All You Need To Know About Pigmentation on Skin and Its Treatments

Have you noticed dark spots or coloured areas on your face? This phenomenon is known as pigmentation and it occurs because of the presence of melanin. Melanin is what gives your skin, hair, and eyes a unique colour. Due to the production of melanin in your body, your skin tends to be darker or lighter. When these melanin cells are ruptured or become unhealthy, it leads to pigmentation. Read on to understand more about the types, causes and treatments for pigmentation on skin.

Types of Pigmentation on Skin

Injuries or any other changes in your body can lead your skin to get lighter, darker or change its colour. To help you understand skin discolouration better, we have highlighted the three major types of skin pigmentation. These are hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and depigmentation.

1. Hyperpigmentation

In a skin hyperpigmentation disorder, a person’s skin tends to become darker or different in colour because of an abnormal level of melanin in the body. Here are the major skin hyperpigmentation causes –

• Birthmarks
• Age spots
• Acne scars
• Pregnancy (during which melasma or tan, brown, or grey patches can appear on the face)
• Addison’s disease (a rare disorder that causes the decreased function of the adrenal gland and dark patches of skin)
• Certain drugs such as antibiotics and birth control pills
• Exposure to the sun
• Cryotherapy, laser therapy, or light therapy

2. Hypopigmentation

In this type of skin pigmentation disorder, a person’s skin tends to become lighter because of an abnormal level of melanin in the body. Here’s what causes hypopigmentation in an individual’s skin –

• Past skin injuries due to burns, blisters, ulcers, chemical exposure, or infection
• Inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Rare genetic conditions like albinism, which is caused by the lack of a melanin-producing enzyme

3. Depigmentation

In this type of skin pigmentation disorder, a person’s skin completely loses pigment and turns white. One of the most common causes of depigmentation is vitiligo. It is an autoimmune condition that causes smooth, white patches to appear on an individual’s skin.

Skin Pigmentation Causes

Here’s a list of other factors that can cause skin discolouration-

1. Use of certain medications: Using certain medications such as birth control pills can cause light sensitivity and treatments like chemotherapy can lead to pigmentation on skin.

2. Long and frequent sun exposure: If you regularly step out in the sun without sunblock, you best believe you will face pigmentation on your skin. How does this happen? Your skin will produce extra melanin to protect itself from sun damage which leads to skin discolouration!

3. Pregnancy hormones: Most women tend to suffer from pigmentation on their skin during pregnancy. During this time, women’s bodies are teeming with estrogen and progesterone which is said to cause a benign form of pigmentation on skin.

4. Insulin resistance: For people who suffer from diabetes, their skin often undergoes pigmentation due to insulin resistance.

5. Skin irritation or trauma: Whenever a person suffers from a skin condition, their skin undergoes pigmentation.

Remedies to Fight Pigmentation

We have listed down skin pigmentation treatment methods for different types of pigmentation. Here’s a list to help you understand the remedies

1. Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

Different forms of hyperpigmentation can be treated with therapies such as topical medications like hydroquinone cream, chemical peels, dermabrasion, light, or laser therapy. However, it is crucial to understand that some therapies are not suitable for very dark skin types, such as laser resurfacing.

At makeO skin (formely skinnsi), we offer laser hair removal services, chemical peels and facials with hydra dermabrasion using the latest technology to fight pigmentation and give you even-toned and glowing skin. Avail of any of these skin services from the comfort of your home and choose affordable EMI options for a worry-free experience. To know more about this painless and cost-effective treatment, you can head to our website and check out the different types of laser hair removal treatments available with skinnsi.

Along with laser hair removal, we also offer a range of effective and gentle skin care products and several wonderful hydrafacial treatments to rejuvenate and nourish your skin. Head to makeO skin (formely skinnsi today to explore all of this and more!

And, in cases of pregnancy where women tend to suffer from darker skin spots, one must talk to their doctor. Applying sunscreen can help hyperpigmentation from worsening. However, if it does not go away, then one can use over-the-counter medicated creams.

2. Treatment for Hypopigmentation and Depigmentation

In the case of hypopigmentation, you should give your skin some time and patience as it takes time for your skin to rebuild. However, you can also opt for cosmetic surgeries if you are looking for a quick fix to this skin problem.

For depigmentation from chronic skin conditions, consult a dermatologist to determine the best skin pigmentation treatment plan for your skin. Based on the cause, you can opt for therapies such as covering patches with a dye, light therapy, prescription creams or surgery.

FAQs

1. How can I remove my pigmentation?

You can reduce pigmentation by avoiding the sun, using a strong sunblock, undergoing laser treatment, chemical peels and derma braision. You can also try home remedies with apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, green tea extract, milk, tomatoes etc.

2. What is the main cause of pigmentation?

When melanin skin cells, a substance responsible for colour in your skin, get damaged or unhealthy, it causes pigmentation or skin discolouration. Often this causes melanin to unnaturally group together and make the area of skin appear dark.

3. Does skin pigmentation go away?

Most pigmentation does go away in time but it can also worsen if not treated right. Make sure to use brightening creams and serums, and go for regular facials and chemical peels to fight pigmentation early.

4. What foods cause skin pigmentation?

Spicy and fried foods are known to trigger pigmentation in the skin so make sure to avoid having excessive amounts of these foods to take care of your skin.