Hyperpigmentation

symptoms

• Melasma: Melasma is a common skin condition where symmetrical, hyperpigmented patches can occur on the face. It is more common in women and those with darker skin types.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is the formation of skin pigmentation secondary to skin injury. Again, it is more common in darker skin types.
• Freckles: small, multiple, brown flecks on the skin.
• Solar lentigines or sun spots: flat, well-defined patches of darkened skin in areas exposed to the sun such as the hands, face and chest.

causes

The cells responsible for controlling pigmentation in the skin are octopus-shaped cells called melanocytes which produce a pigment called melanin. Melanin causes the darker skin colour you get when you tan. When the cells that produce melanin are damaged or are behaving abnormally, skin pigmentation disorders can occur. Infection, sunlight, skin injury or hormones can all cause skin hyperpigmentation.

Melasma is thought to be linked to sun exposure and hormonal changes such as pregnancy.

PIH is triggered by skin disease (e.g. acne, eczema and infection), allergic reactions, trauma (e.g. following waxing, spot picking and burns).

treatments

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hyperpigmentation. However, there are a range of treatment options to manage it and to keep symptoms controlled long-term. Your aesthetic doctor at Javivo can guide you every step of the way to provide you with long-lasting relief from symptoms.

Medical Skincare: Prescriptive skincare is used to control pigment cells in the skin and stop them over producing pigment. It can also be used to help shed existing pigmentation from the skin.

Skin Peels, Microneedling and Laser Pigmentation Removal: High intensity, in-clinic treatments are combined with medical skincare to deliver optimum results.