Skin Pigmentation: Causes, Symptoms And Solutions

Hyperpigmentation, more commonly known as pigmentation, occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker due to excess melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. This common skin condition is often genetic and can further aggravate due to prolonged, excessive sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations. Certain medications, illnesses, and injuries can also result in uneven skin tone, dark spots and patchy complexion.

At Oliva Clinic, our dermatologists offer customised, proven and safe solutions to help you achieve an even-toned, glowing complexion.

What is Pigmentation?

The normal colouring of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, and the retina of the eye is due to the deposition of the pigment, melanin, which is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Whenever there is an excess production of melanin (hyperpigmentation), it causes dark spots, patches or the discolouration of the skin. This eventually affects the colour of our skin leading to uneven skin tone.

Hyperpigmentation usually affects patches of the skin making our skin appear darker than usual in some areas. They may vary in size or appear anywhere on the body. Therefore, a dermatologist will be the right person to determine the exact cause behind pigmentation.

Causes of Skin Pigmentation

Increased production of melanin due to certain internal or external factors can lead to the disorders of skin pigmentation.

  • Sun exposure

    Pigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, specifically by its UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and can cause excessive melanin production.

  • Injury

    An external injury such as a cut, bruise or even pimples, improper hair removal, or depilatory creams can trigger an inflammatory reaction to the injury, leading to the production of extra melanin.

  • Medication

    Certain medication can result in unwanted pigmentation as a side effect and is commonly seen with chemotherapy, tetracycline antibiotics etc.

  • Allergies

    Contact dermatitis to cosmetics, hair dyes, etc. can cause pigmentation.

  • Hormonal fluctuations

    Pigmentation occurs as a result of a hormonal imbalance due to a rise in levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This type of pigmentation, known as Melasma, can be triggered by pregnancy or birth control pills.

  • Hereditary

    Hereditary factors can play a major role in pigmentation of the skin. For instance, lentigines are a type of pigmentary condition associated with hereditary multisystemic syndromes.

  • Illness or disease

    Certain medical conditions such as Addison’s disease and other endocrine diseases result in the disruption of the body’s hormonal levels, and this can increase melanin production.

Types Of Pigmentation

Freckles

Freckles are a common type of skin pigmentation occurring as a result of frequent exposure to sunlight. They appear as tiny circular spots on exposed areas, like the face etc., and they usually affect people with a lighter skin tone. Heredity factors also play a role in causing them.Read More

Post-inflammatory pigmentation

This occurs as our skin’s response to an injury such as bruises, burns, friction or harsh chemical treatments. This can also occur post-acne breakouts resulting in reddish, brown, or black marks.Read More

Melasma

Melasma is a type of facial pigmentation that affects the deeper layers of the skin. It occurs in women more commonly as irregular brown to grey patches on the cheeks, nose, jawline, etc.Read More

Sunspots

Also referred to as solar lentigines, these are pigmentation spots with clearly defined edges. These spots form due to sun exposure and the extent of pigmentation depends on the exposure of melanin pigment to UV rays.Read More

Diagnosis

An experienced dermatologist can diagnose accurately and recommend treatment options to treat the specific type of pigmentation.

Step
Initial Diagnosis

The dermatologist starts with a visible examination of the pigmentation. For a more detailed assessment, the dermatologist will do a dermascan analysis or a biopsy. They will further review your medical and family history to identify contributing factors.

Step
Skin Assessment

The dermatologist may also conduct additional skin exams to learn about the underlying causes of pigmentation. They will then identify the unique factors like sun exposure or hereditary tendencies.

Step
Treatment Recommendation

The dermatologist may prescribe topical treatments for the specific type of pigmentation. In severe cases, they will suggest advanced treatments like chemical peels and laser toning.

Are you at Risk?

  • Pigmentation is slightly more common in Asians.

  • A common cause of pigmentation is prolonged sun exposure.

  • This aggravates further if they are genetically prone to pigmentation.

Prevention & Management

Apply sunscreen
Apply sunscreen

Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with the highest SPF that protects from both UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

Have a consistent skincare routine
Have a consistent skincare routine

Follow a good skincare routine to protect it from environmental damage, pollutants, and dirt.

Use sun protection
Use sun protection

Wear hats or scarves to avoid sun exposure during peak hours of sunlight.

Treatment Options

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve controlled exfoliation using an FDA-approved chemical solution to remove damaged skin layers, reduce melanin build-up, and reveal brighter skin. Depending on your skin type and pigmentation severity, our experienced dermatologist will recommend different peel concentrations and multiple sessions.

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Laser Toning

Using Q-switched Nd: YAG laser, our dermatologists target and break down excess melanin, which the skin’s immune system eliminates naturally. Laser toning effectively treats pigmentation types like suntan, melasma, and sunspots. You will need an average of six to eight sessions, but this number can vary depending on the severity and the target area.

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Topical medications

They work by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots and discolouration. These creams or gels often contain active ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid, which lighten existing pigmentation and reduce its recurrence. Consult an expert dermatologist to be safe and get the best results.

Treatments Explained

Chemical Peels

Laser therapy with Q-switched NdYAG lasers

Prognosis

  • Pigmentation on the skin may not be a severe medical condition, but it can aggravate if not treated in a timely manner.
  • Dark spots, acne marks, and sunspots may fade with topical treatments.
  • Severe discolouration requires an advanced treatment procedure such as laser therapy.
  • A dermatologist can determine the extent of pigmentation and suggest the most effective treatment plan for you.
Reviewed by Dr. Debatri Datta
MBBS: RG Kar Medical College Kolkata, West Bengal University of Health Sciences
Written by : Dr. Debatri Datta
Updated on: July 10, 2024
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