Pigmentation
Pigmentation can be due to many causes, such as post-inflammatory pigmentation after a rash or allergy flare-up, certain oral medications, and excessive sun exposure over the years leading to sun-damaged skin.
A variety of pigmented lesions can develop on sun-damaged skin (e.g. freckles, solar lentigenes, melasma, Hori’s nevus). These vary in their depth, behaviour and response to treatment.
With over 20 years’ experience in cosmetic dermatology, Dr Wong Su-Ni will carefully assess your pigmentation and advise you on a suitable treatment plan.
Lighten Dark Spots and Regain Radiant, Even-Toned Skin
- See a dermatologist with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology who can best identify the type of pigmentation you have and tailor a suitable treatment.
- Undergo a customized treatment plan that will reduce pigmented areas using techniques that suits your specific skin type and condition.
- Enjoy and maintain your improved skin by protecting your skin from the sun and adhering to your newly recommended skincare routine.
Schedule a consultation at 6733 3629 or drop us a message below for a skin assessment today
How Does Pigmentation Occur?
Pigmentation is usually the result of aging and repeated sun exposure, which causes the melanin-producing cells to lose their ability to spread pigment evenly over the skin. This results in the formation of dark spots, grey patches and freckles—particularly on areas most commonly exposed to the sun.
Another common form of pigmentation is birthmarks. In particular, brown birthmarks are caused by localized areas of excessive pigmentation.
Pregnancy and the use of contraceptive pills can also cause pigmentation, because the increased estrogen level in both situations can trigger melanin-producing hormones (melanin is the pigment that gives our skin colour).
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in the form of dark spots can also affect those with acne, and occur as a result of tissue damage and wounds such as cuts and burns.
Treating Pigmentation
Pigmented lesions are a headache to many because they seem like an unsightly blight on the face and body. Thankfully, there are various ways of safely removing those dark spots. These include various types of creams, oral medications, chemical peels, IPL and laser peels.
Featured Treatment: Laser Pigmentation Removal
In general, laser treatment is considered one of the most effective, gentle and advanced option for removing pigmentation.
- Freckles
- Sun Spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age Spots
- Flat Pigmented Birthmarks
Different types of lasers will be used, depending on the type and severity of the pigmentation and the individual’s skin type.
Please refer to Our Services page for details of the laser treatments that we offer.
What Can I Do On My Part to Prevent Pigmentation?
- Protect your skin from the sun: Apply a good sunscreen liberally every time you head outdoors, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Reduce estrogen consumption: Use of exogenous estrogen can worsen pigmentation issues. Discontinuing contraceptive pills and avoiding alcohol, beans and soy is recommended, as these foods may increase estrogen production in the liver.
- Adopting a good skincare routine: Your dermatologist will identify your skin’s unique needs and personalize a daily skincare routine for you, including the use of clinically-tested products.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at 6733 3629 or drop us a message here.
FAQS
At our clinic, our dermatologist uses medical-grade lasers, which are the only safe and effective types.
It is therefore important to maintain good skincare habits to minimize the chances of new pigmentation forming.
