Pigmentation

Pigmentation is a common skin concern that manifests in darker spots of areas of the skin that is noticeable to the eye. When we talk about pigmentation, we are often referring to hyperpigmentation which is an overproduction of melanocytes that usually indicate trauma in the skin. 

Below are the three most common types of hyperpigmentation that we treat at Luminosity Skin and skinMD:

Sun Damage – Sun damage is a darkening of the skin where sun exposure and UV damage has occurred. Often referred to as sunspots, these darker portions of skin can manifest as freckles all the way to something more sinister like skin cancers and melanoma. Sun damage will often occur on parts of the skin more often exposed to the sun like the face, the shoulders and the arms.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – this particular type of pigmentation is left over from a breakout or wound in the skin. The body will naturally produce more melanocytes to protect the trauma in the skin, which eventually leads to a dark spot. POH is often worsened by picking pimples or not allowing the skin to heal.

Melasma – melasma is the pigment condition that is affected by changes in hormone levels. Often experienced by women going through the stages of pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause, melasma often manifests on the face as dark spots that are also often symmetrical. Melasma is also worsened by sun damage and heat exposure.

Here at Luminosity Skin and skinMD, we’ll diagnose the condition of hyperpigmentation with a review of medical history, medication and a thorough analysis of the skin.

Post diagnosis our team of on-site GPs can prescribe medication (both oral and topical) as well as our dermal clinician provided treatments like laser and chemical peels as well as skin needling to assist with the lightening of hyperpigmentation.