Our skin plays a major role in the way we feel about ourselves and the level of our confidence. Different skin issues and conditions can take a toll not only on our physical appearance but also on our mental and overall well-being.
Some of the skin disorders include dark spots, patches, and uneven skin tone. For individuals with any of these conditions, it is important to work with a qualified skin specialist like Dr. Rinky Kapoor of The Esthetic Clinics, who can help you understand the causes and your most suitable treatment.
Understanding skin pigmentation
Skin pigmentation, which is basically the color of the skin, is determined by melanin. This pigment is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes and is responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. Our skin tone is determined by its distribution.
When there is an overproduction of melanin, the skin becomes darker. And when melanocytes don’t produce enough melanin, the skin becomes lighter.
Skin pigmentation disorders and their causes
There are many factors that cause skin pigmentation disorders, leading to conditions such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Some of these factors include:
Excessive sun exposure: when you expose your skin to the sun for a prolonged period of time, the body triggers melanin production as a defense mechanism, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone over time.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): some people experience excessive production of melanin after they heal from an injury, inflammation, or skin conditions such as acne. Excessive melanin may lead to dark spots and/or uneven skin tone.
Hormonal changes: hormonal changes, especially in women during pregnancy or due to the use of some ingredients in contraceptives, may cause irregular pigmentations.
Age: as we age, the body loses its ability to regulate melanin production, leading to age spots. Not that this doesn’t happen to everyone. It depends on factors such as genetics, health conditions, and environmental factors, among others.
Genetic factors: genetic factors refer to factors that are passed down from parents to children. It could be a common condition in the family, such as vitiligo, which is characterized by white patches on the skin.
Skin Pigmentation Treatment
The esthetic clinics in India offer multiple treatments for skin pigmentation disorders that can be prescribed depending on the specific conditions and the individual’s skin characteristics. Here are some common, effective treatments:
Topical treatments
Topical treatments include:
Skin lightening creams: these creams contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, and/or alpha-arbutin and can be used to reduce excessive melanin and lighten dark spots when used consistently over time.
Retinoids: Retinoids can help promote cell turnover, remove hyperpigmented skin, and aid the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin.
Vitamin C serums: Vitamin C serums contain antioxidant properties that have the ability to reduce melanin production and brighten the skin.
Chemical peel treatment
This refers to the application of a specific chemical solution onto the skin, which gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin and promotes the growth of new skin to create uniformity.
Microdermabrasion
This refers to a non-invasive procedure done to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin, revealing a new, more even tone.
