Skin Pigmentation: Types & Treatments

 Skin tone and skin colour gets impacted by skin pigmentation abnormalities. Melanin is the pigment that determines skin, hair, and eye colour. Skin cells from people with darker skin tones contain more melanin than skin cells from people with lighter skin tones. If the skin cells are harmed or ill, the melanin synthesis may be altered, changing how the skin looks.

Dr. Priyanka Reddy, the leading Dermatologist in Bangalore at DNA Skin Clinic, has shared important insights on skin pigmentation and its treatment in this blog to help readers better understand skin pigmentation and its related features.

What is Skin Pigmentation?

The term "pigmentation" describes the skin's color. The pigment melanin, which gives skin its colour, is created by melanocytes, which are skin cells. When these cells become harmed or malfunction, the generation of melanin is impacted. Some pigmentation diseases affect a small area of the skin, whereas others may have an impact on the complete body. 

Types of Skin pigmentation Diseases 

The skin can lighten, darken, or change colour due to trauma, pigment disorders, and other changes in the body. Skin pigmentation discolorations are of two different types hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

• Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin produces extra melanin, which makes areas or regions of the skin look darker than the rest of the body. It is a type of skin disorder that can affect people with all skin types. Cuts and burns are some examples of hyperpigmentation that develop right after an injury. These are typically visible on any area of the body. Excessive pigment in some areas of the skin is regarded as medically innocuous, although it may rarely be a sign of a medical issue.

Hyperpigmentation is typically considered safe, although some want to remove it for aesthetic appeal. 

Hyperpigmentation may result from:

• Age stains

• Birthmarks

• Acne scarring

• Pregnancy

• Addison's illness

• Antibiotics or any type of birth control pill

• Excess sun rays exposure

• Cryotherapy.

• Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is the areas of skin that are paler in hue than the rest of the body. The skin may become lighter if the skin cells don't produce enough melanin. These effects may only appear in some areas or throughout the body. The several causes of hypopigmentation are there which are listed below:

• Infections, burns, or chemical exposure.

• Inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis (atopic dermatitis).

• Albinism is an uncommon genetic condition brought on by a lack of a melanin-producing enzyme.

Treatments For Skin Pigmentation

With the use of certain cosmetic procedures, the appearance of skin pigmentation can be reduced, and skin can be lightened. The top skin clinic in Bangalore, DNA Skin Clinic, offers several cosmetic procedures that have been proven effective in treating various pigmentation issues.

 

The following are some pigmentation removal options:

• Chemical Peels 

The outermost epidermis is removed, and the inner skin cells are encouraged to develop, resulting in smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin. The more skin is removed, the more results will be striking. Several chemicals are used depending on the required amount. Alpha hydroxy acids such as fruit, lactic, and glycolic acids are a few examples. One must avoid exposure to direct sunlight for the time frame recommended by the dermatologist.

• Laser Toning

This is the most preferred pigmentation treatment approach due to the lack of downtime. It doesn't affect the topmost layer of the skin and only targets the deep skin layer to break the skin pigment melanin. The heat produced by the laser beams also promotes new collagen growth. So, this therapy can anticipate overall skin rejuvenation and decrease black spots. Contrary to popular belief, this surgery is almost painless and does not result in skin thinning. After a few days, the effects show and improve over the following few weeks. Further sessions could be necessary to achieve the desired and long-lasting outcomes.

• Lightening Lotions

These topical products have ingredients that reduce melanin production, hence lightening pigmentation. These ought to be used twice a day. If the doctor prescribes these topical creams after inspecting the patient's skin, they are quite effective on most skin types and are best used for Melasma or aging spots. One thing to keep in mind is that not all products that promise to deliver results are, in fact, effective and sometimes can cause negative side effects. Therefore, one must consult a skin doctor before using such skin-lightening lotions. 

To receive professional guidance from Dr. Priyanka Reddy, who offers a successful Pigmentation Treatment in Bangalore, one can schedule a consultation at DNA Skin Clinic. To get the best results, the doctor first assesses the patient before creating a personalized treatment plan based on one’s unique needs. To know more, pay a visit now at DNA Skin Clinic.