What is pigmentation and how to deal with it?
Nowadays the topic of pigmentation is stronger than ever. So what’s it? Let’s find out
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation or brown spots as we used to call it are caused by the sun. It occurs due to an increase in the number of pigment-producing cells in the skin or melanin they produce.
Types of pigmentation:
Melasma is the most common form of facial pigmentation. People with darker skin between the ages of 20 and 40 are more likely to be affected. But sun exposure is not the only reason. Melasma in most cases is driven by pregnancy, hormonal medication such as the contraceptive pill and diseases which cause altered hormone levels.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation after different injuries or inflammation of the skin, for example, a flare-up of acne or eczema can often be more intense and long-lasting although it is considered to be just a temporary effect.
If you ask about freckles they are a little bit different. They are more common in fair-skinned people and are thought to be an inherited feature. Freckles get darker in the summertime and fade again during winter months.
How is pigmentation prevented?
If you want pigmentation prevent from forming or stop it from getting worse, the most effective way is to wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30. Don’t forget to avoid the sun during the time of the day when it’s strongest, which is typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And if you happen to be outdoors at times of peak UV radiation wear hats or clothing that block sunlight.
The best formula for treating pigmentation is to avoid triggers mentioned above and to use active treatment all together.
If pigmentation appears after starting a certain medication, its rejection would be a logically necessary decision. Of course, if it is safe enough. When we deal with melasma, it probably doesn’t do much to help if it occurs for the first time or flares during pregnancy. If pigmentation occurs as hormonal contraception result, there are alternative contraception methods you can discuss with your doctor.
Always remember that successful treatment of pigmentation is absolutely dependent on the strict sun avoidance. It may take only a few minutes of sun rays without any protection to bring down days, weeks and even months of active treatment.
Professional chemical peels as pigmentation treatment is a good option but they are usually performed during autumn and winter months because they can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Typical peel ingredients for pigmentation include glycolic acid, lactic acid, retinol or resorcinol.
If talking about laser treatment, it may be good and helpful in some cases but the keyword here is ‘some’.
What do I do to prevent my skin from pigmentation?
My favorite products are Dr. Barbara Strum Sun Drops serum with an SPF of 50 and SPF30 Continuous Mist Sunscreen by Hampton Sun. They are very good not only at sun protection but also as skin care routine in the summertime. The first one is perfect for the face and it doesn’t bridge pores at all. The second one gives your skin smooth lovely tone.
Dr. Barbara Strum Sun Drops serum SPF 50
SPF30 Continuous Mist Sunscreen by Hampton Sun
What should you expect after pigmentation treatment?
Don’t be afraid of pigmentation. It is not that harmful and usually isn’t a sign of a serious health problem. In some cases dark spots will disappear if you have appropriate sun protection. In other cases you will need more active treatment.
Remember, whatever you do, you do it for yourself!
