Pigmentation / Melasma / Age Spots

There are special cells in the skin that make melanin, a pigment that determines the colour of our skin, hair and eyes.

This pigment is produced by pigment-cells called melanocytes. Healthy melanocytes will evenly distribute pigment throughout the skin, giving a smooth and even complexion. Unhealthy, inflamed or damaged melanocytes can over-produce (or under-produce) pigment, leading to hyperpigmentation and dark patches /spots.

Melanocytes are sensitive to their surrounding environment. Inflammation like acne or trauma to the skin, hormones, sun exposure, even medication or medical conditions can cause melanocytes to either over, or under produce melanin production. 

Pigmentation -The treatment for this focuses on stabilising the melanocyte activity to prevent the over production of pigment and speeding up the shedding of existing pigmentation.

When these cells are damaged or unhealthy, melanin production is affected and patches of skin start to get darker.

Melasma, or Chloasma, are brown or greyish spots and patches in appearance, and is a skin concern primarily found in adult women between the ages of 20 and 40. It can affect men as well, and is usually more pronounced in the summer months.

Melasma is mainly visible in areas like the cheeks, upper lip, nose and forehead. It can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances, and effect those who are pregnant (mask of pregnancy), on the contraceptive pill or who are diagnosed with polycystic ovaries (POCS) are more prone to this type of pigmentation.

Age spots, also called liver spots or solar lentigines, are small patches of dark skin. These are mostly found on areas of the body that have most exposure to the sun, like the shoulders, hands, face, and arms and vary in size from freckle-sized to half an inch across. More commonly seen on lighter skin, true age spots are harmless to your health but can impact your self-confidence and they can be unsightly. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, is produced in the outer layer of skin, or epidermis, in response to UV exposure.

At Perfect Skin Clinic, we have a range of treatments available to reduce abnormal pigmentation.