What are pigment spots?

Pigment spots are discolorations caused by the accumulation of melanin in the skin. These spots usually occur in the epidermis, specifically in the lower layer where pigment cells are located and produce melanin (pigment). The accumulation of pigment creates the visible spots on the surface of the skin.

The spots usually occur on body parts that are exposed to a lot of sunlight such as the face, hands, chest and décolleté. Pigment spots are generally harmless, but can be cosmetically disturbing. Scientific studies show that pigment spots affect people’s appearance, perceived age and psychosocial well-being. They fall under the broader group of hyperpigmentation.

Causes of pigmentation spots

Pigmentation disorders are caused by external influences such as excessive exposure to UV radiation and by internal processes such as hormonal changes and certain diseases, for example. All causes of pigment spots are:

• Sun exposure – UV radiation stimulates pigment cells and is the main cause.
• Skin aging – age spots(lentigo) often appear after years of sun damage.
• Hormonal fluctuations – such as melasma or pregnancy mask.
• Inflammation – after acne, eczema or wounds, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur.
• Diseases or medications – including autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders or due to certain medications.
• Heredity and skin type – light skin types burn faster, dark skin types are more likely to have pigmentation reactions.

Types of pigmentation spots

• Freckles – small, light brown spots that darken with sunlight.
• Age spots – Flat, brown spots that increase with age.
• Melasma – Symmetrical pigmentary spots due to hormonal influences.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – dark spots after inflammation or skin damage.
• Disease-related pigmentation – for example, in hemochromatosis or vitamin disorders.

There is also another form in which the pigment is reduced or completely absent. In this case, we see white patches on the skin and we speak of hypopigmentation. This can occur due to the autoimmune disease vitiligo, which often involves larger areas of the skin, due to age or due to improperly performed light treatments with IPL or laser, these types of spots are often called “confetti” spots.

Features

Pigment spots vary in shape and color. They can be small or large, sharply defined or fainter.

• Color: light brown to dark brown or almost black.
• Varying in size: pinhead to several centimeters.
• Occur mainly on parts of the skin that are heavily exposed to sunlight.
• May be sharply defined or fainter overflowing.
• Often increase with age and degree of sunlight exposure.

Can you prevent pigmentation?

The best treatment for pigmentation spots is prevention. Even after a pigmentation spot treatment, it is important to prevent new spots by protecting the skin.

• Protect your skin daily with a good sunscreen (SPF 30 and above).
• Avoid excessive sun and tanning beds.
• Wear protective clothing and a hat in bright sunlight.
• Use a daily serum with vitamin C, a proven effective ingredient in preventing pigmentation.
• Get advice from a skin therapist about preventive skin care.

Treatments at Ivy clinics

Do you already have pigmentation spots and want them reduced or removed? Several treatments are available at Ivy clinics. The choice depends on your skin type, the cause of the pigmentation disruption and the depth of the pigment.

• Chemical peels – such as the MeLine peel, suitable for superficial and deeper pigment but can also be used for all types of pigmentation.
• IPL laser – treats pigment through flashes of light that break down and drain excess pigment. Suitable for age spots, sun damage and PIH.
• Cosmeceuticals – products including vitamins A, B and C to regulate pigment and prevent new spots.
• Camouflage – mineral makeup to make pigment spots less visible.
• Hydrafacial – supports the skin with cleansing, exfoliation and antioxidants, for maintenance and prevention.

Free, no-obligation consultation

Want to know which treatment is best for your skin and type of pigmentation? Then schedule a free consultation at Ivy clinics. During this consultation, the skin therapist will examine your skin and assess the pigmentation spots. Our skin therapists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. A combination of treatments and skin care products is most effective. If there is any doubt about the nature of the spot(s), we refer you to a dermatologist.