Do you have one or more small or large dark spots on your face? Then it is probably some kind of pigmentation change. There are different types of pigmentation and there are different reasons why they occur.
- "I can reassure you that this type of 'spot' is quite common on the face, but also on the décolleté and the back of the hand," says skin therapist Marie Oddsson.
So, what are pigmentation changes and what is the difference between the different spots and what can be done?
The most common cause of pigmentation changes is exposure to harmful UV radiation from spending a little more time in the sun than we should.
Melanocytes are pigment cells that build up our skin color. When we get a pigment spot, the melanocytes have simply clumped together and produce a dark spot on the skin. Melanin is produced naturally and also protects us from UV radiation. How much sun we can tolerate depends on the color of our skin to begin with.
Age spots
Age spots, or Lentigo as it is commonly known, occur after sun exposure and can appear with age if you have been exposed to the sun for a long time.
Melasma
Melasma is caused by hormonal changes in the skin. It can be due to birth control pills or pregnancy but also certain medications in combination with sun can cause it. You often see them as dark pigmentation on the upper lip or as larger brown spots on the face. They almost completely disappear during the fall/winter period but often come back when the sun comes out in spring.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PHI)
PHI can occur after an injury or inflammation has occurred in the skin. A pimple, acne or an injury to the skin can cause the skin to produce more melanin. Both the cause and the size of the inflammation determine the color and size of the spot. Remember to try to avoid picking at pimples and acne, as this can make the condition worse, advises skin therapist Marie.
Treat and prevent
The way you can treat and prevent depends of course on how superficial or deep the pigmentation is but also what type of pigmentation it is. Start by wearing a hat, sunglasses, parasol, sitting in the shade and using a high SPF. Preferably in combination, or separately.
You can also get help with your pigmentation at a clinic with trained staff. They offer IPL, chemical peels and laser treatments.
IPL is a light treatment that reduces pigment spots. The pigment is absorbed by the light and destroys unwanted pigment. At first, the spot darkens as the pigment rises to the surface and then disappears. Often the treatment has to be repeated several times.
Chemical peels are different acids that vary in strength depending on the purpose. A solution is brushed onto the area to "remove" the damaged skin. Again, it often takes several treatments to remove the spots.
Laser treatment, this uses laser light in different colors that, depending on where in the skin the pigment spot is located, the light is directed more superficially or deeper into the skin to destroy the pigment. Here too, several treatment sessions are often required.
Last but not least, you have to be quite patient with these spots. It takes time, the skin often becomes more sensitive to the sun during this period and afterwards it is very important that you use spf to prevent the spots from returning.