Pigmentation
Pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation, refers to when the skin becomes darkened by a pigment called melanin.
This pigment causes dark spots and patches that are commonly seen in the face and arms.
What causes pigmentation?
Pigmentation is caused when there is the production of melanin in our skin. There are cells inside our skin called melanocytes which are directly responsible for producing pigmentation. This pigment forms deposits in our skin, causing the dark spots we see.
Many hyperpigmentation issues are caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Others can be caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, or if you take birth control pills.
Some cases of hyperpigmentation may be inherited conditions, while others may be caused by external factors such as acne or injuries that leave dark spots after healing.
Types of pigmentation
Freckles
Freckles are small brown spots on skin often exposed to sunlight. Freckles are mostly harmless and form because of excessive melanin production. They usually come about due to stimulation from ultraviolet (UV) light. There are two types of freckles, ephelides and solar lentigo. They look similar but can differ in terms of development. Both are affected by sunlight and occur more commonly in lighter-skinned people such as Caucasians.
- Ephelides
This is largely genetically determined but is induced by sunlight. They tend to darken in summer and fade during winter.
- Solar lentigo
This is a larger type of freckle induced by sun exposure and sunburns.
Melasma
Also known as the “mask of pregnancy”, melasma is infamous for affecting pregnant women due to increased levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. They appear as flat patches that can be brown or blue-grey. It can also be called chloasma.
Hori’s Naevus
This is a benign condition where there are blue-grey or grey-brown patchy and spotty pigmentation on the cheeks. This is due to the melanocytes being present in not just the upper layer of the skin but also the dermis. When melanin is also present in the deeper layers of the skin, it results in perceived colour changes from black-brown to blue-grey.
It usually occurs in adulthood and is most common in middle-aged Asian women. Genetics and hormones may influence the development of Hori’s Naevus.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
These are dark spots left behind after an inflamed area, such as pimple, has healed. As the skin heals, it produces too much melanin that darkens and discolours the skin. It is the skin’s natural response to inflammation. PIH can develop in people of all skin types, but it tends to be more severe or prolonged in people with medium to dark complexions.
How is pigmentation removal done at The Artisan Clinic?
Picosure Laser
The Picosure Laser is so named because of its picosecond laser – the pulse duration of the laser is one-trillionth of a second. This patented technology allows laser beams to penetrate deeper into the skin to allow for effective collagen production.
Each Pico Laser has different pulse durations ranging from 450 picoseconds to 750 picoseconds. The shorter pulse duration gives it better safety, higher efficacy and reduced damage and discomfort as compared to normal nanolasers.
With Picosure Laser, we’re sure you’ll get rid of all your skin issues in no time.
Keep In Mind
PicoSure, PicoPlus and PicoWay are different brands of picosecond lasers. You can have the best picosecond laser in the world, but the doctor’s diagnosis, choice of treatment protocol and way of handling the machine is way more important.
The settings of the pico laser has to be adjusted to fit the patient’s condition, and a good doctor should be able to tweak accordingly.
Do your research and make sure the doctor has a good track record of using pico lasers on Asian skin.
Have any enquiries? Consult our specialists.
Potenza
Potenza is a radiofrequency (RF) microneedling technique that combines monopolar and bipolar RF at 1 or 2 MHz frequencies in a single device. Heat and microwounds created by ultrafine needles are used to trigger the skin’s natural healing response, so that collagen and elastin are remodelled and regenerated.
The microneedles use Tiger Tip technology, meaning they can deliver RF energy at 2 different depths in a single treatment, thus saving time and reducing discomfort for the patient. The RF energy is delivered deep into the skin to produce dramatic results, helping to improve any signs of ageing and improve blemishes or scars.
Aging is inevitable but you can choose to age gracefully.
Naturally healthy skin
Enhance facial contours
Thicker, fuller hair
Restore youthful looks
Fair and dewy skin
Body slimming
About our founder
01
Founder / Medical Director of The Artisan Clinic
02
Ellanse Asia Advisory Board Member.
03
Winner of Ellanse / Silhouette Soft Combination Therapy Before After Competition in Barcelona 2018.
04
Accredited trainer for Dysport , Radiesse, Belotero.
05
International Trainer / Speaker for CynoSure Medical Devices, Ellanse , Silhouette Soft , Teoxane , Mint Lift.
06
International Speaker for Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress, Aesthetic Multi-Specialty, Euromedicom conferences.
