Hyperpigmentation

Causes

1. Excessive Unprotected Sun Exposure
2. Certain Medications – Contraceptive Pill, Anti-Biotics
3. Pregnancy
4. Past Skin Trauma

Types

There are various forms of hyperpigmentation that are distinguished by their causes:

Sun-Induced: Caused by exposure to the sun, resulting in sun spots, liver spots, darkened rough patches on the skin and/or age spots. Darkening tends to appear on outer areas of the face towards hairline as well as on neck, chest and hands.

Melasma: Hormonal pigmentation that can be triggered by pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction or the contraceptive pill. Appears in symmetric patches extending over large facial areas such as the cheeks, upper lip, chin and forehead. More prevalent in darker skin types, but can also be seen in lighter skin types.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Forms as a result of an injury (acne, surgical, allergies, infections, burns or bruising) to the skin’s superficial or deeper layers. Can be seen in light to dark skin types.

Treatment

To start off we recommend a Skin Analysis. This allows us to see what is going on within the different skin layers. We can then also determine the type of pigmentation, the cause and in what layer the pigmentation is lying within the skin. From our findings we are able to draw up the best treatment plan indicated to treat your skin condition.

We always recommend a combination of products and treatments over a period of time to ensure the best possible results.

Products such as Lamelle and Collagen are great when combined with treatments such as Fraxface, IPL and Chemical Peels for treating hyperpigmentation.