Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, resulting in dark patches or spots on the face.
As melanin is the pigment that gives our skin its natural colour, too much or too little can lead to hyperpigmentation. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, hands, and arms.
It can take on many different forms, like freckles, age spots, and melasma, and can vary in size, shape, and color.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Age Spots: Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, these flat, brown spots that appear on the skin as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. They are most commonly found on the face, hands, and other areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, and mostly affect people over the age of 50, but can occur in younger people too.
Melasma: Melasma is often caused by hormonal changes, although sun exposure can exacerbate the condition, and is characterized by brown or gray-brown patches on the skin (usually on the face). It is most common among women, especially during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH occurs after trauma or injury to the skin, such as acne, insect bites, or burns, and may be darker than the surrounding skin. It is more common among people with darker skin tones.
People with hyperpigmentation may feel self-conscious about their appearance, which can lead to social anxiety and reluctance to participate in certain activities. In addition, it also contributes to a negative body image, making it difficult for individuals to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Dark spots and patches can absorb more UV radiation, making them more susceptible to sun damage and premature aging. This can lead to further skin damage, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.
If untreated, hyperpigmentation can also cause scarring and inflammation. When the excess melanin production causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated, further redness, swelling, and scarring may appear.
Our range of treatments to address hyperpigmentation, include topical creams, chemical peels, and pico laser treatments. These help reduce the appearance of dark spots and patches, improve overall skin texture and tone, and reduce the risk of further skin damage.
We are committed to helping our patients achieve their aesthetic goals and look and feel their best. If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation and would like to explore your treatment options, please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced professionals.
Exposure to the Singapore sun's harmful UV rays can cause the skin to produce excess melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation and subsequently needing hyperpigmentation treatment. This is especially true for people with lighter skin tones who are more susceptible to sun damage. It is important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time outdoors to help prevent hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, trigger the production of excess melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation. This type of hyperpigmentation is often referred to as melasma and appears as brown or grayish patches on the face.
Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis cause hyperpigmentation as a result of the skin's natural healing process. As the skin heals, excess melanin can be produced, leading to dark spots and patches. It is important to treat inflammatory skin conditions promptly to help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation
People who may be genetically predisposed to hyperpigmentation have a higher likelihood of developing dark spots and patches on their skin. This can be especially true for people with darker skin tones.
Opting for non-invasive treatments (a popular choice for acne scar removal in Singapore) can provide effective results with fewer risks and less downtime.
Lazz Aesthetic advocates for non-invasive treatment as the safer alternative to surgical aesthetic treatments. While surgical aesthetic treatments produce more drastic results, non-invasive treatments are considerably safer, less painful, and have fewer risks for complications, as it does not require patients to “go under the knife”.
Generally with minimal or no downtime, non-invasive hyperpigmentation treatment is a more convenient choice for those with hectic lifestyles. Additionally, it is also more affordable due to not having the cost of a full medical team for treatment, e.g.: an anesthetist, nurses, and technicians, making them a popular choice for many patients undergoing laser treatment for acne scars.
This state of the art technology uses a combination of two types of laser technologies, Picosecond and Nanosecond, and allows us to utilise 3 complementary wavelengths with 5 different laser modalities to provide the flexibility for a customised treatment procedure.
Picosecond lasers emit pulses of light in extremely short durations, which break down melanin particles into smaller fragments that are more easily removed by the body.
Nanosecond lasers emit longer pulses of light that can also target and break down excess pigment in the skin. When combined, it proves to be highly effective for melasma, PI, age spots and other hyperpigmentation problems.
Pico-Nano Combination Laser treatment is a safe and effective hyperpigmentation treatment with minimal discomfort and downtime. However, it is best to arrange for a consultation with our doctors to determine if our Pico-Nano Combination Laser treatment is a suitable treatment for your specific needs and goals.
Chemical peels help with hyperpigmentation by removing the top layer of damaged skin and stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells. The process uses a solution of acids - glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid - to exfoliate the skin and remove the outermost layers.
Chemical peels help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by causing the skin to shed its outermost layers, which may contain excess pigment. This helps to reveal fresher, more even-toned skin.
The type and strength of chemical peel used will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual's skin type and medical history. Superficial or medium-depth peels are typically recommended, as they can effectively target the top layer of the skin without causing significant damage to deeper layers. Although uncommon, it is also a common choice when it comes to freckles removal in Singapore!
Chemical peel treatment is a safe and effective way to address hyperpigmentation with minimal discomfort and downtime, but, do note that chemical peels may cause temporary redness, flaking, peeling of the skin, and may be more sensitive to the sun's harmful rays.
Ultimately, it is best to arrange for a consultation with our doctors to determine if it is a suitable for your specific needs and goals.
We pride ourselves on providing professional standards of care to all our patients.
Fill up your contact information on our website and we’ll assist in securing an appointment with our doctor.
A complete health history will be taken during the first visit to ensure accurate treatment for specific issues
Following your health history, our doctors will prepare a suitable treatment plan to achieve your skin goals.
The target areas will be cleaned and prepared for the procedure. The procedure time varies depending on the treatment and condition of the skin.
Creams or topical medication may be administered to reduce irritation and redness, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for your next session.