Dealing with skin pigmentation problems can mean that you are not using proper sun protection or you are going hormonal changes. Whatever the reason is behind the excessive pigment production in your body, one thing is certain – those dark patches and spots that invade certain areas of your face are definitely not pleasing to look at. There are many treatments available for pigmentation removal in Singapore (https://ozheanzoey.com/pigmentation-treatment-singapore/). However, with some pigmentation problems exhibiting the same symptoms, how do you know which treatment is best to bring back your once flawless skin?
Diagnosing your pigmentation problem
Take our word for this: when it comes to pigmentation problems, you do not want to take matters into your own hands. It is wise that you seek the expertise of an aesthetic professional to ensure that your skin concerns do not worsen. Having your skin checked by a doctor will also help rule out other skin disorders or diseases, such as skin cancer.
To diagnose the type of pigmentation condition present, a doctor will:
- Ask about your medical history
- Ask about your lifestyle, habits, and daily exposure to the sun
- Visual examination of your skin
- When needed, require you to undergo a skin biopsy
Making an accurate diagnosis will help plan the right kind of treatment for your pigmentation concern.
Types of pigmentation problems
There are three main types of pigmentation problems:
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Age spots. This type of pigmentation appears as a single or a cluster of flat spots on the skin that are either black, brown, or gray in colour. They normally develop on the surface of the skin that are always exposed to the sun like your face or the back of your hands. Age spots are common among middle aged and older adults, but they can also develop in younger people.
Some people have an increased risk of developing age spots than others. This is especially true for people who:
- Are over 40 years of age
- Are exposed to the sun or UV light often
- Have fair skin
The factors that cause age spots include:
- Ageing
- Exposure to UV light
- Genetics
Age spots are usually found in these areas of the body:
- Back of the hands
- Face
- Forearms
- Shoulders
- Upper back
Melasma. This type of pigmentation is characterized by dark skin patches on the skin. It is also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” as this pigmentation problem is a usual concern among pregnant women.
The factors that increase the risk of developing melasma are:
- Being exposed to the sun frequently
- Having darker skin
- Having sensitivity to estrogen and progesterone
- Having stress
- Having a thyroid disease
Melasma normally appears in these areas of the face and body:
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Forearms
- Forehead
- Neck
- Nose bridge
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This type of pigmentation problem appears after the skin heals from inflammation. When the skin is undergoes injury or irritation, the body produces melanin to aid the healing of the damaged skin. Post-inflammatory hypermpigmentation can appear as spots or patches on the skin that are brown, dark brown, blue-gray, or tan in colour. This pigmentation problem is concentrated only in the area of the skin which sustained a damage in any part of the body.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can happen to anyone regardless of age and gender. The risk of developing this type of pigmentation problem is higher among people with darker skin.
Some causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation include:
- Allergic reactions
- Burns
- Eczema
- Insect bites
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Razor bumps
- Some aesthetic procedures
Effective treatments for pigmentation removal in Singapore
There are various treatments available for pigmentation removal in Singapore. However, not everyone may be the ideal candidate for some procedures, that is why it is important that you are aware of your options and have a discussion with your treatment provider to reach an effective treatment plan.
Age spot treatments. Age spots are not health hazards, although you may want them to be removed if you are bothered by how they look on your face. You can look into the following treatments to remove this pigmentation concern:
- Chemical peels
- Dermabrasion
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment
- Laser treatment
- Medicated creams
- Microdermabrasion
Age spots are very easy to treat. Among the options given, laser treatment produces the quickest results. You can say goodbye to these pesky flaws after one or two laser sessions.
Melasma treatments. Like age spots, melasma does not pose any threat to the body’s overall health. This skin discoloration is very prominent and some people who have it tend to be embarrassed as this pigmentation affects how they look. For some people, women in particular, melasma may disappear on its own, especially when it is caused by pregancy or hormonal imbalances. If your melasma is stubborn, you can turn to these pigmentation removal options:
- Chemical peels
- Dermabrasion
- Laser
- Microdermabrasion
- Topical steroids
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation treatments. While post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is also not a health hazard, it can serve as an ugly reminder of an injury that you endured. Better to have it removed, if it bothers you. Here are some treatments for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation removal:
- Chemical peels
- Laser
- Medicated creams
Vascular and pigmentation laser treatments work very well to treat this kind of pigmentation problem.
How to protect your skin from pigmentation problems
Not all factors that can cause the development of pigmentation problems can be avoided, but you can practice these tips to prevent them from appearing on your skin.
- Apply sunscreen. Make it a habit to wear sunscreen with at least SPF15 everyday, even when staying indoors or during the cooler months.
- Avoid scratching your skin. Scratching your skin or poking at a pimple or an insect bite can aggravate the inflammation and result in darker pigmentation. Always remember to wash your hands first before touching your face to avoid spreading bacteria that can cause skin infections.
- Keep out of direct sunlight. The sun’s rays are harmful, especially during its peak, which is at 10:00am to 2:00pm. If you need to be exposed in daylight during these hours, be sure that you use accessories, such as a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella, to protect your skin from being reached by the sun’s harmful UV rays directly.
Ozhean Zoey Medical & Aesthetic Clinic
#04-10 Triple One Somerset
111 Somerset Road
Singapore 238164
+65 6235 4534
