Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Pigmentation is a discolouration of the skin (brown spots), which usually suggests that too much melanin (pigment) has been produced. It usually occurs in spots or patches but its presentation depends on your skin type. Factors such as the UV rays from the sun trigger pigment-making cells, known as melanocytes, and they pump out melanin to protect the skin.
Although too much time spent in the sun is the leading cause of pigmentation, it can also be exacerbated by hormones or birth control pills, acne or inflammation. While the condition is not harmful, it can be difficult to treat and difficult to cover up. Pigmentation is not necessarily permanent as the effects can be reversed with a good skincare regime and a course of treatments.
Treatments start with an in-depth skin consultation including a Skin Scan with our Observ 520x skin scan. This machine allows us to scan the deeper layers of your skin and allows us to view different skin issues, for instance, pigmentation can be viewed under the UV light element. This then helps us determine what depth your pigmentation is which in turn influences treatment options.
Various skincare products can be used to treat pigmentation. At the Townhouse Clinic our experts can prescribe products that are potent enough to achieve real results as opposed to less concentrated products which you might find on the High Street.
The advantage of Skincare over other methods of removal- eg Lasers- is that it can be incorporated long term into a Skincare routine which means that active ingredients are constantly working to keep pigmentation from recurring.
Mid to superficial peels are very effective at removing pigmentation in the deeper layers of the Skin. Dr Lucy offers the Obagi Blue 30% Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Chemical Peel. This treatment is highly effective but not suitable for everyone.
Treatments for pigmentation and sun damage:
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Skincare – Obagi Medical Skincare
The Obagi Medical® Product range helps reduce the visible signs of ageing such as fine-lines, wrinkles, melasma (dark sports), hyper-pigmentation, laxity and uneven texture with additional targeted treatments for acne.
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Chemical Peels (Blue Peel Radiance)
(Blue Peel Radiance) helps improve the following skin concerns: fine lines and wrinkles, rough, uneven skin, blemishes and mild to moderate photoaging).
