Pigmentation appears when the skin produces more melanin – the hormone responsible for producing pigment in our skin.
When our skin produces too much melanin, however, it can cause hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the common name for those patches of skin darker than the rest of the skin.
Pigmentation is a common skin condition, affecting people of all skin types. For some people, pigmentation is an annoyance and they seek treatment albeit home remedies or medical procedures.
It’s important to note that before committing to any type of treatment is crucial to be evaluated by a licensed doctor like Dr David at One Face Skin & Aesthetics Clinic in Singapore because sometimes home remedies can be harmful to the skin, and other treatments might not be suitable for your skin.
In the following article, you’ll read everything you need to know about pigmentation: causes, types, types of treatments in Singapore, and potential costs.
Types of Pigmentations
There two main types of skin pigmentations: epidermal (first layer of skin) and dermal (second layer).
Epidermal pigmentations appear dark and it can be seen clearly as the edges of the spots are well defined. Types of epidermal pigmentation are freckles, sun spots and age spots.
Dermal pigmentation appears a bit blurry and lighter. Types of deep pigmentation are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melisma, Hori’s nevus.
- Freckles: tiny brown spots appearing on the cheeks and nose
- Sun Spots: single or a few darker spots on the face
- Age spots: rougher spots common in elder people, can be mistaken for moles and you can usually feel them when you run fingers over.
- Melasma: appears on both sides of the cheeks, usually on middle-aged women
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: occur after injury or some kind of inflammation (acne, inaccurate squeezing of pimples, etc.)
- Hori’s nevus: a cluster of spots on the cheekbones, nose or forehead.
Some of these conditions resemble each other, so it’s best to consults an experienced doctor who can evaluate and suggest appropriate treatment.
What causes skin pigmentations?
Pigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes in the body and genetics.
Sun exposure is a huge culprit to various skin conditions and it’s no surprise it’s a culprit here as well. Sitting in the sun causes melanin production and thus pigmentation over time.
Hormonal changes can also play a part in the occurrence of pigmentation, especially female hormones.
Genetics also might increase the chance of pigmentation, especially in the case of freckles. Some pigmentations appear at birth – birthmarks.
Types of treatments
Although annoying, pigmentation can be treated and in most cases, you won’t have to deal with it again.
As mentioned previously, pigmentation can be treated with home remedies in mild cases (although it’s not recommended – you don’t want to deal with even more pigmentation in the case your DYI remedy is too strong for your skin), topical creams prescribed by a doctor or bought at the pharmacy and medical procedures in more severe cases.
What’s important to note is treatment heavily depends on the type of pigmentation you have. So the most important thing is to be properly evaluated so the most accurate treatment is chosen.
Over the counter creams and prescription creams (medical-grade)
Over-the-counter creams might be affordable and good for milder cases of pigmentation they are not the most effective option available.
Paired with sunscreen, over-the-counter topical creams might help with pigmentation but again, it all depends on the type of pigmentation you have.
When you go to your dermatologist they might prescribe medical-grade creams based on your skin condition. Remember that medical-grade creams in Singapore can only be gotten with a prescription from your doctor!
Some ingredients used in creams for pigmentation are:
- Vitamin C
- Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin)
- Hydroquinone
- Azelaic acid
Cosmetic Procedures for Skin Pigmentations in Singapore
Again, the type of pigmentation removal treatment dermatologists use in Singapore depends on what type of pigmentation you may have.
Melasma
Melasma can be treated with topical creams in milder cases but, on more severe one treatments such as lasers and chemical peels can be used.
Creams might give some side effects such as redness or itching so it’s best to monitor your skin. With creams, it usually takes up to 5 to 7 weeks of applying for the effect to take place. Topical creams can cost around somewhere between 60$ to 200$.
Lasers are often used in the treatment of melasma. Usually, patients will see the effect after 3 to 8 sessions. Cost is expensive so you have to be very careful with your doctor – around 1500 to 3000$.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Treatments that work for melasma work very well for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation too. Those include:
- Medical grade creams
- Medication
- Lasers
- Chemical peels
Similar to melasma treatments, you can expect results within several weeks depending on the severity of the pigmentation.
Age spots
Those bumps are usually removed through electrocautery or ablative laser surgery.
Treatments for age spots are very short and effective. Usually, patients do only 1 to 2 sessions in a painless process for around 10 to 20 minutes.
It takes around a week for the wounds from the procedure to heal but results are almost immediate.
Freckles
Contrary to the popular notion that freckles and sunspots should be treated primarily with lasers, depending on the severity you can only apply topical treatments.
More severe cases, however, do require laser treatment. Patients usually notice huge improvements after a couple of months (2-3). The cost can be anywhere between 800$ to 1700$.
Hori’s nevus
It’s most important to note that Hori’s nevus is a deep pigmentation so it’s crucial you seek an experienced professional to treat it.
That being said, as it’s deep pigmentation most appropriate treatment is the laser. Unfortunately, it’s Hori’s nevus is one of the more persistent pigmentations and you won’t be able to see any difference after 1 or 2 treatments.
For most patients, it takes up to 10 sessions to see improvement.
Just seek an experienced doctor and you’ll be in good hands. The good news is that Hori’s nevus won’t recur after treatment.
What to do after treatment?
Simple answer: follow your doctor’s recommendations. It’s really important that you follow all of their advice strictly because, in the case of freckles or sun spots, pigmentation can reoccur if not properly cared for.
Doctors usually advise on getting good quality sunscreen, since sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits for pigmentation. Good sunscreens should be broad-spectrum and around SPF 30-50.
