Pigmentation Problems: Types, Prevention, and Effective Treatments

Pigmentation is a common concern in many people. The dark patches, uneven skin tone, discoloration, etc., can affect your self-confidence and even lead to depression if the conditions worsen. Skin pigmentation is of many types and occurs due to different reasons. Fortunately, there are various Pigmentation Treatment in Delhi to treat the condition based on the type and cause.

Types of Pigmentation

Broadly, pigmentation is divided into two types:

• Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is where the skin in certain areas turns darker than its natural color. This is caused by excessive melanin production by the body. Hyperpigmentation can be on account of several causes. The common causes are

Melasma: Dark irregular patches appear on the skin, especially the face.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This is a result of excessive melanin produced to heal skin inflammation or injuries.

Sunspots: These are darkish spots on the face, neck, and body caused by overexposure to sunlight without a protection barrier.

• Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is a skin condition where certain areas are in a lighter color than your natural skin tone. This is caused by the lower quantity of melanin products or the lack of melanin entirely. Causes of hypopigmentation can be many:

Vitiligo: A skin disease where light/white patches form on the body and can spread all over as the melanin-producing cells are destroyed by attacking the immune system. This needs a detailed evaluation by a dermatologist to decide the best course of treatment.

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation: It is a result of reduced melanin production when a skin injury or inflammation is being healed by the body.

Pityriasis versicolor:  Occurs because of an infection commonly on the chest and back.

Albinism: A rare genetic condition where the body has very few or no melanin-producing cells, resulting in a pale skin tone all over.

Causes of Pigmentation

Pigmentation can be caused by various factors. Identifying the cause is necessary to create the right skin pigmentation treatment in Delhi​ for the patient. Here are a few common causes of skin pigmentation:

• Genetics
• Medicines
• Sun Exposure
• Hormonal Changes
• Skincare Products
• Environmental Influence
• Aging
• Unhealthy Diet

Effective Treatments for Skin Pigmentation

Despite the availability of OTC (over-the-counter) topical applications, pigmentation can be effectively treated only through medical procedures performed by certified and experienced dermatologists.

• Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are concentrated active ingredients that reduce skin pigmentation by peeling the top layers of the skin. It is one of the most used Hyperpigmentation treatment. However, multiple sessions are necessary to get the desired results. Chemical peels should not be used at home and should be applied by a certified dermatologist. Some chemical peels go deeper and work on the dermis (inner skin layer). Using such products without medical supervision can have dangerous aftereffects.

Additionally, chemical peels may result in some temporary side effects like skin redness, sensitivity, irritation, scarring, and allergies. Don’t step into sunlight after chemical peel treatment without using sunscreen.

• Laser Light

Laser light can be used in different ways to treat skin pigmentation. The dermatologist will select the laser light and treatment method based on your condition and overall health factors.

• Oral Medication

A few oral medicines may be prescribed to treat pigmentation. However, these should be prescribed by the dermatologist and are combined with other dermatological treatments. The medicines should be used for short durations as per the prescription.

Make sure to inform the doctor about other medications (including supplements) to take or other health conditions you have.

• Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a medical procedure where the epidermis (topmost skin layer) is abraded to resurface the superficial skin. The doctor will use a special tool and swipe it across the affected area a few times in rapid succession. This removes the upper layers of the epidermis with pigmentation to stimulate the generation of new skin cells. Microdermabrasion is more suited for people with lighter skin tones.

This treatment also requires several sessions to show results. There’s a gap of a few days between each session to allow new skin to appear and for the area to heal completely. It is recommended to not use microdermabrasion tools at home. The dermatologist knows how much pressure to apply and how long to roll the device on the skin. Excess movement or pressure can result in permanent scars.

• IPL Therapy

Intensive pulse light therapy is a type of non-ablative laser light treatment for hyperpigmentation. Commonly referred to as photo-facial it is a treatment modality only to be administered by a trained dermatologist. It promotes collagen production to repair the skin’s texture and lighten the color. IPL therapy is also good for reducing fine lines.

Multiple sessions are necessary to see the results. If the pigmentation is darker or covers a bigger surface area, the number of sessions will increase proportionally.

Prevention of Pigmentation

Reducing or preventing dark spots and skin pigmentation can be done by following the below-listed preventive methods. These may not work for pigmentation due to genetic conditions, though it is important to take care of your skin health.

• Apply sunscreen when going out (reapply throughout the day if necessary)
• Follow a proper skincare routine to hydrate and nourish the skin
• Drink water to hydrate the skin from the inside
• Exfoliate the skin (face and body) once or twice a week using a gentle scrub
• Use cosmetics and products with skin-friendly ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.

Book an appointment with the senior dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic to get a personalized and effective treatment plan for skin pigmentation disorders. Consulting the doctor in the early stages of pigmentation will increase the success rate and give you healthy skin.