Skin Pigmentation: Causes, Types and Treatment Options Explained

 Disorders of pigmentation can cause a poor impact on the skin's color and overall appearance. Skin color is determined by melanin pigment. Melanin is created by certain skin cells called melanocytes. The generation of melanin is impacted when these cells are unhealthy or harmed. Some pigmentation diseases only impact specific areas of the skin. Others have a body-wide impact. 

Without melanin, the skin will be pale white with pink undertones caused by the circulation of blood.  People with fair skin generate very little melanin, those with darker skin produce a moderate amount, and those with very dark skin produce the most. Albino people have little to no melanin, which causes their skin to appear white or pale pink. Melanin is typically spread quite evenly across the skin, however, occasionally people have areas of skin that contain more melanin than others.

To shed more light on what pigmentation is and what type of pigmentation treatments are available, skin specialists in Gurgaon at Skinzest, have shared crucial insights on the same. 

Types of Pigmentation Disorders-

Pigment disorders can either be localized and only affect a small portion of the skin or they can be broad and affect many different sections of the skin. Their effects on pigmentation are known as:

• Depigmentation: Complete pigment loss is known as depigmentation. In this, the skin color is white. 

Example- In vitiligo, depigmentation is widely distributed. Though the cause of vitiligo, a condition of skin pigmentation, is uncertain, it may be caused by an immune system attack on the cells that generate the skin pigment melanin (melanocytes). Vitiligo can appear suddenly in people or tends to occur in families. Vitiligo can co-occur with a few different illnesses.

• Hypopigmentation: Melanin levels that are abnormally low are known as hypopigmentation. The tone of the skin is paler than usual. Causes of hypopigmentation include prior skin damage, such as blistering, ulceration, burns, chemical exposure, skin infection, inflammatory skin disorders, etc.

Example- Albinism is a genetic aberration and affects people of all ethnicities and worldwide. It affects the eyes, involuntary eye movements, hypopigmentation, or depigmentation of the skin. 

• Hyperpigmentation: Although deposits of other pigmented compounds that are not typically found in the skin can sometimes induce hyperpigmentation, the condition is typically caused by an abnormally high level of melanin. One can get hyperpigmentation if one has inflammation-causing conditions, drugs, or sunlight exposure. Melasma, age spots, liver spots, sun spots, and dark lips are some examples of hyperpigmentation.

Causes of Pigmentation-

• Genetics

• Hormones

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Cosmetic product usage

• Reaction to drugs

• Excessive exposure to the sun

• Nutritional deficiency.

Treatment for Pigmentation-

• Medical Treatment: This includes using skin whitening treatments and sun protection measures. Kojic acid, Hydroquinone, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Vitamin C, and Alpha Arbutin are some of the key components in skin care treatments that promote skin whitening. But, one must note that one must use these products only after a dermatologist's prescription.

• Chemical Peel: One of the most successful treatments for pigmentation is chemical peeling, and is performed at Skinzest, a skin clinic in Gurgaon. It may be used independently or in conjunction with other therapies. Peels are suitable for use on all skin types and age groups. They are particularly helpful for dark circles under the eyes, spots of pigmentation on the chest and back, spots of pigmentation in the armpits and bikini area, spots of pigmentation on the knees, elbows, or feet, as well as tanned arms and legs. Peels can be classified as follows: 

• Superficial peels with lactic acid (10–30%), salicylic acid (30%), and glycolic acid (10–50%).

• Peels with a medium depth, such as trichloroacetic acid (30–50%) and glycolic acid (50–70%)

• Deep peels, such as Phe-nol and trichloroacetic acid > 50%.

• Microdermabrasion: It is a manual exfoliation process that removes dead skin cells by using a vacuum and a diamond or crystal tip. To get the best results, it is typically done in conjunction with chemical peeling. 

• Laser Therapy: It is a simple, safe, and very successful process that enhances the skin's appearance over the long and short term. It is safe for all skin types and gives the skin an instant facelift by making it smooth, clear, and plump. The patients can resume their everyday routines right afterward because there is hardly any downtime. Laser toning uses a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser, that penetrates deeper skin layers and disintegrates pigments that induce melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  

Ways To Prevent Pigmentation:

• Since UV exposure is a significant factor in the development of hyperpigmentation, using sunscreens as directed and wearing sun protection clothes, hats, and sunglasses are crucial steps in the management of hyperpigmentation.

• Keep away from substances that are contributing to pigmentation, such as prescription drugs and cosmetics. 

• Appropriate management of inflammatory diseases like acne to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• The management of metabolic issues by diet and exercise.

One can book a consultation at Skinzest to get expert advice from expert doctors who provide effective pigmentation treatment in Gurgaon. The doctor first examines the patient and then makes a customized treatment according to the individual needs to achieve the optimum results.