Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation can affect a person’s quality of life and self-esteem. There are no easy solutions to prevent pigmentation but there are several treatments that can reduce the condition and prevent its recurrence. 

There are many conditions that result in uneven skin tone or patches. Some of the most common include: 

•Freckles (or ephelides) - most common in light-skinned individuals with red or blonde hair 

•Solar lentigines - dark patches are caused by cumulative UV exposure and skin ageing 

•Melasma - symmetrical hyperpigmentation often associated with hormonal changes. 

•Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation - when the skin experiences inflammation or injury (e.g. from acne) 

All of the above are intensified by sun exposure. Both in the formation of new areas and increasing severity of existing patches. 


With over 20 years of experience as a dermatologist, Dr Rahman’s expertise means that she is able to customise a treatment plan for each individual patient. 

During your consultation, Dr Rahman will provide an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your pigmentation, tailor the treatment to your needs and give you a realistic expectation of the results you can expect to achieve. 

The clinic offers an over the counter product which effectively treats milder forms of pigmentation. If you are interested in purchasing this product, please visit the clinic and one of our health case assistants can advise on how best to use this product. 

If you have already tried numerous products with limited success, then book a consultation with Dr Shereen Rahman to discuss a personalised treatment plan based on medical prescription-only treatments.

Types of Pigmentation

Pigmentation refers to the colour of our skin. It is influenced by the presence of melanin, a substance within the body that affects colour. The different amounts of melanin we possess is what determines our colouring, and the vast and varied tones of our skin, hair and eyes. 

Individuals with dark skin tones are more likely to have high concentrations of pigment, while people with fair skin and hair have low levels of melanin. 

Skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis differ from person to person, mostly dictated by genetics and hormones. Other factors include autoimmune conditions, medication and inflammatory skin conditions.
Freckles are extra patches of colouring (or pigment) under your skin. Doctors call them ephelides.

Freckles often show up during childhood, and you may continue to get more until you're in your 20s. They're most common in people with fair skin or red hair, but anyone can have them.

FACTS:

Freckles:
  • They are genetic
  • They first show up when you’re around 2-3 years old, often after you’ve been in the sun
  • They are usually on your arms, chest, face, and neck
  • Can be red, dark brown, or light brown
  • Can go away as you age
Solar lentigines:
  • Are sometimes called age spots or liver spots
  • Show up as you get older and are common if you’re 50 or older
  • Can be anywhere on your body that gets sun, including areas like your back, chest, face, forearms, hands, and shins
  • Don’t fade or disappear
  • Can range from light yellow to dark brown in colour
  • Show up because of sun exposure and aging
Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that can be stubborn to treat. It is characterised by darker patches of skin that usually appear on the face and are often symmetrical. Common areas for melasma to appear include the forehead, cheeks, chin and upper lip. 

Melasma is more common in women, and even more common in women with darker skin types. The darker patches of skin are caused by an over stimulation of melanin, which is the pigment that is responsible for our skin colour. There are several known causes for this overstimulation that results in melasma, including: 

  • Hormonal changes
  • Hormone-based medications
  • Sun exposure
  • Genetics
Hyperpigmentation can occur when the skin experiences inflammation or injury. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH.

When the skin becomes injured or inflamed, our melanin-producing cells are stimulated to generate higher quantities of pigment. The surplus pigment accumulates in the affected area. Individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI) are more likely to experience PIH, owing to their innately high levels of melanin.