What can you do about pigmentation spots?

In our clinic, the certified cosmetic doctors and skin therapists frequently get asked if something can be done about visible pigmentation spots. They are often very distracting on your face and can make the skin look a lot older. In this blog, we write about the origins, skin care and treatment options for pigmentation spots.

How does pigment form?

Pigment, also known as melanin, provides us with protection from harmful outside factors. It is a protective mechanism, produced by pigment cells. These pigment cells are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. The pigment cells release pigment granules through connections to the epidermal cells and these migrate to the visible part of the skin. Under the influence of UV radiation, visible light from the phone, tablet or laptop and hormones, among others, the production of pigment is stimulated. The skin turns a visible tan. Some people tan faster than others, so there is a visible difference in skin color. This has to do with the activity of pigment cells and the size of pigment granules. In fact, a dark skin color contains the same number of pigment cells as a light skin color. Only a darker skin color has larger pigment granules and this becomes visible when the pigment granules are delivered to the epidermal cells.

The appearance of pigment spots.

As described earlier, there are several factors that cause pigment production to be stimulated. The most harmful factor is sun radiation. A pigment spot occurs due to a disturbance in the process of pigment production. There is an increase in activity in pigment cells.

There are different types of pigment spots. In this blog we name the most common ones.

Age spots

As you age, these brown spots, also known as sun spots, can appear. They occur mainly in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun, such as on the forehead, side of the face, cleavage, underarms and hands.

Freckles

As a child, you may begin to develop freckles after sun exposure. Freckles are superficial in the skin and are common in light skin types. In summer, more may develop and be darker in color.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

After inflammation or wounds, dark spots may remain after healing. You often see this after acne. It is then also called residual acne. Because there is inflammation in the is skin, pigment cells are stimulated to more activity. People who are more pigment sensitive, such as light toned and dark skins are more likely to suffer from this. Sometimes it can also be caused by the combination of medication and sunlight.

Melasma

Melasma, also called pregnancy mask, manifests as dark pigmentation usually occurring symmetrically on the face. More pigment is produced when exposed to sunlight. UV radiation and hormones play a role in this process. It often occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes occur. Also, contraception can cause pigment disruption. As well as thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones can stimulate inflammatory cells and this affects the development of melasma.

Melasma is a complex skin condition. The pigment can occur both superficially and deeper in the skin.

Skin care, peelings and light therapy for pigmentation spots

Protect, protect and protect again!

You need to do this daily to prevent damage caused by the sun. A sunblock protects you from the appearance of pigmentation spots, as well as from skin aging. An SPF 50 based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide is important. These are mineral filters that do not irritate the skin. Dermaceutic Sun Ceutic 50 and Mineral Radiance from SkinCeuticals are good examples.

Also, start your day with an antioxidant based on a high concentration of vitamin C, such as SkinCeuticals’ Phloretin CF! It strengthens the skin’s internal protection against harmful external influences. A vitamin C-based antioxidant will neutralize free radicals and lift the skin back to a healthy skin condition. An antioxidant will protect your skin for 24 hours.

Skin exfoliating

Exfoliating will shed superficial pigment. The skin becomes smoother and gets a more fresh look. For this, Foamer 15 and Light Ceutic from Dermaceutic are a must! Both products contain glycolic acid. Glycolic acid ensures that the skin is stimulated to cell renewal. In addition, the Light ceutic contains active ingredients such as phytic acid and vitamin C that work specifically on reducing superficial pigment, anti-oxidation and stimulation of collagen.

Correcting pigment

It is also important to start correcting pigment. The Discoloration Defense Serum from SkinCeuticals is a powerful serum against all forms of pigmentation. It contains tranexamic acid, niacinamide and HEPES, among other ingredients. It brightens the discolorations in the skin.

An important addition to this is SkinCeuticals’ Metacell Renewal B3. This product has several functions including reducing pigmentation, stimulating collagen production, anti-oxidant action and it improves the skin’s barrier function. It contains 5% Niacinamide which lightens the pigment.

In addition to protecting, exfoliating and correcting, there are two more highly depigmenting creams for the night. Dermaceutic Yellow Cream can be applied topically to pigment spots. It lightens these spots and also counteracts the formation of new pigmentation. This cream is ideal for dark skin. In addition to the Yellow Cream, the Dermaceutic Mela Cream is a strong depigmenting anti-aging cream. It addresses existing pigmentation spots and melasma. You can use the Mela Cream as a six-month course of treatment. The lightening action of niacinamide together with the anti-aging action of retinol ensure that pigmentation spots and wrinkles are prevented. The Mela Cream can only be used during the winter months.

If you would like advice on the use and combinations of the products described, it is best to seek advice from one of our skin therapists. You can make an appointment for a free consultation.

Peelings against pigmentation spots

To reduce pigmentation spots, you can do a treatment by peeling. During this treatment, the top layer of the skin will be removed, so to speak. This is done through a for example, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid or TCA. It ensures that cell division is stimulated which causes dark spots to fade. It is important to already prepare your skin with products for home use. This ensures that the peelings can do their job better.

IPL treatment against pigmentation

Laser treatments for pigmentation spots can also be performed. With a laser you can treat in a deeper layer of skin. Despite the depth, the surrounding tissue is not damaged because the laser works selectively. During the light treatment, the pigment is first heated and then removed by the body so that the pigment fades or even disappears.