Common Causes & Treatments of Pigmentation on the Face

August 30, 2024

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

34

A young women with face pigmentation.

Are you fed up with those annoying dark spots, acne scars, and uneven patches on your skin, particularly on your face? Pigmentation is a common skin issue that has a negative effect on your complexion. To get a glowing and uniform skin tone, you can explore its underlying causes and the best treatment for pigmentation on face. Evenly Clinic, a well-known skin and hair clinic, offers effective and USFDA-approved personalised treatments. We have helped over 10,000+ customers and boast a 98% satisfaction rate.

What is Pigmentation?

Our skin colour comes from pigmentation. Melanin, a pigment made by skin cells called melanocytes, decides this colour. When these cells get damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production, leading to patchy skin tone and dark spots on the skin.

Common Types of Pigmentation

  1. Hyperpigmentation: Darkened areas on the skin define this condition. It is caused by several factors, like sun exposure, inflammation, or hormonal changes. It’s a broad term that encompasses various forms of increased pigmentation.
  2. Melasma: Often caused by hormonal changes and sun exposure, melasma shows up as brown or grey-brown patches, commonly on the face. Mostly it is caused in pregnant women, so people call it “the mask of pregnancy.”.
  3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH occurs when skin gets hurt or inflamed, like from acne or eczema, causing dark spots. The skin makes excess melanin to protect itself, which leads to discoloration.
  4. Macular Amyloidosis: This condition presents as grey-brown patches on the upper back, arms, and sometimes the face. It happens because amyloid builds up in the dermis, which is more common in people with darker skin types.
  5. Sun Tan: A suntan is the skin’s response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, leading to increased melanin production. While some people seek tans for aesthetic reasons, frequent sun exposure without protection can lead to permanent pigmentation issues.
  6. Freckles: These are little brown spots that come from sun exposure and genetics. People with light skin get freckles more often, and these spots get darker when they spend a lot in sunlight.
  7. Lichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP): LPP is a type of lichen planus that leads to dark brown or greyish colouring on the face, neck, and other areas exposed to the sun. We don’t know the exact reason for this, but it’s thought to be an inflammatory condition.

Causes of Pigmentation on the Face

  • Sun Exposure: Sun exposure for long periods causes pigmentation. UV rays make your skin produce more melanin, which leads to sunspots and makes existing pigmentation problems worse. To protect your skin, you should always use sunscreen that blocks a wide range of UV rays.
  • Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones can trigger melasma in women during pregnancy or when they use birth control. Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone stimulate your skin to produce more melanin.
  • Skin Injuries: Any damage or inflammation, like acne, cuts, or burns, can result in PIH. Your skin reacts to injuries by producing more melanin as part of the healing process.
  • Genetics: Your genes can make you more likely to get pigmentation disorders. If your parents have issues with their skin colour (pigmentation on face), you might get them too.
  • Aging: As we get older, our skin can’t regenerate and slows down, and all the cumulative sun exposure over time shows up as dark spots or liver spots.
  • Inflammation: Acne, eczema, or other skin injuries can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), leaving dark spots after the inflammation subsides.
  • Medications: Some medications have an effect on pigmentation as a side effect. These include antimalarials and certain antibiotics.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Some health issues can lead to widespread hyperpigmentation. Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis are examples of such conditions.

Best Treatment for Pigmentation on Face

The best treatment for pigmentation depends on its underlying cause, severity, and skin type. Evenly Clinic offers USFDA-approved treatments to address pigmentation on the face; this results in no side effects and more efficiency. Here is a breakdown of the best treatments that Evenly Clinic offers:

Topical Treatments:

Experienced dermatologists at Evenly Clinic may recommend topical applications that include active ingredients for face pigmentation removal. These include:

  • Hydroquinone: A popular skin-lightening agent that reduces the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
  • Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives promote cell turnover and help fade the pigmentation.
  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant that brightens the skin and fades dark spots.
  • Azelaic Acid: Effective in treating both acne and pigmentation, this acid inhibits melanin production.
  • Kojic Acid: Derived from mushrooms, it inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production.

