Seeing the skin on your face slowly changing colour, often unevenly in patches, can be one of the most distressing things to see for males and females alike.
Sure, there are various brands of camouflage make-up you can buy which are quite effective in covering the darker patches and evening out the skin tone, but these do what it says on the tin and merely camouflages the problem.
Facial pigmentation is something seen on a regular basis by dermatologists at The Laser Treatment Clinic with specialist knowledge of the subject.
There are effective clinical treatments for people who are affected by pigmentation issues that are based on extensive studies of why pigmentation occurs.
What Causes Pigmentation?
In normal skin of any colour, our skin cells contain melanocytes. These sit within the layer of basal cells in the deepest section of the epidermis, and their job is to produce melanin, the pigment which gives skin its normal colour.
The scientific name for this process is melanogenesis, referring to the permanent production of melanin pigmentation. Melanogenesis is understood to be active at a lower level in lighter skinned people and active at a higher level in darker skin.
But the purpose of melanin in all individuals, regardless of skin colour, is to protect the layers of the skin from the damage which can be caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Skin which produces too much melanin is called hyperpigmented. Skin which has too little melanin is referred to as hypopigmented, and in those rare individuals who have no melanin at all, the skin is depigmented and the term for this condition is Vitiligo.
Vitiligo
This affects approximately 1% of the global population and affects all races and sexes, generally becoming apparent before the age of 30.
The condition presents as a loss of pigmentation and natural colour of the skin, which usually starts to appear on the hands, forearms, feet and face.
Consequently, smooth white or lighter coloured patches, or macules, can be seen in these areas. In some individuals the hair follicles are also affected and silver patches can appear in these areas.
Vitiligo is the result of the body’s immune system destroying melanocytes, therefore negatively affecting the production of melanin.
People who already have an autoimmune condition such as Addison’s disease, Lupus, Psoriasis and Type1 Diabetes, among others, are at a higher risk of developing Vitiligo.
Hyperpigmented Skin
Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin condition which causes darker patches on the skin and is the result of an overproduction of melanin which ‘clumps’ together.
It will present as brown, black, red or pink spots or patches. Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all ethnicities and sexes, and while it can appear in just one area of the body or face, it can appear all over.
Hormone changes are one of the causes of altered melanin production, giving rise to the term ‘mask of pregnancy’ as it can show on the belly and face of a pregnant woman.
Adrenal disorders, genetics, thyroid disorders, certain medications and vitamin deficiencies can all play a part in hyperpigmentation but one of the primary causes is sun damage from excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays without sunscreen protection.
When to Talk to a Clinical Professional
In general, pigmentation disorders do not have any symptoms, with the exception of Vitiligo which can cause some discomfort to the skin, like itchiness.
However, for many who suffer from patches of abnormal colour on the face, the embarrassment and distress leads them to seek treatment.
Rather than try home remedies which may not work and may be expensive, a consultation with specialist dermatologists can provide a professional diagnosis and effective treatment based on your lifestyle, family and medical history.