19 Sep Pigment spots after the summer: causes and treatment
The causes of pigment spots
Pigment spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are mainly caused by increased melanin production in certain areas of the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its color. There are various reasons for the development of pigment spots:
UV exposure: The most common cause of pigment spots is excessive exposure to the sun. UV rays can stimulate the melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. This leads to darker spots on the skin.
Ageing: As we age, pigmentation spots can develop over time due to damage to the skin. These are often referred to as age spots or lentigines.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, hormonal changes due to the use of contraceptives or hormone-related illnesses can lead to increased melanin production and thus contribute to the formation of pigment spots.
Injuries or inflammation: Skin injuries, inflammation or skin conditions can cause certain areas of skin to have darker pigmentation as the skin heals.
Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to the formation of pigment spots.
The treatment of pigment spots
In most cases, pigment spots or melasma are harmless from a medical point of view. Nevertheless, we recommend a regular check-up (skin screening) with a doctor. If you want to do something about unwanted pigmentation from an aesthetic point of view, there are various treatment methods to reduce pigmentation spots:
Laser therapy
Laser treatments can specifically treat pigment spots by breaking down the melanin in the spots. In our practice, we have had very good experiences with IPL photorejuvenation in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. This treatment stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers and irregularities in the skin can be gently and effectively eliminated. Depending on the extent of the pigmentation, we recommend 2-6 treatments at intervals of 2-4 weeks.
Chemical peelings
The term “chemical peel” covers a range of treatments from fruit acid peels performed at home or by a beautician (AHA, BHA, PHA) to medium-depth (TCA) and deep peels (phenol) in medical practices or clinics. Despite their diversity, all these peelings share a common characteristic: they exfoliate the upper layers of the skin to varying degrees and initiate regeneration processes, in some cases even in the dermis. This can help to reduce pigmentation spots and improve skin texture.
Skin lightening creams
There are over-the-counter and prescription brightening creams to lighten or prevent pigmentation spots. Active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide are known for their brightening properties. Regular use of serums or creams with these ingredients can help to fade pigmentation spots. Brightening therapy should always be supervised by a specialist doctor or skin specialist.
HydraFacial
In terms of pigmentation spots, the HydraFacial can help by improving the skin overall and promoting healthier skin. By introducing antioxidants, the treatment has a preventative effect and can significantly reduce the appearance of new pigmentation spots.
Pigment spot treatment – Which one is right for me?
The choice of the appropriate application depends on the type, size and cause of the pigmentation, but also on the general condition of the patient’s skin. When it comes to isolated pigmentation spot treatment, laser treatment is generally preferable to chemical peeling. If keratinization, severe wrinkles in combination with pigmentation spots are indicated, a deep phenol peel can be considered. In order to achieve the best possible treatment results, an individual treatment plan should always be defined, which also includes skin care with retinol, antioxidants and vitamin C.
Whether laser treatment, retinol treatment or a chemical peel – it is important to have the treatment carried out by an experienced skin expert in order to achieve the best results and minimize possible risks.
Do you have questions about the treatment of pigment spots? We will be happy to advise you.