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peeling involves the controlled removal of damaged skin layers using an FDA-approved chemical solution. This process helps get rid of excess melanin, cuts down on pigment production, and results in noticeably brighter skin. Based on your skin type and how severe your pigmentation is, our dermatologist might suggest different strengths of chemical peels and several treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. For a few days after the peel, you might see some skin peeling from the treated area. Different types of peels include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid peels.

Laser Toning:

At Evenly, our board-certified dermatologists use effective and advanced Q-switched Nd: YAG laser technology for face pigmentation removal. These lasers target melanin, breaking down the pigment and encouraging new skin growth. They change the wavelength of the machine based on the severity and skin type.

Remember, it is essential to have this laser toning performed by experienced dermatologists to avoid complications.

Must Read: How Does Laser for Hyperpigmentation Work?

Microdermabrasion:

It is a non-invasive procedure where our dermatologists use tiny crystals or diamond-tipped specialised devices to exfoliate the skin’s surface, removing dead cells and lightening pigmentation. It’s a gentle yet effective method to improve skin tone and texture over multiple sessions.

Natural remedies for facial pigmentation

While not as potent as medical treatments, some natural remedies can help lighten pigmentation. Ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, and green tea have skin-brightening properties and can be used as supplementary treatments.

How to prevent pigmentation on the face?

While effective treatments are available, preventing pigmentation is equally important.

  • Consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 is essential.
  • Wear long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when spending time indoors to minimise sun exposure.
  • Stay indoors during the peak sun hours or seek shade if you must go outside.
  • Avoid harsh exfoliants and products that irritate the skin.
  • Follow a consistent skin care regimen with gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturising that help maintain skin health and prevent pigmentation.

Who can benefit from face pigmentation removal treatment?

Face pigmentation removal treatments discussed above are suitable for anyone experiencing uneven skin tone, dark spots, or discoloration. Whether you have melasma, sunspots, freckles, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, treatments are available to help achieve a clearer, more even complexion. Ideal candidates include:

  • Individuals with persistent pigmentation
  • People with sun damage
  • Patients with hormonal pigmentation
  • Those with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Individuals who have a family history of pigmentation issues

Before starting any treatment, it’s crucial to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most suitable option for your skin type and condition. At Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic, our experts provide personalised assessments to ensure you receive the best care and achieve optimal results.

Before and After Results of Face Pigmentation Treatment

Check out the below gallery of our clients who gained clear and radiant skin after completing the personalised treatment plan sessions recommended by Evenly dermatologists.

Why choose Evenly for pigmentation treatments?

  • Our dermatologists and skincare specialists have hands-on experience in treating pigmentation issues using advanced US FDA-approved technology.
  • We create treatment plans that fit your unique skin type and pigmentation issues to give you the best results.
  • Utilising state-of-the-art technology and equipment, we provide safe, effective, and precise treatments with minimal discomfort and downtime.
  • We tackle both the signs and root causes of pigmentation. We also guide you on how to care for your skin and prevent issues to keep your results looking good.
  • We prioritise your comfort and satisfaction, involving you in every step of the treatment process and making your journey as pleasant as possible.
  • Our successful track record demonstrates significant improvements in skin appearance, boosting patients’ confidence and well-being.
  • Conveniently located with flexible scheduling options, we strive to make your visits easy and stress-free.

At Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic, we understand the impact that pigmentation on the face can have on your confidence and well-being. By understanding the causes and exploring the best treatment for pigmentation on the face, you can achieve a clearer, more even complexion. Our team of experienced dermatologists is here to guide you through personalised treatment plans tailored to your skin’s needs.

Let’s transform your skin together. Schedule a consultation today!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pigmentation refers to the colouring of your skin, caused by melanin produced by melanocytes. It can occur due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin injuries, genetics, and aging. When these factors affect melanin production, it leads to uneven skin tone and dark spots.

The time to see results varies depending on the treatment and the individual’s skin type and condition. Topical treatments and chemical peels may show improvement in a few weeks to months, while laser toning can yield results after a few sessions.

While many treatments can significantly improve pigmentation, complete removal is not always possible. Factors like the type of pigmentation and individual skin response influence the outcome.

Pigmentation is usually harmless and primarily a cosmetic concern. However, if you notice sudden or rapid changes in pigmentation, consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Some home remedies like aloe vera or yogurt can soothe irritated skin, but they may not effectively treat pigmentation.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

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