Pigmentation is one of the most common skin problem in Indians. It is a disorder of melanocytes where they start producing excess melanin – a substance which provides colour to skin
Pigmentation can be due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, hereditary or certain medications. Sometimes pigmentation may be so severe that people find it difficult to attend social gatherings; it may be so depressive that it interferes with their day to day activities. Not only females but males may also be affected.
Generally women start getting pigmentation during pregnancy or at menopausal age. However, these days more and more cases of younger people developing it are coming to light. Reasons range from hormone imbalances and sun exposure to stress. Age related pigmentation comes in the form of freckles (age spots) which is common in fair skinned people. Excessive pigment deposition over face is called as melasma and this is the most persistent kind of pigmentation.
Most important thing to prevent pigmentation is to apply sunscreen daily with minimum SPF 30 and to reapply it if you are out in sun for more than 4 hrs. Selection of sunscreen is also important as it has to be broad spectrum which prevents UV A as well as UV B rays. Even on cloudy days sunscreen needs to be applied because ultraviolet rays can penetrate through clouds.
To treat pigmentation exfoliating treatments, peels and Q switched laser which specifically targets pigmentation are advised along with topical applications.
At AAYNA we have seen great results using one of the finest US FDA approved lasers to treat pigmentation. The laser is called Medlite Q switched laser and it destroys pigmentation gradually with each session. Number of sessions depend upon the extent and depth of pigmentation but in most cases 6 sessions are enough.
There are many formulations which are meant to target pigmentation such as retinol, hydroquinone, kojic acid etc. Never start your topical treatments without asking doctor because many topical creams contain ingredients which may be carcinogenic if used beyond limit. Wrong selection of creams or using them without sun protection may make your pigmentation worse. Seeking consultation with trained medical experts goes a long way to treat and prevent this common skin woe.
