The difference between freckles and problem pigmentation is:
You might have noticed these appearing as your skin ages, or if you have had a sun burn. These are common on the face, neck, arms and hands. Facial pigmentation generally occurs secondary to damage to the way the pigment cells in your skin work. This damage is commonly caused by Sun Exposure over time, but can also be caused by Sun Burns, and Hormones.
One of the commonest causes is Melasma, common amongst women who have darker skin types, this condition generally triggered by pregnancy or conditions causing disruption of the normal hormone levels like consumption of the Contraceptive Pill. The other common cause of facial pigmentation is PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation. This can be brought about by flare-ups of Acne, Eczema or as a side effect of a Chemical Peel or Facial.
An accurate estimate of the costs is only possible after an in-clinic consultation with Dr Prashant. We charge a £50 deposit to secure your consultation with Dr Prashant, this amount will be deducted from the costs of the treatment you go on to have at our clinic.
Please contact us to find out more.
Disclaimer – Prices mentioned are just indicative of current average price ranges for the treatment. You will need an in-clinic consultation for a quote applicable to you. Also note that prices are subject to change, please contact a member of the team to confirm the current price range.
What are the causes of pigmentation on the face?
There are multiple causes of facial pigmentation, the commonest are sun exposure, sun burns, Melasma, PIH. At the bottom of all the pigmentation problems is a change in behaviour of the Melanocyte (the cell that makes the pigment in our skin). While in a normal skin type which can tan or is coloured, the pigment cell (melanocyte) can switch on and produce more pigment as a response to sun exposure, which is the process of putting on a Sun Tan, which reacts differently in pigmentation problems. Sun Burns, Excessive Sun Exposure, Hormones of Pregnancy, other Endocrine (Harmonal Problems), Chemical Injury (Chemical exposure or peels), Thermal Injury (Burns or Laser or IPL treatments), Mechanical Injury (Trauma, Abrasions, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling) can all cause a damage to the DNA of the pigment cell, causing it to produce pigment all the time, regardless of sun exposure. This damaged melanocyte therefore ends up creating a pigmentation patch.
Does my foundation with +SPF 10 cover me from pigmentation problems?
Unfortunately, makeup with added SPF does not quite protect you in the same fashion as a Sun Screen with SPF 30 or more would.
Can pigmentation be removed?
While most pigmentation can be reduced or faded to a large extent, there might be some residual pigmentation left behind after treatment that needs you to continue with special skin care and skin protection routines. This limitation in pigment removal owes itself to the fact that all the treatments designed for pigmentation, reduce the amount of pigment present in the skin, but don’t generally inactivate or remove the damaged Pigment Cell.
What is the best cream for pigmentation?
There is no one best cream for pigmentation. While the strongest cream that can be used by doctors is Hydroquinone, other Brightening Serums and Creams containing, Mulberry extract, liquorice extract, glycolic acid, Arbutin, Kojic acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Azelaic acid, or Vitamin A (retinol) can also be helpful under doctor’s prescription.
How is Melasma on face treated?
Melasma is a common condition amongst women of colour and is generally triggered by pregnancy, birth control pills or other hormonal medications. While it does fade with time and sun protection in some women, in most patients treatment is needed. The treatment generally is a combination of skin care routines and in clinic procedures such as Chemical Peels, TCA (Trichloroacetic peel).
What are the types of hyperpigmentation?
Common types of hyperpigmentation are Freckles (Ephelides), Solar lentigines (Liver spots or sun spots), Melasma, Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What Home Remedies exist for pigmentation?
While there are no potent home remedies for pigmentation, you can certainly prevent it by meticulous sun avoidance or sun protection. You can also observe what is causing a flare up of the pigmentation and stop the cause, such as discussing alternative contraceptive methods, if you think that your OC pill is causing worsening of the pigmentation.
Can Laser get rid of pigmentation?
You will have to be examined by our doctor to decide if Lasers are going to play any role in managing your pigmentation.
What treatments can I use to get rid of my skin pigmentation?
Please understand that there is no silver bullet for skin pigmentation as it is very difficult to remove the damaged pigment cells permanently. Most of the treatments for pigmentation are designed to either REMOVE THE EXISTING PIGMENTATION IN THE SKIN CELLS or to REDUCE THE PRODUCTION OF THE DAMAGED PIGMENT CELL. Very seldom with very Deep Chemical Peels or with Laser Resurfacing, a proportion of the damaged Pigment Cells will be removed.
Treatments that remove existing pigmentation range from Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, CO2 Lasers, Erbium YAG lasers, Q Switched Lasers, Intense Pulse Light (IPL).
Treatments that reduce existing pigmentation start with regular and sincere use of Sun Screen and Sun Avoidance. Orally administered Tranexamic Acid (Cyklo‑f, Cyklokapron, Menstralite, tablets) can temporarily lighten skin pigmentation in certain conditions. Topical applications of Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Bearberry, Liquorice, Vitamin C and other molecules will further lighten the pigment by reducing the production of the pigment by the damaged Melanocyte.
