Although hyperpigmentation isn’t a harmful condition in itself, the last thing you’d want is more discolouration or uneven skin tone. If you’re worried that your pigmentation may spread here is what you can do to prevent it getting worse. First things first, let’s examine the types of pigmentation that can occur and also what triggers these.
What is pigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the result of over production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives your skin its color. There are several factors that can affect the production of melanin in your body. As a result these could lead to pigmented patches, spots and discolouration.
These can vary in size and may develop on any part of your face and body. Your biggest risk factors will be sun exposure and inflammation which are both able to increase your melanin production. But there are also certain medication that make your skin more prone to pigmentation and hormonal changes can have a massive impact on your skin too.
The types of hyperpigmentation
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, but the most common ones are:
- Sun damage/sun spots – These are triggered by too much sun exposure over the years. This will include sun beds as well. Typically they start as small spots ( also called liver spots) and tend to appear on the face, hands, decollate.
- Melasma – This type of pigmentation is triggered by hormonal changes in your body. And for most patients start during pregnancy as a result of changes to your hormones. But of course pregnancy is not the only cause for hormonal changes and so it can occur on any patients with hormonal imbalances.
- Post – inflammatory hyperpigmentation – The 3rd most common type of pigmentation that is result of inflammation (like acne, eczema) or injuries to the skin. For example squeezing your spots, cuts, burns, bruises.
Will pigmentation spread?
It all depend on how you take care of your skin after developing pigmented spots. In some cases, the pigmented areas will fade on their own. But of course some extra protection will also help such as ; wearing a good physical spf daily, covering with a hat, and wearing uv reflecting clothing.
But in other cases additional clinical treatments may be needed to fade the pigmentation and of course to stop them spreading further. However, there is never any quarantee that the pigmented spots will completely disappear therefore your best solution is prevention and protection.
To learn more about your skin and find out how you can reverse your pigmentation why not visit us at the Clinic where my Expert team will be able to advise you further?
How to book an appointment?
As the first step of your skin journey at Skin Perfection, you’ll be invited to attend a no obligations consultation. This will give you the opportunity to get a good understanding of your skin.
During your first meeting you’ll receive all the information and knowledge you’ll need to keep your skin healthy. Finally to manage your skin concerns your practitioner will recommend you a personalised treatment plan.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
