most pigmentation can be lightened or reduced, as long as we match the treatment to its type.
What it is
Pigmentation consists of darker spots that appear when melanocytes produce an excess of pigment. The most common are sun-induced pigmentation (lentigines), post-inflammatory pigmentation, i.e. marks after acne and irritation, and hormonal pigmentation such as melasma.
Each type reacts differently to treatments, so before we plan anything we assess what kind of change we are dealing with. Spots on the skin that grow quickly, change colour or bleed should always be seen by a doctor.
Where it comes from
- The sun. UV radiation stimulates melanin production, so spots become stronger in summer and after the holidays.
- Hormones. Pregnancy, hormonal contraception and hormonal changes promote the formation of spots.
- Inflammation. Acne, squeezing lesions and irritation can leave dark marks for many months.
- Photosensitising medicines and cosmetics. Some preparations increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
- Age and photoageing. Skin exposed to the sun for years eventually becomes covered in spots, especially on the face, hands and décolleté.
How to recognise it
- Brown or greyish spots on the face, hands and décolleté
- Dark marks after breakouts
- Uneven skin tone and dull complexion
- Spots that get stronger in summer
How we solve it
Lumecca, a modern IPL light, acts on pigment. After the treatment the pigmentation first darkens, and within a dozen or so days it flakes off and falls away. Peels (chemical and carbon) lighten and even out the skin tone, and Dermapen improves the quality and regeneration of the skin. Mesotherapy hydrates and nourishes the skin and supports an even skin tone.
With pigmentation, consistency matters most. We carry out the treatments as a series, and between and after them we protect the skin with sunscreen. We plan the date outside the period of intense sun.
Treatments that help
What you can do every day
- Use sun protection
- Use home care that prevents pigmentation
- Avoid very high temperatures
When to book a consultation
Book a consultation if a spot is new, grows quickly, changes colour or bleeds. Such changes should first be assessed by a dermatologist before we start any treatment.
Frequently asked questions
It can return if the skin is exposed to the sun again or hormonal factors are at work. That is why we recommend daily SPF and, if needed, maintenance treatments.
Most often outside the period of intense tanning, usually in autumn and winter. We set the date at the consultation.
Not every change is suitable for a treatment. We refer suspicious moles to a dermatologist before we plan anything.
The information is general and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.