Correcting Pigmentation

Uneven skin tone and pigmentation can be challenging. Our targeted treatments help to reduce dark spots, leaving your skin looking brighter and more balanced.

Understanding Skin Pigmentation From Ageing and Sun Damage

As we age, our skin experiences various changes, including the development of uneven pigmentation, often referred to as age spots or sun damage. These changes in pigmentation are largely due to years of accumulated sun exposure and the skin’s natural ageing process. Below is a breakdown of different types of pigmentation that result from ageing and sun damage.

How Sun Damage and Age Spots Develop

UV Exposure and Melanin: Prolonged sun exposure over the years causes the melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) in the skin to become overactive, leading to the development of pigmentation such as sun spots and age spots. This damage accumulates with time, making these spots more common as we age.
Natural Ageing: As the skin ages, its ability to regenerate and repair itself slows down. This slower skin cell turnover means that existing sun damage becomes more visible, and pigmentation takes longer to fade.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, particularly in women, can exacerbate pigmentation issues. Conditions like melasma are more common during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as pregnancy or menopause, and can worsen with sun exposure.

Types of Sun Damage and Age Spots

Age and Sun Spots
1. Description: Sun spots and age or liver spots, are flat, brown, black, or grey spots that develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These spots are a result of overactive pigment cells stimulated by years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
2. Appearance: These spots vary in size and typically appear in clusters. While harmless, they may grow larger or darken over time.
Melasma (Chloasma)
1. Description: Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that presents as large, symmetrical brown or grey patches on sun-exposed areas of the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. It is often associated with hormonal changes, such as pregnancy (referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”), menopause, or birth control use, but can worsen with age and sun exposure.
2. Appearance: These patches are often darker and more pronounced after sun exposure and can persist long-term without treatment.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
1. Description: PIH occurs when the skin darkens in response to inflammation or injury, such as acne, eczema, or cuts. This darkening is due to an overproduction of melanin during the healing process, and sun exposure can make PIH more prominent, especially as we age.
2. Appearance: PIH appears as dark spots or patches that can range in colour from light brown to black, depending on the severity and depth of the original skin damage.
Seborrheic Keratoses
1. Description: Seborrtheic keratoses are non-cancerous, wart-like growths that often appear in middle-aged or older individuals. Although they are not caused directly by sun damage, they tend to appear on sun-exposed areas and are more common with age.
2. Appearance: These spots are typically brown, black, or light tan, with a waxy. “stuck-on” appearance. They can be that or slightly raised and vary in size.
Actinic Keratoses (Solar Keratoses)
1. Description: Acitinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp and hands. They are considered precancerous lesions that may develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. Actinic keratoses are a sign of extensive sun damage over time.
2. Appearance: These spots are usually pink, red, or brown and feel rough or gritty to the touch.

Prevention and Treatment

The most effective way to prevent sun damage and age spots is through consistent sun protection. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun exposure (between 11 am and 3 pm) are key strategies.

Treatment Options at The Beaumont Clinic

Cryotherapy coming soon to The Beaumont Clinic

Conclusion

Skin pigmentation changes, such as age spots and sun damage, are a natural part of the ageing process. While some of these changes are harmless, they can be a cosmetic concern for many individuals. Fortunately, with preventive care and effective treatments, the appearance of sun damage and age spots can be significantly reduced, helping to restore a more even and youthful complexion. Book a consultation with our skin specialists so we can find the right treatment for you.