There are a range of common skin conditions where there is brown and blotchy discolouration of the skin. If you have an excess of brown pigment in the skin then we call this Hyperpigmentation or just simply Pigmentation. Pigmentation is contributed to by many factors including your genetics, past sun exposure, hormonal changes and trauma to the skin. The choice of treatment will depend on the cause of the pigmentation as well as your skin type, the pattern of pigmentation and the depth of the pigment in the skin.
For the best results with unwanted pigmentation a combination approach is necessary and simple options are tried first as aggressive treatments can have the unintended consequence of actually worsening the pigmentation. Often with skin pigmentation we are trying to control rather than cure the condition and ongoing topical treatments and sunblock can be very important.
Pigmentation is primarily due to excessive melanin, which is the naturally occurring brown pigment that is the main determinant of your skin colour. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes and most pigmentation problems are due to an excess number of melanocytes and/or an increased production of melanin by these pigment cells.
There are 3 main things that worsen pigmentation: hormones, sun damage and skin trauma/inflammation. Several causes can be present in the same person at the same time. Pigmentation occurs at different levels in the skin either superficial (epidermal), deeper (dermal) or a mixture of both and this is important in determining the choice of which treatment will work best.
For the best results with unwanted pigmentation a combination approach is necessary and simple options are tried first as aggressive treatments can have the unintended consequence of actually worsening the pigmentation. Often with skin pigmentation we are trying to control rather than cure the condition and ongoing topical treatments and sunblock can be very important.
Topicals: The first line of treatment is an individualised Pigmentation Program tailored to the type and severity of the pigmentation and your skin type. Topical agents, superficial peels, prescription depigmenting creams and sunscreen are all important.
Lasers: There are a number of medical grade Pigment Lasers including the Revlite, Excel, Varilite, Ruby, Fraxel and Picosure lasers. Each of these lasers can be operated at various settings including power, duration of laser pulse, size of laser beam, frequency of laser pulses per second and skin cooling. Expertise is required in choosing which laser is best for a particular clinical situation and then adjusting the various parameters to get the best result.
Large patches of pigmentation can be embarrassing and a cosmetic concern. Dark brown patches can be difficult to cover with make-up and hence removing or significantly fading these patches can of great benefit to appearance.
Widespread areas of uneven pigmentation and brown spots from sun damage can give the skin an aged appearance and most people feel that excessive pigmentation ages the skin much more than wrinkling and sagging. Successful treatment of pigmentation can consequently rejuvenate and significantly improve the appearance of the skin.
Before and after images are presented purely as a reference point of the results that can be achieved. Everyone is unique and outcomes will vary and realistic expectations need to be discussed on a case by case basis.
Got questions? Or ready to book in? Contact our experienced and friendly team to start your journey to healthy skin with us.
