Are you
concerned about those blotches of dark skin that suddenly appeared on
your face? Do you know what they are? How can you treat them?
Those
blotches of dark skin are called pigmentation. It is a condition that
causes skin to appear lighter or darker (mostly). And if you have
brown patches, it is known as hyper-pigmentation.
What
causes pigmentation?
An
increased level of melanin (the pigment in skin which determines its
color) is one of the reasons of pigmentation. It could be the result
of injury, inflammation (after a treatment, like laser), sun damage
and hormonal changes.
Know
if you are at risk
Pigmentation
patches are mostly common among people with olive and darker skin.
What
causes pigmentation in light-skinned individuals?
Sun
damage is the main cause of pigmentation in light-skinned people.
Excessive sun exposure can result in hyperpigmentation – a
condition in which pigment production is increased, which results in
patchy skin color. Dermatologists generally recommend topical
hydroquinone or retinol (an over-the-counter form of vitamin A).
Beyond
this, superficial chemical peels containing salicylic acid and
glycolic acid is used together with therapies in order to enhance
results. Along with this, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices and
Q-switched lasers are also used to treat pigmentation.
Daily
use of sun protection containing a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30
or greater can prevent further sun damage.
If your
skin is marred due to discoloration or pigmentation, consult a
reputed cosmetic skin clinic in Sydney right away to prevent the
situation from getting worsen.